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7 DAY ICELAND ADVENTURE GUIDE
Iceland is a place you need to visit, it is popular for a reason and the mass tourism is changing the country at a fast rate. Things are already very different from our first trip to our second trip just a couple of years later.
In this guide we will help you plan the best 7 day adventure In Iceland.
WHEN TO VISIT
Winter can be a very exciting time to visit to see the snow and beauty of the landscape covered in a white blanket. With this comes the hazards though of getting stuck in. blizzard which happens frequently, the challenges of driving and visiting a country in such conditions can be limiting and make the trip more of a challenge. We have heard of many stories of tourist having rental car doors ripped off in strong winds and cars sand blasted. These are warnings the rental companies will tell you about upon picking up your car.
We suggest to visit in June as you will have longer days and the incredible midnight sun which is a photographers dream. We once spent a 24 hour layover exploring the Golden circle while the sun never really set over the Island. The drier weather also opens up the F roads allowing you to travel to the Islands highlands and explore the 4x4 routes that are not always available in the winter months.
GETTING AROUND
Our first trip we hired a smaller SUV 4x4 vehicle. We stuck to the tar roads though and it was great little road trip. Iceland is not a cheap country and the cost of car hire and accommodation will be your biggest expense. We suggest combining the two and hiring a camper van for the week. They are not cheap but it gives you freedom that you would otherwise have. Many of the hire companies now are also offering 4x4 campers which means you can explore the F roads.
WHERE TO STAY
It is now unfortunately illegal to wild camp in Iceland. However, there are many great campsites dotted all around the country. We suggest using a website such as camping.info to find campsites in the areas you plan to stop at the end of each day.
THE WEATHER
Even during in summer it can get cold. We suggest hiking trousers/leggings a jumper and down jacket. Hiking footwear is the best choice as the ground can be pretty wet especially near the waterfalls and good grip will be worth it.
On our last trip we had one day of heavy rain and then a mixture of sun and cloudy moody weather. It is very changeable so bring clothing that is suitable to the environment.
We want you to be able to enjoy Iceland to the fullest and enjoy each location with out feeling rushed to get to the next place. You can even add your own ideas to this guide and drop ideas that are off less interest or you don’t have time for. We will mostly be focusing on the Golden Circle and the Southern Coast.
DAY 1
After arriving in Iceland we suggest heading to the blue lagoon after picking up your rental vehicle. You will need to book your visit in advance and the last bookable slot is 8pm. The prices vary depending on the day and time. There is nothing better though than experiencing your first Icelandic hot springs not long after stepping off of the plane and soothing your tired body. It is the perfect start to what will be an epic adventure.
THE BLUE LAGOON
Steam rising from the distance as you drive towards the lagoon. After stepping out of the car you can smell the sulphur. Excited tourists who want to experience one of the most visited places in Iceland. The walk from the changing rooms to the outdoor lagoon can be a bit chilly and at the bottom of the stairs into the pool there are a few rocks so be careful. Float around and enjoy the warm water.
Journey time from Keflavik International airport is approx 20 minutes
Blue Lagoon basic admission fee approx £35
We will assume for the purposes of this travel guide that you are using one of the popular Camper Van hire companies and will be self driving. You will need to remember to visit one of the supermarkets before carrying on your journey. The further East you go the harder it is to find good value supermarkets. We suggest using the Bonus supermarket chain, they are well stocked and the prices are reasonable.
DAY 2
You will spend the day exploring the Golden Circle, one of the main tourist routes in Iceland. As we previously said there will be a lot of tourists on this section of the trip, we feel the crowds are worth it though to see some unique places. We suggest exploring the 3 main sights of the golden circle during day 2 of your trip. There is plenty of time to enjoy each location. When visiting Thingvellier National Park you have to swim between the two tectonic plates.
GULFOSS
One of the main places to visit on the Golden Circle. Gulfoss is Europes most powerful waterfall and a magnificent sight. No trip to Iceland would be complete without a stop off at the viewing locations to see this waterfalls raw power.
LITTLE GEYSIR & STROKKUR
Next on the list is Geysir and Strokkur. Get ready for some fireworks as these hot springs erupt from the earth. The typically go off every few minutes and it is fun to stop here and enjoy volcanic heated water erupt 30 feet into the air. The Great Geysir no longer erupts.
THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK
The only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates. The plates drift apart by about 2 cm each year and is an exciting opportunity as part of this trip. There are also other options such as Icelandic ruins and hikes to experience in the National Park.
Heading East in Iceland you will start to feel some of the remoteness of the country. You will most likely still see a lot of tourists for the first couple of days as we will cover a lot of popular destinations that people will come and see before heading back to the airport. The further East though and the numbers of tourists will die down.
Driving Distance Approx 120 miles
DAY 3
We suggest an early start today to head to the Reykajadalur Thermal River. It is a very different experience from the Blue Lagoon but a fantastic experience nonetheless and a more traditional way in Iceland to have a hot spring experience. Leaving early means that you can get there before any possible crowds as it has become more popular in the last couple of years.
After spending a couple of hours in the warm river and the hike back to your camper you will then head to the South Coast and east towards some of the most beautiful waterfalls you will ever see.
