How to Plan an Epic 7 Day Southeast Iceland Itinerary
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Why You Should Visit Iceland
Iceland, the land of ice and fire, feels like a completely different planet. From black sand beaches, active volcanoes, epic glaciers, ice caves, massive waterfalls, and miles and miles of lupine fields in the summer, Iceland will awe you from the moment you step off the plane to embark on your 7 Day Iceland Itinerary. Not only does Iceland have incredible landscapes around every bend, but it also has unique wildlife and a fascinating history. During the summer, search for puffins in the Westman Islands or along the cliffs in Vik, and year-round, ride the famous Icelandic horses through fields of lava, along black sand beaches, or through the lupines. While 7 days are not nearly enough time to explore all Iceland has to offer, you can see many highlights in what I’m calling the “Iceland Triangle” between Reykjavík, the edge of the Golden Circle, and Vik.
What You Need to Know Before You Go to Iceland
General
Iceland is an island nation in the European Union. The Schengen Visa applies here, though starting in 2024 you will have to fill out an ETIAS application to enter the EU.
Money
The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic krona. Credit cards are widely accepted. We didn’t bring cash with us at all and had no problems. However, everything is EXPENSIVE. Food is expensive, gas is expensive, and excursions are expensive. Adjust your expectations now so you don’t end up shocked at your credit card statement like my husband was when we returned from our 7 day Iceland itinerary!
Language
Icelandic is the main language, but pretty much everyone speaks English, and most signs have both English and Icelandic on them.
Safety
I felt very safe in Iceland, though remember to lock your car, hide valuables you leave in them, and keep your things within view.
Tips for Travelers with Anxiety in Iceland
Faxafoss
Download the offline version of Google Maps before you go so you can navigate when you lose service. Mark places of interest on there before you go for easy navigation.
Pack an eye mask because its hard to sleep in the summer, especially if your hotel doesn’t have high-quality blackout curtains.
Don’t pack too much into one day because you’ll spend way more time than you think at every place you stop.
There will be crowds at the most popular places at peak times. By staying close to major tourist attractions, you get the opportunity to see them at different hours.
Food is expensive and gluten-free options are limited, especially outside of major cities. I really struggled to eat here, so I am very glad I packed a bunch of protein bars in my bag.
How to Get to Iceland + How to Rent a Car
The international airport in Iceland is Keflavík International Airport, and you will most likely fly into there to start your 7 day Iceland itinerary. The airport is about 45 minutes from Reykjavík, and while there are buses and shuttles that will take you to the city, the majority of travelers end up renting a car at the airport. For this itinerary, you’ll need to rent a 4x4 SUV, as several roads you’ll take are graveled and filled with bumps and holes. Speaking of gravel, BUY THE FULL INSURANCE from your rental company. Yes, it is expensive, but in Iceland, the damage your car will take for simply existing is ridiculous. You don’t want to be on the hook for anything at the end of your trip. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, like I have, it will not cover sand, ash, and gravel damage. Most credit cards will not cover this. Buy the full insurance for your 7 day Iceland itinerary.
When to Plan Your 7 Day Iceland Itinerary
Lupine field in front of Sólheimajökull Glacier near Vik
Every season in Iceland has something different to offer. For this 7 day Iceland itinerary, it is best in the months where it’s possible to drive yourself around, so late spring to early fall. Summer is peak season, so expect there to be lots of crowds at the most popular tourist attractions, especially during the day. Shoulder season in Iceland is April to early June and September to mid-October. We went in late June/early July, so summer was in full swing, and there was nearly 24 hours of daylight every day. This is fantastic if you want to avoid crowds at certain locations, because if you go in the middle of the night, no one will be there. Though that will definitely mess with your sleep schedule. 🤣
Where to Stay for 7 Days in Iceland
For this 7 day Iceland itinerary, you’ll be spending 2 nights in each location. Full disclosure, my husband and I only stayed in two of these locations, so the itinerary is slightly different than what we did but much more efficient. That’s what I’m here for, to make mistakes so you don’t have to!
Geysir
Hotel Geysir was my favorite hotel in Iceland. It was modern, spacious, luxurious, and perfectly located to reach a bunch of different stops on this 7 day Iceland Itinerary. It also had four electric car charging spots, which if you have a hybrid 4x4, is really convenient. Gas is expensive, and we charged our car for $3 and got about 50 km out of it. The hotel also has an onsite restaurant where you can watch the geysers while eating, a breakfast buffet, and shops and cafes adjacent to the building.
