Iceland is a complete dream nation to go to, particularly in the event you’re eager on the sort of journey that’s just a little totally different from a seaside or tropical vacation. That being mentioned, it’s completely big (a lot larger than you may assume)! So, I wished to share our 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland that’ll provide help to alongside your means.
You see, Iceland is full of probably the most dramatic pure sights and the finest issues to do which are dotted all throughout the island.
Not solely that, however there’s additionally a heap of scrumptious meals and yummy eating places that you just actually can’t miss. Oh, and don’t overlook to move out on probably the most spectacular hikes in Iceland, too. Belief me, you’re going to be spoilt for alternative.
Actually, the panorama is like one other world! It’s so dramatic and to make issues even higher, everyone seems to be so pleasant and welcoming.
The primary time we visited Iceland, we had two important bases, the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik, each of that are unbelievable in their very own proper. Although, seeing as they’re situated pretty shut to at least one one other, it was considerably restricted as you’ll be able to solely wander thus far out of your base location; even when you’ve gotten a automobile.
The subsequent time we visited nevertheless, we had the good thing about hindsight to information us and developed a extra detailed and complete itinerary to see as a lot of Iceland as we probably may in a single week. All deal with the south and west of Iceland which may be a lot simpler to go to on a first-time journey.
Now, to save lots of to you the trouble of organising the whole lot from scratch, I wished to pop our full 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland. Although, if you wish to spend longer, simply take a look at a few of our different Iceland posts on some unbelievable locations all throughout the island. Have the very best journey!
DAY 1
1.) Arrive in Iceland
Now, the most effective methods to get round Iceland is by automobile. So, after reserving your automobile, pop over to the rental centre and head out on the open street. Though rental vehicles generally is a little pricier than different locations, they nonetheless work out less expensive than reserving particular person excursions across the island. Particularly if there’s multiple of you.
Reality be instructed, a number of the finest issues to do in Iceland are free to see and so all you want is a automobile to get to them. We are able to’t suggest this sufficient, it’s completely value it.
Learn extra: Greatest excursions to guide from Reykjavik
2.) Laugarvatn Fontana for a dip
That is the place they bake bread utilizing underground geothermal warmth and it’s so cool to see.
After lunch, go for a dip within the geothermal baths and take a look at the pure steam rooms.
Oh, and in the event you’re feeling courageous sufficient, take a dip within the close by ice-cold lake. Personally, I believe you want to give this a go at the least as soon as. Although, it’s completely chilly. Brrrr!
Deal with: Laugarvatn Fontana, Hverabraut 1, 840 Laugarvatn, Iceland
Web site: www.fontana.is
3.) See Geysir (In Strokkur) & Gulfoss Waterfall
These two locations, together with Thingvellir Nationwide Park, all kind a part of the Golden triangle and seeing the geyser erupt is actually a powerful expertise. It’s very easy to go to by automobile and also you don’t have to go on any lengthy hikes or trails to see them.
They’re completely attractive at any time of the 12 months! Simply you’ll want to pack some good mountain climbing sneakers. You’ll be strolling on a number of moist or muddy trails at occasions.
Learn extra: Greatest excursions to guide from Reykjavik
4.) Discover Reykjavik
We stayed on the Reykjavik Residence Resort (we booked this nearly instantly after we paid for our flights). It was additionally sensible for parking (the automobile park is nearly reverse it) and is centrally situated sufficient which you can simply stroll round Reykjavik. Although it needs to be mentioned, Reykjavik is usually a really walkable metropolis.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to take a look at among the finest eating places in Reykjavik and even, discover the enduring cathedral (and see the views from the highest) and come out on a whale-watching tour.
Learn extra: Greatest excursions to guide from Reykjavik
5.) Drive out of the town (for the Northern Lights)
You solely have to drive round 30-minutes from the very centre of Reykjavik to be in full wilderness. That’s the fantastic thing about Iceland, all this unbelievable nature is true in your doorstep.
