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Iceland

One week in Iceland – Our itinerary

Iceland is a Nordic island nation known for its stunning natural landscapes, including volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glaciers, and lava fields. Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, it has a small population but a rich Viking history and a strong cultural heritage. The capital, Reykjavík, is a vibrant city famous for its modern architecture, geothermal pools, and lively arts scene. Iceland is also one of the world’s most environmentally conscious countries, relying heavily on renewable energy sources like geothermal and hydroelectric power. Its breathtaking scenery and unique natural wonders make it a top destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation alike.

Every year I travel with my father to make the best memories. This year we choose Iceland!

Our 9-Day Iceland Itinerary: The Ultimate Ring Road Adventure

This itinerary covers Iceland’s highlights, from waterfalls and glaciers to hot springs and black sand beaches, taking you around the famous Ring Road with some detours for must-see spots.


Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

  • Arrive in Keflavík Airport and pick up your rental car.
    (We rented a car with Konvin, they have a pick up from the airport)
  • Visit the Blue Lagoon (optional, or save for the last day).
  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like Fjörukráin or Íslenski Barinn.
  • Hotel: Hotel Viking

We arrived late so we only had dinner at the hotel and explored a little bit but went to bed early.


Day 2: Reykjavík

  • Explore Reykjavík: Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and Sun Voyager.
  • Check out Laugavegur Street for shopping and cafés.
  • Get the famous hotdog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
  • Buy your own Icelandic Lopapeysa at the hand knitting association of iceland (The iconic wool iceland sweaters)
  • Feed the birds at Lake Tjornin
  • Go see a Lava Show!
  • Hotel: Hotel Viking

For dinner we went to IKEA. Seemd to us that most of Reykjavik was inside IKEA! Dinner is good and affordable.


Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls

  • Explore Seljalandsfoss (In summer you can walk behind the waterfall).
  • Gljufrabui (Is close to Seljalandsfoss and hiddin in between rocks)
  • Visit Skógafoss and hike the nearby trails to see an amazing top vieuw.
  • hike to Kvernufoss.
  • Overnight in Vík. (The Vík Inn)

Those 4 waterfalls are all pretty close to each other so it is an easy day to see them all. No hard parts of long walks (maybe the stairs at Skogafoss…)


Day 4: Snowstorm and Black Sand Beach

  • Explore Vik.
  • Walk along Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and see the basalt columns.
  • Hotel: The Vík Inn

We had the luck of getting into a snowstorm! So we tried to make the best of it and went (tried to) explore Vik. Later in the day we went to the Black Sand Beach and it suprised us to see that we were by far the only ones, even though the weather was not good at all!


Day 5: The start of the Golden Circle

  • Discover the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck.
  • Get close to the Sólheimajökull Glacier.
  • Relax in Sky Lagoon or Hrunalaug Spring. (I recommend the last one)
  • Stop Friðheimar Tomato Farm.
  • Stay at Blue Hotel Fagrilundur.

We went first thing in the morning to the Plane Wreck so we could be there with the golden hour to get the most awesome pictures and less people. We drove back to start the Golden Circle and ended our day at Hrunalaug Hot Spring. I loved this one only because of the history that it used to be a place for cleaning sheep.


Day 6: Golden Circle

  • Admire Gullfoss waterfall.
  • Visit Geysir and watch Strokkur erupt.
  • Drive to Þingvellir National Park (tectonic plates & Viking history).



Day 7: Reykjavik City Card

  • Náttúrufræðistofa Kópavogs / Natuur historisch museum
  • Sjóminjasafnið í Reykjavík / Reykjavík Maritime Museum
  • Aðalstræti 10 / Reykjavík City Museum Þjóðminjasafnið / National Museum of Iceland Het nationaal museum, hier loop je de algemene geschiedenis van Ijsland door. Vanaf de vikingen tot aan het nu. -Árbæjarsafn / Árbær Open Air Museum

Day 8: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

  • Visit Kirkjufell Mountain and waterfall.
  • Explore Skarðsvík Beach and Lóndrangar Cliffs.
  • Walk through the Vatnshellir Lava Cave.
  • Visit Arnarstapi and Búðir Black Church.
  • Overnight in Reykjavík.

Day 9: Reykjavík & Departure

  • Optional morning Blue Lagoon visit.
  • Explore any missed Reykjavík spots.
  • Visit Perlan Museum for an interactive Icelandic nature experience.
  • Return rental car and head to Keflavík Airport.

Tips:

  • Best Season: Summer for long daylight, winter for northern lights.
  • Rent a 4×4 car for winter or off-road detours.
  • Pack layers, waterproof gear, and good hiking shoes.
  • Be mindful of weather conditions and road closures (check safetravel.is).

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