The bed was soft, with fluffy pillows and a split comforter so you won’t yell at your significant other for hogging the covers. The bathroom had a deep soaking tub that was a lifesaver after spending all day driving. While there is no need for air conditioning in Iceland, the room does get hot, so you can pull apart the pocket doors to let in cold air while you sleep. Hotel Geysir has thick blackout curtains, so if you’re visiting when the sun doesn’t really set, you’ll still be able to rest.
Strokkur Geysir
Vik
While we did not get to stay in Vik (all hotels were sold out by the time we booked), I did some research and asked around. These two hotels are both highly rated with a similar vibe to Hotel Geysir. The first is Hotel Vík í Mýrdal, which I distinctly remember noticing on our drive through the town and thinking “Wow! That looks so nice.” The hotel has breakfast included, an onside bar and restaurant, a fitness center, and free parking. The second is Hótel Kría, which from the photos I saw, looks like it has incredible views. This hotel also has breakfast included, an onsite restaurant, and free parking with an electric vehicle charging station.
Reykjavík
I’m not going to recommend the hotel we stayed at in Reykjavík because it didn’t have blackout curtains (?????), which made it difficult to sleep. I’ve gathered three highly rated hotels for your stay in Reykjavík on your 7 day Iceland itinerary.
The first is Reykjavik Residence Hotel, which has small kitchenettes in every room in case you want to save money by cooking for yourself. However, there is no free onsite parking here, though it says there is street parking nearby or offsite parking for 2500 ISK per day. There are outdoor areas to relax and enjoy the sun while it is out as well.
The second is Center Hotels Laugavegur, which has free breakfast every day, and the onsite parking is free but limited. It is located in a shopping district, so you won’t have to wander far to find anything to do.
The third is ION City Hotel, which has a pool and what looks like incredible views of Reykjavík. There is only offsite parking for 5000 ISK per day, but there is an electric car charging onsite. The hotel has an onsite bar and restaurant as well as a fitness center.
7 Day Southeast Iceland Itinerary
This 7 day Southeast Iceland Itinerary, what I’m calling the “Iceland Triangle” will get you to all the highlights of Iceland, plus a few hidden gems and some wildlife. This itinerary is packed, but I’ve grouped things by location or by direction of travel so you can see all the amazing places Iceland has to offer while breaking up those long car rides.
Day 1: Arrival, Thorufoss, Thingvellir National Park, Brúarfoss, Geysir
View over Silfra in Thingvellir National Park
Total driving time for Day 1: 2.5 hours
Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, you’ll head to the counters outside of customs and security to pick up your rental car. Make sure to purchase the full coverage for it, as your credit card will not cover the sand, ash, and gravel damage your car will receive while driving around Iceland. If you are arriving in Iceland from the United States, it will likely be early in the morning, so you’ll want to stop and grab a coffee and some breakfast after you pick up your car. Just outside the airport is the small town of Keflavík, where there are a few restaurants to choose from. However, most do not open until 8 AM or later. You will be driving by Reykjavík on this leg of the 7 day Iceland itinerary, so it is also possible to stop there for some food.
Thorufoss
The first stop is Thorufoss, a waterfall used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. If you do not stop anywhere along the way, the drive will take you about an hour. The waterfall is right off the road, and there is free parking for it! Expect to spend about 20-30 minutes here.
Thingvellir National Park
Next, head to Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are separating, forming an icy lagoon where you can snorkel and see incredible underwater rock formations. Map yourself to Silfra to meet your tour group for the coldest snorkeling you’ll ever experience. We had an incredible experience with Adventure Vikings, and I highly recommend using them! The tour will take about 2-2.5 hours to complete, though you won’t be in the water that entire time! Getting in and out of a dry suit is quite the process.
Once you’ve finished snorkeling and warmed up, head up to the lookout point by hiking up the hill behind the parking area. You’ll see a ton of people standing on the edge of the cliff taking photos. The view is incredible, and you can see for miles in every direction. If you are an avid hiker, there are tons of trails where you can explore the land between the tectonic plates. A popular hike is the one to Öxarárfoss, a small waterfall surrounded by basalt columns.
Brúarfoss
Brúarfoss
Brúarfoss is a total hidden gem in Iceland. The striking blue waters of this waterfall rival that of the Blue Lagoon, though I don’t recommend stepping into this fast-running waterfall. There are two options to get there: the first is to park along the road (free) and take about an hour's hike to the waterfall, or you can take the gravel road (4x4 recommended) to a small parking lot, where you’ll pay a few dollars to park. The walk is only about five minutes, which makes the small parking fee worth it if you’re short on time.