REYKJADALUR HOT SPRING THERMAL RIVER
Experience a more traditional way of enjoying a hot spring. A river that could be hiked to which was fed by a hot spring. The hike through the mountains takes about an hour and you will find a little shallow river which you can sit in and enjoy the mountain views. Walk further to see the bubbling hot springs that feed the river. The location has grown in popularity now and even has trails marked to it on Google maps.
SELJALANDSFOSS
Walk behind this 200 foot glacier fed waterfall that falls right off the edge of a cliff. In the winter it can be impossible to walk behind the falls as the steps can be blocked by ice and the walkway restricted. Felling a bit more adventurous? Why not visit a hidden waterfall in the canyon, known as Gljúfrabúi, located not far from Seljalandsfoss. If you have ever been to Bali then you will see that Gljúfrabúi has a very Bali vibe about it.
SKÓGAFOSS
You can hike right up towards the base of the falls and brave the power of the spray that is pushed out, or hike to the top to get an amazing view of the top of the falls. At 60 meters high it is a very impressive waterfall that is very commanding and can clearly be seen from the road. There is also a campsite by the falls and it can make a great overnight base, meaning you can get up early before the crowds arrive.
Driving Distance Approx 100 miles
DAY 4
You will have finished the previous day near the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck. Start early to beat the crowds and watch a beautiful sunrise over the black sands.
Today is a day to explore Vatnajökull National Park and the incredible Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. You can enjoy a boat ride out on the glacial lake to get up close and personal with the carving dface of a glacier. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area to explore the beauty of the park. We stood in amazement at the clossal size of the glaciers on the horizon. You can also hike upon to the glaciers and even go Ice climbing. However, please do not attempt to try either of these two activities with out an approved guide. Glaciers are extremely dangerous and falling into a crevasse can be fatal and is not worth the risk.
SOLHEIMASANDUR PLANE WRECK
You used to be able to drive right up to the plane but it is now fenced off and a car park by the road is where your journey will start. The hike from the car park is 1.5-2 hours depending on your speed along the black sand towards the shore. You will see the silver plane standing out clearly from the black sand. It has become a bit of an iconic location in Iceland and we suggest visiting early before the crowds arrive. We have heard there is also now a shuttle available to bypass the long walk. The wreck can be very hit and miss depending on how many people are at the site. We got lucky that there wasn’t too many people at sunset and then the next morning we were the only ones there.
SVÍNAFELLSJÖKULL GLACIER
Turning off the main road and head down a very bumpy dirt track which takes about 40 minutes to drive due to the size of the pot holes. It is worth it though as you will found a small parking area with no other cars. Walk around the corner and view the most beautiful glacier with deep crevasses. We loved this spot and there was no one else around. We flew the drone over the glacier and got a sense for just how big it was as the drone got closer to the crevasses. This is a great spot if you want to see something incredibly beautiful with less people. Be aware though your car rental company might not let you drive along these F roads, please check before hand.
Driving Distance Approx 150 miles
DAY 5
This is a bit out there but we suggest heading further east towards Höfn. And exploring a very photographic location. It is a bit risky as it can either be great or not so great depending on the wind. However, if you do get a calm day you will be mesmerised by the mirror effect of the water and the view and reflection of the Vestrahorn mountain.
The drive its self along the south east coast is worth it and spend the return journey back west stopping and taking photos especially when you start to get that evening light.
THE HEADLAND OF STOKKSNES
A quick Google search and you will find incredible photos of the location. There is a small car park at the Viking Cafe that you can pay to park in and then hike to the beach that gives you the view you have come for. Its a well worth it trip that is made even better if you get a calm day and the mirror like effect on the water.
Driving Distance Approx 120 miles
DAY 6
Fjaðrarárgljúfur canyon and the Black Sand beaches around Vík are your destination today. After visiting the Canyon and black sand beaches spend some time enjoying the town of Vík before heading further west back towards Reykjavik.
FJAÐRARÁRGLJÚFUR CANYON
Incredible towing canyon that is driven to along a small dirt road. The road is relatively smooth though and despite warning at the start of the road as being categorised as an F road plenty of small rental cars easily made the journey. Hike around the canyon to get a view of it from different perspectives.
REYNISFJARA BEACH
Or better know as Black Sand Beach is a beautiful rugged, volcanic wind swept beach on the south Coast of Iceland. The beach has basalt columns and towering cliffs that make this a dramatic location that demonstrates how wild Iceland can be. The waves can get pretty rough here and crash into the beach catching people off guard who are talking photos. Hike up to the view point to view the length of the beach from a different perspective.
Driving Distance Approx 150 miles
DAY 7
The final day of your time in Iceland will start with the remainder of the drive back towards the capital Reykjavik. If you have an evening flight then head towards the city and spend the day there.
REYKJAVÍK
Time permitting before you flight explore the capital of Iceland, go on a food tour or simply visit some of the local shops. Even though it is only a small city it will feel big after you adventure into the wilder regions of Iceland.
Driving Distance Approx 100 miles
We feel that this guide will give you a fantastic time in Iceland exploring many different aspects and locations along the souther coast. As with anything though this guide can be adapted to your own timings and specific needs.
