1 Week Itinerary

Going for just one week? Here's the 7-day round trip we did in November, keeping in mind we packed in a lot into limited daylight hours. You could absolutely do more, and if you've got the time, I'd recommend considering three weeks in Iceland! 

7-Day Roadtrip Itinerary Overview

Important Links & Notes:

• Iceland Emergency App – Download for safety backup

• Northern Lights Forecast - Download to see the forecast for the Northern Lights

Day 1: Wed, Nov 8

• Visit Bonus supermarket in Reykjavik to stock up on food.

• Explore Reykjavik:

  • Hallgrimskirkja: Iconic church with panoramic city views.

  • Perlan: Free 360° view of the city.

  • Kvika Footbath: A hotspring for your feet, great for sunset here

  • Kolaportið Flea Market: Open Friday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm

  • The Icelandic Phallological Museum: World's only penis museum

  • Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach: Open from 11am-7pm from Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday & Monday)

Day 2: Thur, Nov 9

• Drive the Golden Circle (6-8 hours):

  • Þingvellir National Park (tectonic plates)

  • Öxarárfoss Waterfall

  • Geysir hot springs (get slow-mo shots of Strokkur geyser)

  • Gullfoss waterfall

  • Kerid Crater: Easy hike with stunning views.

  • Hrunalaug: Free geothermal pool near Kerid.

  • Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River hike here after sunset and enjoy the northern lights 

Day 3: Fri, Nov 10

• Hekla Volcano: One of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. Option to hike or explore nearby with a 4x4.

• Landmannalaugar: Hot springs and colorful hills (1-hour hike up Bláhnúkur peak).

• Seljalandsfoss: Walk behind the waterfall.

• Gljújfrabúi: Secret waterfall next to Seljalandsfoss.

• Seljavallalaug: Hidden mountainside hot pool.

Day 4: Sat, Nov 11

• Skógafoss: Iconic waterfall.

• DC Plane Wreck on Sólheimasandur beach (45-60 min walk each way).

• Vík: Black sand beach and basalt rock formations (fill up on gas here).

• Þrakgil Campground: Game of Thrones filming site.

• Dyrhólaey Arch: Ocean views and birdwatching.

• Fjaðrárgljújfur Canyon: Explore on foot.

• 11:00 AM Glacier Tour: At Vatnajökull National Park (biggest glacier in Europe).

  • Don’t miss Svartifoss Waterfall during the tour.

  • Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach (watch for seals and small whales).

Day 5: Sun, Nov 12

• Drive to North Iceland (Lake Mývatn area):

  • Grjótagjá: Cave hot springs (check if it’s swimmable).

  • Hverfall Crater: 1,312 ft cinder cone with great views.

  • Mývatn Nature Baths: Relaxing geothermal spa.

  • Krafla Crater: Stunning blue lake.

  • Dimmuborgir: Lava formations and “Kirkja” lava tube.

  • Námaskarð: Bubbling sulfur mud pits.

Day 6: Mon, Nov 13

• Húsavík: Drive 40 minutes to this picturesque town, the best spot for whale watching (3-4 hour tours available).

• Visit the northern waterfalls:

  • Goðafoss: Horseshoe-shaped waterfall.

  • Dettifoss: Europe’s most powerful waterfall.

Day 7: Wed, Nov 15

• Return to Reykjavik and head to Keflavík Airport.

• Visit Blue Lagoon (Nordurljósavegur 9, Grindavík): Open 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (~$80 for basic entry).

• Nearby stop: Seltún Hot Springs (follow marked trails).

Additional Stops & Recommendations:

• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Stay far from dangerous waves (30-50 meters).

• Hofskirkja Turf Church: Between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.

• Glymur Falls: Iceland’s tallest waterfall (658 ft).

• Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum: Near the Ring Road, open 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM ($11).