Geysir
Head to Hotel Geysir and check in. You’ll definitely want a nap after the busy day you’ve had! The Geysir is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Golden Circle, and depending on what time you arrive, you’ll see mega buses filled with people coming and going. But the perk of staying at Hotel Geysir is that you’ll get the epic landscapes surrounding them all to yourself after about 6 PM. So relax, eat dinner, and then enjoy a lovely evening stroll around the steam vents and watch the famous Strokkur erupt.
Day 2: Gullfoss, Langjökull Glacier, Faxafoss, Secret Lagoon
Total driving time for Day 2: 1 hour 15 minutes
Gullfoss
Gullfoss, one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, is only a 10 minute drive from Hotel Geysir. Like the Geysir, Gullfoss can get extremely busy during the day, with buses and buses of people stopping to see the massive waterfall. Parking is free, though there is an onsite restaurant, gift shop, and toilets available to use. This is another place where holding off until late evening after everyone has returned to Reykjavík for the day is a good idea.
Langjökull Glacier
On top of Langjökull Glacier
Langjökull Glacier is at the tip of the Golden Circle, and it is the second largest in Iceland. You can see it from the road while driving on your 7 day Iceland itinerary! This was the first glacier I ever saw, and I was absolutely blown away by its beauty. What’s even better is that you can go snowmobiling on it and visit ice caves (year round!). This guided tour will pick you up from Gullfoss and drive you up to base camp, where you’ll be outfitted with gear appropriate for snowmobiling and exploring the ice caves. Don’t worry about bringing a ton of your own snow gear because the Mountaineers have everything you’ll need. Warm, waterproof boots are highly recommended, however.
Faxafoss
For an off-the-beaten-path waterfall with a serene atmosphere, check out Faxafoss. There is a small fee to park, but the walk to the waterfall is fairly short, and you’ll have it mostly to yourself, which makes it a fantastic addition to your 7 day Iceland itinerary. There is even a campsite for those brave enough to spend a night in a tent in Iceland! Expect to spend about 20-30 minutes here.
Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon is a misnomer. There is definitely nothing secret about it. While you’ll get a more local vibe than going to the Blue Lagoon, it still gets busy all hours of the day. We went an hour before closing and found it to be more peaceful than other friends had mentioned when they went. Pre-booking is highly recommended, though it is possible to walk up and purchase an entrance ticket. The Secret Lagoon is the oldest public pool in Iceland, though it has been updated and renovated to accommodate our modern lives. The area around the Secret Lagoon is filled with geothermal activity, which is how the water in the lagoon stays toasty.
Day 3: Kerid Crater, Caves of Hella, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss
Total driving time for Day 3: 3 hours
Kerid Crater
Kerid Crater
The first stop on Day 3 of your 7 day Iceland itinerary will take you to another world. This volcanic crater is along Iceland’s Golden Circle and is a popular stop on guided tours and self-driving tours alike. The bright blue water at the base of the red and yellow rock crater looks otherworldly. As you wander around Kerid Crater, you’ll discover other red rock formations that will make you think you’ve been transported to Mars. There is paid parking available, but the spots are limited, so it is better to get there early. Plan on spending about 45 minutes to an hour here, hiking down to the water and then up and around the edge of the crater.
Caves of Hella
A unique stop for your 7 day Iceland itinerary is the Caves of Hella. These 12 man-made caves were only opened to the public in recent years, and their opening has caused quite a stir across the country, raising questions of Iceland’s Viking heritage. On the tour, your guide will tell you all about the caves, what they were suspected to be used for, and about the history and controversy surrounding them. The tour is about an hour, and it was honestly one of my favorite ones that we did.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss
You’ve probably seen photos of Seljalandsfoss all over Instagram because you can walk behind it and get some pretty amazing photos. Because it is extremely popular, not to mention right off the Ring Road, people flock to it. You’ll have to pay to park there, and if you go mid-day, there will be parking lot attendants directing you to a spot. There are bathrooms and a small snack stand there. While you walk near the waterfall, expect to get sprayed! A rain jacket is recommended, otherwise you’ll end up like my husband and have to drive the rest of the way to Vik in wet jeans and a wet sweatshirt.
Next to Seljalandsfoss, there are a few other waterfalls, including an incredible one where you can shimmy along a rock wall to enter a cavern where a waterfall pounds into the ground from above. There is no escaping the spray in there! Gljúfrabúi is definitely a hidden gem and is often overlooked due to its overpowering cousin steps away.