Not solely that, however Iceland can be an amazing place to observe the Northern Lights, too. Now, you’ll be able to guide a tour from the town however we personally most well-liked to only drive out into the nationwide park and look forward to them to look. This fashion, you’ll be able to spend as lengthy or as little as you need and journey completely by yourself phrases.
Do take a look at our Northern Lights pictures suggestions earlier than you go.
DAY 2
1.) Whale watching (Reykjavik)
We went with Particular Excursions for what turned out to be a moderately enjoyable afternoon looking for whales in Iceland. It’s an effective way to catch a glimpse of the native marine life right here and also you’ll have an amazing few hours exploring the open ocean.
Now, it does get chilly however they’ll wrap you up within the thickest of bodysuits earlier than you allow the town. Have enjoyable!
Deal with: Particular Excursions, Reykjavik’s Previous Harbour, 101 Reykjavíok, Iceland
Web site: www.specialtours.is
2.) Keep on the Frost & Hearth Resort
We stayed right here and completely liked it, plus they’ve a tasty dinner menu that you just actually can’t miss (which, you’ll be able to see right here)
After dinner, get your self some wine/beer and nip into one of many geothermally heated scorching tubs the place, in the event you’re fortunate,
Deal with: Hverhamar, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland
Web site: www.frostandfire.is
3.) Look out for the Northern Lights (once more)
Belief me, we did this each evening as you’ll be able to’t at all times make sure on cloud cowl or if the lights are popping out to play.
Simply you’ll want to wrap up heat, take your digital camera and perhaps a flask of scorching tea, too.
Learn extra: Greatest eating places in Iceland
DAY 3
1.) Stroll-behind Seljalandsfoss
It’s simply one of many best experiences to incorporate in your 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland, particularly when heading east.
Plus, that is the one one of many waterfalls on right here the place you are able to do that and it’s such a singular expertise to truly be capable of stroll behind such an enormous and highly effective waterfall.
2.) Go to Skogafoss
Not too far Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss is perched on the historic cliffs the place the sealine as soon as was. It’s completely awe-inspiring to see and completely big.
Now, if you wish to keep away from nearly all of the crowds, head throughout right here within the early morning or late afternoon. Additionally, in the event you’re visiting in Summer time, you’ll be able to simply head right here later within the night because it stays gentle very late.
3.) Go on a glacier hike
The tour we had been meant to do was with the parents over Atarcanum however this was the one merchandise we couldn’t do ultimately as a result of storm in Iceland after we visited.
They arrive very extremely advisable so I’ve no reservations in recommending them however alas, that storm meant that we’ve had so as to add this to our rising checklist of explanation why we have to return to Iceland.
The glacier stroll and mountain climbing base are by Sólheimajökull glacier about 28km west of Víok and 6 km east of Skógar. Simply bear in mind, In the event you’re heading right here from Reykjavíok, it’s about 160 km and the driving time is about 2 hours.
Alternatively, guide this Ice Cave Tour from Vik that’s completely unbelievable to go to. We had the very best journey and it’s such a singular expertise to have while in Iceland.
Simply you’ll want to guide this tour earlier than arriving. Areas do promote out in peak journey occasions.
Learn extra: Tricks to expertise an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland
4.) Go to the gorgeous Dyrhólaey and Vik Seashore
The drive to the following cease after it is a lengthy one and this cease is unquestionably an Icelandic must-do.
The coastal surroundings right here is so dramatic and nothing in need of superb.
5.) Verify into Resort Laki
There’s a restaurant and bar right here so that you can have dinner and subsequently, heat your cockles by the roaring fire.
Deal with: Efri-Víok, 880 Kirkjubæjarklausturi, Iceland
Resort Laki is situated on Street 204. Solely 4 km from freeway #1 simply south of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Web site: www.hotellaki.is
6.) See the Northern Lights
Resort Laki, and the encircling rural areas, had been nice for seeing the Northern Lights.
