7 days in the Land of Fire and Ice

There is TRULY so much to do in Iceland, and so many ways to explore the country. Each area of the country is so unique and offers different activities and views. A lot of people will use Reykjavik as home base and do day trips to the Golden Circle and the South. We decided to do the Ring Road (an actual road in Iceland that goes around the entire island) to make the most of our visit. Would 100% recommend this if you have the time! Days were fast-paced as we tried to cram it all in in 7 days but it was absolutely worth it.

Our Itinerary - Counter Clockwise

Day 1 // The Blue Lagoon

Arrive Iceland early morning and head straight to The Retreat

Spend time in the Blue Lagoon

Hotel: The Retreat - this hotel is really something special. With your stay, you get access to the Blue Lagoon and private area of the lagoon, The Spa, The Four Step Ritual, and so much more. It is absolutely worth a splurge one night on the trip!

Dinner: Lava at The Retreat (get the arctic char, cauliflower soup, and cod!)

Day 2 // South & Southeast Iceland

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Gljúfrabúi Waterfall - walking distance or 2 min drive

Drive from Seljalandsfoss to Skogafoss

Solheimajokull outlet glacier hike - we used Mountain Guides Iceland

Stop in Vik for snacks/food at Restaurant Suður-Vík

Reynisfjara Beach (black sand beach)

Dyrhólaey Lighthouse Viewpoint at Reynisfjara

Drive from Lighthouse to Diamond Beach

Hotel: Brunnholl Country Guesthouse

*recommended to break this day up into two if you have time

Day 3 // East Iceland

Snowmobiling on Vatnajökull Glacier

Lunch in Hofn *go to Pakkus on the water

Hike Litlanesfoss if you have time

Stop by Gufu waterfall

Explore Seydisfjordur or go for dinner if you have time

Hotel: Lake Hotel Gistihusid

Day 4 // Northeast Iceland

Drive to Studlagil Canyon and hike to the basalt slabs ~8 km hike (5 mi)

tip: if you want an extra walk (making it about 3.5 miles one day) park at the first parking lot. It’s not a hard hike. More of a walk. The road from the first parking lot to the second parking lot is quite rough so only drive it with 4WD vehicle.

Drive from STUDlagil Canyon to Myvatn Nature Baths

Must stop at Fjallakaffi on the way

Grjotagja cave hot spring near Myvtan

Drive from Myvatn Nature Baths to hotel

Hotel: Guesthouse Brekka