Skógafoss
Skogafoss
The other super Instagrammable waterfall is Skógafoss. This 200 ft tall waterfall is breathtaking, especially because you can walk right up to it. It is only 20 minutes down the road from Seljalandsfoss, which makes it another incredibly popular stop. But it is a must-see on your 7 day Iceland itinerary!
If you’re like me and want to avoid crowds as much as possible, staying in Vik, only 30 minutes away, will give you the opportunity to drive back later in the evening when the bigger crowds have departed. Unless you go late at night, expect to wait your turn (or give up) to get a shot of you and the massive beast of a waterfall.
Day 4: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Gígjagjá, Vík i Myrdal Church, Dyrhólaey Lighthouse
Total driving time for Day 4: 1.5 hours
Vík i Myrdal Church
Vík i Myrdal Church
One of the most iconic churches in Iceland, Vík i Myrdal Church boasts stunning views of the surrounding city and landscapes. There is parking onsite, or you can walk from your hotel if you want to stretch your legs.
Dyrhólaey Lighthouse
If you plan your 7 day Iceland itinerary for the summer, you might see puffins hanging out around the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse! Even if you don’t see them, you’ll get sweeping views of the black sand beaches and cliffs surrounding Vik. From the parking lot, you can see the Sólheimajökull glacier. There are endless photography opportunities, so plan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour here (especially if you see puffins).
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
No 7 day Iceland itinerary is complete without a trip to a black sand beach! There are many along the coast, but the most popular ones are in Vik. The black sand beach with the basalt columns you see all over Instagram is called Reynisfjara. You’ll have to turn off of the Ring Road and drive for about five minutes to get to the parking area for the beach. Thankfully, you won’t need to pay for parking here, though the lot is small and you might have to park slightly off the road. That’s where your 4x4 will come in handy. Plan to spend about 30-45 minutes here, and check the sign before you enter the beach for the sneaker wave rating. If it’s yellow or red, don’t turn your back on the water!
Gígjagjá
Star Wars Cave
Also known as the Star Wars Cave, Gígjagjá is where the scenes with Yoda were filmed from Rogue One! It is a total hidden gem, and you’re likely to have this spot all to yourself, even in the middle of the day. You definitely need a 4x4 to get down this gravel road. But once you arrive at the cave, you’ll swear you’ve been transported to another planet. Black sand and gravel stretch as far as the eye can see in the distance, and jagged rocks spearing into the sky break up the landscape. While it looks like there are trails built into the large rock housing the cave, they are actually quite dangerous. We climbed up only to realize how steep the descent would be, then had to scoot down the side of the hill on our butts. Unless you’re an adrenaline junkie or in really, really good shape, stick to walking around on the ground.
Day 5: Westman Islands
Total driving time for Day 5: 3.5 hours
This is going to be the longest day of your 7 day Iceland itinerary, so make sure to rest up on Day 4! From your hotel in Vik, it will take about an hour to drive to Landeyjahöfn, where the ferry that takes you to the Westman Islands departs from. Once you pick up your rental car at the airport, you’ll need to book tickets for the ferry. The booking site asks for the dimensions of your vehicle, which you can find by Googling the make and model of your car. Once you’re at the port, you will enter the SUV line, where an attendant will scan your ticket and you’ll drive on to the ferry. The total time is about 45 minutes, and there is a restaurant on board if you want a quick meal. Otherwise, find a comfortable spot to catch the breathtaking views as you sail toward the Westman Islands.
Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock
The first stop in the Westman Islands is Elephant Rock. The best views of the rock are from the water, but if you’re like me and not a huge fan of small boats, head to the spot marked on Google Maps as “Beautiful Puffin and Shore View.” It is just past the golf course, and there are a few parking spots off the side of the road. From there, stop and admire the view because it is quite spectacular! To get the best photos of the Elephant Rock, walk down the path toward the golf course. You’ll find a small wooden bridge and platform when you’ve gotten to the right spot. From there, you can also see the infamous island with one house on it, which is actually a hunting lodge.
Beluga Whale Sanctuary
There is a Beluga Whale Sanctuary on Vestmannaeyjabær, where you can learn about the conservation effort and the whales’ journey to Iceland. There is a small viewing area where the happy whales will swim up to you and say hi! The goal of the sanctuary is to eventually release the two residents back into the wild, and they use a small bay at the southern end of the island to acclimate them to the ocean water. You’ll actually pass by it on your way to the puffin lookout! Stopping here on your 7 day Iceland itinerary is a fantastic way to give back to wildlife conservation efforts while you’re traveling, with the proceeds going directly to caring for the whales.