You may see the Northern Lights out of your room at Resort Laki. Alternatively, you’ll be able to head as much as the balcony upstairs the place you’ll have an unrestricted view of the Northern Lights.
You get the place I’m going with this – the alternatives are countless. We noticed the Northern Lights right here and it was unbelievable. Although you don’t want to remain at Resort Laki to see them, in the event you select some other place to relaxation your head that can work completely nice, too.
Wherever you keep, simply you’ll want to embody some northern gentle recognizing in your 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland.
Learn extra: Greatest cities in Iceland to go to
DAY 4
1.) Glacier cave hike
a glacier cave hike in Vatnajökull is fairly epic! Although, you’ll be able to simply go on different cave hikes in different areas of Iceland, too.
2.) Drive as much as Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is one other superb sight it’s important to see in Iceland and one place that’s nice for just a little cease earlier than you begin heading again east in the direction of Reykavik.
There’s additionally a lagoon boat tour which you can get proper from the shore edge and it’s fairly cool. Now, it’s not a whole-day kinda spot, nevertheless it’s nonetheless properly value stopping to see the floating icebergs.
3.) Go to Geysir and Gullfoss or Höfn
In case you missed it on the primary day… or in the event you simply haven’t gotten your fill of these two superb websites. That is nice to incorporate in the event you’re heading again west.
Alternatively, if you wish to head additional west, drive and keep in Höfn that’s fairly attractive. The panorama round this space of Iceland is simply so stunning, particularly round Stokksnes.
Learn extra: Greatest hikes in Iceland
DAY 5
1.) Go Horse Driving at Hestheimar
Icelandic horses are very distinctive to the nation. You see, you’ll be able to’t import horses into Iceland and in the event you export horses, they’re by no means allowed to return again to the nation. What?!?
That each one being mentioned, there’s no higher method to see the Icelandic countryside than ambling round at your individual tempo on these horses.
We went horse driving at Hestheimar in the course of the tail-end of a storm! Which, I’ve to confess, made it all of the extra thrilling.
Deal with: Ásahreppur 851 Hella Ísland, Iceland
Web site: www.hestheimar.is
2.) Verify into the Blue Lagoon
We at all times spend at the least one evening right here, and although it may be extra expensive than most different spots in Iceland, it’s a complete deal with that we love!
You not solely get to remain right here and have your non-public blue lagoon (which opens earlier and closes later than the final one), however you additionally get free entry to the final lagoon, too.
Deal with: Blue Lagoon, 240 Grindavik, Iceland
3.) See the Northern Lights
Sure, once more! ????
You are able to do this out of your Blue Lagoon lodge room balcony/patio…. and even from the Blue Lagoon itself. We did this and floated round within the Blue Lagoon within the lodge and simply watched the lights above. It was bliss and simply the most effective issues to incorporate inside our 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Iceland
DAY 6
1.) Spend the day the Blue Lagoon
You’ve earned the ‘down-time’ in spite of everything and there’s no higher method to spend it than chilling at the Blue Lagoon. We spent the entire day right here and completely liked it.
2.) Dinner and music in Reykjavik
Reykjavik has such an fascinating music scene and fairly good stay music spots, so it’s value checking this out. Take a wander down the ‘important road’ and also you’ll see precisely what I imply.
After an evening in town, pop to the well-known Baejarins Beztu Pylsur (scorching canine stand) that’s by the harbour. It’s turn out to be one thing of an establishment for locals and guests to seize a fairly chunk!
DAY 7
1.) Discover Reykjavik
That is your likelihood to see the town at your individual tempo and keep on from the place you left off final evening proper earlier than your flight leaves from Keflavik Airport (round 30-minutes away).
Now, your 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland may be full, however perhaps subsequent time you’ll be able to discover some extra by driving the entire coastal street of Iceland (see beneath).
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Iceland
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