7 Days in Iceland: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

Seven days is enough to pair Reykjavik, with Hallgrímskirkja and Perlan, with Þingvellir, two geothermal pools and the south coast waterfalls out to Vík. Reykjavik makes the natural base for the first days.

At a glance

• Recommended length: 7 days
• Base: Reykjavik city centre, which runs from Aðalstræti up the hill to the end of Laugavegur
• Furthest stop: Vík, with Dyrhólaey just west of town
• Lodging tax: 800 kr. per unit for licensed hotels and guesthouses, 400 kr. for campsites
• Campsites: around 200 registered, most open from early June to the end of August or mid-September

Is 7 days enough in Iceland?

Seven days covers the capital in two days, Þingvellir and Laugarvatn in one, Flúðir in one and the south coast in three. Hallgrímskirkja, Perlan, the National Museum and Sky Lagoon all fit in Reykjavik. Out of town, the waterfalls at Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, the headland at Dyrhólaey and the canyon at Fjaðrárgljúfur fill the last days.

With one more day, Mount Esja is listed among the city’s popular landmarks and would make a natural addition near Reykjavik. The National Museum of Iceland also has a second site at Keldur á Rangárvöllum, near Hella, for anyone who wants more museum time.

With one day less, drop the Secret Lagoon day or the Vík museums on the last day.

When to plan 7 days in Iceland

The climate figures for Reykjavik run from January to April. Daylight is the main change: sunshine climbs from 0.7 hours a day in January to 5.5 hours in April, so spring gives the outdoor stops far more usable light. Rain shows up in every one of these months, with 15 rainy days in January and 12 in April, so a waterproof layer belongs in the bag. Highs stay near 38°F (3°C) in January and reach 44°F (7°C) in April. Many campsites open only from June, so a trip in these months leans on lodging.

Where to stay in Iceland for 7 days

Reykjavik’s city centre is the base for the first two days, with Hallgrímskirkja, Laugavegur and the Harpa concert hall all close together. Hotels and guesthouses with a license carry a lodging tax of 800 kr. per unit. Campsites carry 400 kr. per unit.

Camping outside organised campsites in a camper van or caravan is illegal without landowner permission. A traditional tent may be pitched for one night on uncultivated land along public routes in inhabited areas. Most of the around 200 registered campsites close after the summer, though the Grindavík campsite stays open from mid-March into November.

Getting around Iceland in 7 days

In Reykjavik, the center is compact enough for a self-guided walking tour from Hallgrímskirkja church to Harpa. For anyone driving, the parking rules are simple. Stop or park only on the right-hand side of the road. Keep 16 feet (5 meters) clear of a crosswalk or intersection and 49 feet (15 meters) clear of a bus stop sign. A stop of less than three minutes to let passengers in or out, or to load and unload, does not count as parking.

Out of town, the same rules apply at every village. Pull over only where parking is allowed, and leave the crosswalks and bus stops clear.

7 Days in Iceland, day by day

Day 1: Hallgrímskirkja and Laugavegur

Start at Hallgrímskirkja, a parish church and a national sanctuary. It is the largest church in Iceland and has the country’s largest organ. From there, walk down Laugavegur, the main shopping street, through the city centre toward Aðalstræti and on to Harpa.

The walking tour from the church to the concert hall takes in the top sights. Park at least 16 feet (5 meters) from any crosswalk if you drive in.

Day 2: Perlan, the National Museum and Sky Lagoon

Perlan is a nature exploratorium with interactive exhibits on Iceland’s natural wonders. Tjörnin and the National Museum of Iceland, at Suðurgata 41, fill the rest of the day in the city.

Sky Lagoon is at Vesturvör 44–48, in Kársnes, Kópavogur, in Greater Reykjavík. It makes an easy end to the day.

Day 3: Þingvellir and Fontana at Laugarvatn

Þingvellir National Park is at 806 Selfoss, and the Service Center is at Leirar, close to the camping grounds. Start there for your bearings.

Fontana is at Hverabraut 1, in Laugarvatn, and fits well after the park.

Day 4: The Secret Lagoon at Flúðir

The Secret Lagoon sits at Hverahólmi near Flúðir. It was made in 1891 and is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. It has three pools: a main pool, a hot paddling pool and a cold pool.

The address is Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir. Spend the whole afternoon here, moving between the hot and cold pools.

Day 5: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi

It is one of the highest waterfalls in the country. Nearby stands Gljúfrabúi, about 131 feet (40 meters) high, on the land of the abandoned farm Hamragarðar.

Day 6: Dyrhólaey and Vík

Dyrhólaey is a 120-meter (394-foot) promontory rising out of the black sand just west of Vík. A small, square, orange-roofed lighthouse built in 1927 stands on the highest point of the headland.

In Vík, the Katla Visitor Centre is at Víkurbraut 28, in the historical Brydebúð building.

Day 7: Fjaðrárgljúfur and the Vík museums

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a canyon about 98 feet (30 meters) deep and about 1.2 miles (2 km) long. Give it the morning.

It makes a fitting last stop before heading home.