Puffin Lookout
Arctic Puffin
The puffin lookout on the southern tip of the island has a small wooden hut with sliding windows where you can hide out and watch the puffins fly in and out of their nests. The puffins are most comfortable and will actually settle down if everyone is inside the house. However, convincing everyone to join you in there will be a challenge. If you are an avid wildlife photographer, you will need a longer lens to capture the puffins. Unfortunately, I only had my 24 to 105mm lens, which wasn’t the best for capturing the birds. Puffins are most active from sunrise to 11 AM and around 6 PM to sunset, and if you wait until 6 PM to go, there will be a lot fewer people competing for a chance to view the birds. Unfortunately, that means you’ll be driving to Reykjavík with the sun setting in your eyes, which was annoying but doable.
If you want more details on the Westman Islands, I’ve written an itinerary specific to Vestmannaeyjabær.
Day 6: Reykjavík, Horseback Riding
Total driving time for Day 6: 0-30 minutes
Rainbow Street leading to Hallgrimskirkja
The capital region of the country is home to more than 60% of the entire population of Iceland, though Reykjavík is small enough that you can easily walk everywhere so long as your hotel is near downtown. Pro tip: if you want really good photos of the city (and you plan your 7 day Iceland itinerary for the summer), head out around 12:30 AM after the sun has set for lovely lighting and no people to photoshop out of your pictures.
Sun Voyager
The Sun Voyager is a stainless steel sculpture at the water’s edge in Reykjavík. You can get lovely photos of it with the city or the harbor in the background. Nearby attractions include the Harpa Concert Hall, The Icelandic Phallological Museum, and Höfði lighthouse.
Magic Ice Bar
For a unique and fun bar filled with Viking history, head to Magic Ice Reykjavík. It was my first time at an ice bar, and since we went in the middle of the day, we had it all to ourselves. Built into the walls of ice are depictions of Viking legends, and you can even seat yourself on a throne of ice.
Hús máls og menningar
This bookshop turned bar is a must-see on your 7 day Iceland Itinerary. Every night there is live music, and you can peruse the shelves of Icelandic language books, as well as a small section of English ones.
Hallgrimskirkja
One of the most famous landmarks of Reykjavík is Hallgrimskirkja. The iconic church sweeps dramatically toward the sky and makes for a great symmetrical photo if you can get the right angle. You can go up in the tower for stunning views of Reykjavík, though the church is still a functioning church, so check their calendar for closures for weddings and funerals and such.
Rainbow Street
The colorful rainbow street also doubles as a dining and shopping center, so traipse along its path to find your souvenirs and fill your belly with hearty Icelandic food.
Horseback Riding
Icelandic Horse
If there is one thing you absolutely must put on your 7 day Iceland itinerary, it is riding an Icelandic Horse. Horse riding tours are available all over the country, but I loved the opportunity to ride among the lava fields outside of Reykjavík. The Red Lava Horse Riding Tour even includes hotel pick-up, which will help you save a few dollars on gas. Otherwise, you can meet them at their stables. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to take photos while riding the horses, so the red lava rocks remain in my memory only!
Day 7: Sky Lagoon, Departure
Total driving time for Day 7: 1 hour
Depending on what time your flight leaves, you can explore more of Reykjavík in the morning before heading to the Sky Lagoon to soak in the last little bit of peace on your 7 day Iceland itinerary.
Sky Lagoon
Edge of the pool at the Sky Lagoon
The Sky Lagoon is a luxurious spa 15 minutes outside of Reykjavík. There are three levels of entry: Sky, Pure, and Pure Lite. If you only want to soak in the lagoon, grab a drink from the swim-up bar, and hang over the edge of the infinity pool, Pure Lite is for you. The Sky Lagoon has a 7 step process called The Ritual, which the Pure and Sky levels will grant you access to. During this process, you’ll travel through hot pools, saunas, and cold plunges in an ultimate relaxation ritual. We didn’t purchase this package because we were short on time, but hanging out in the hot water before our international flight was glorious and I 10/10 recommend doing it.
Departure
Unfortunately, you’ll have to head to the airport to end your epic 7 day Iceland itinerary at some point. Make sure to fill up your rental car at a gas station — there are several near the airport — and inspect your car for any new damages. If you paid for the full insurance, you can skip this step and simply drop off your keys and carry your bags into the airport.
Final Thoughts on 7 Day Southeast Iceland Itinerary
I hope you enjoyed this 7 Day Southeast Iceland itinerary around the “Iceland Triangle!” I fell in love with the land of fire and ice, and I absolutely cannot wait to return in the future.