Here’s my ultimate fast-paced 7-day itinerary for Iceland, designed for those with limited vacation time who still want to make the most of this magical country.

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An Ultimate Fast-paced 7-day Iceland Itinerary

I’m back from the most wonderful place on Earth: the Land of Ice and Fire, beautiful and wild Iceland. The main takeaway from my trip is that Iceland, alongside the Big Island of Hawaii and the Canary Islands, it is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited especially in terms of nature. I packed so many unique and unforgettable experiences into just seven days, from waterfalls and whale watching to the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Despite the fast-paced itinerary filled with activities and lots of driving, I have no regrets. In fact, with such a magical destination, my only regret would be not making the most of it!

Is 7 days enough for Ring Road in Iceland?

Seven days is not enough to fully experience Iceland’s Ring Road if you want to explore the natural wonders at a slower pace. However, in our case, we had only seven days for this trip, and we managed to drive around Iceland in five days. This was partially possible because in August the country is known to have 16-17 hours of daylight . Without that much daylight, we wouldn’t have been able to see as much as we did.

How many days do you need in Iceland?

An ideal timeframe for exploring Iceland is around 11 to 14 days. So, actually you can take my 7-day Iceland itinerary and stretch it out, allowing yourself to slow down and see things without feeling rushed. This is the option I wish I had, but on the other hand, my itinerary proves that adventure-seekers with limited time can still enjoy a road trip around Iceland and drive the famous Ring Road. There’s no need to limit yourself to Southern Iceland, as many itineraries suggest. If I had followed those, my trip would have felt very different. The southern landmarks in Iceland were actually my least favorite in terms of vibe because they were often crowded with tourists. In contrast, while driving around Northern Iceland, there were moments when we wouldn’t see another car on the road for 15 minutes, which made us feel completely immersed in the local nature. Although we spent a lot of time driving, the stunning views and tranquility made it one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. If you only aim to see the most popular attractions in Iceland another popular option is a 4 days for the South Iceland Itinerary.

East Fjords Iceland - amazing view
Driving around Iceland in 7 days
sheep iceland always 3
Icelandic sheep roaming free

Where to stay in Iceland?

Accommodation in Iceland can be quite pricey, especially in August, which is considered peak season. I recommend adjusting your expectations for price and quality and focusing more on the sights to see. In our case, with such an intense sightseeing agenda, we would often arrive at 11 PM and leave by 7 AM, so having our own bathroom and a clean bed was sufficient for us. However, most of the hotels we booked cost at least 150 to 250 euros per night (and they were all quite basic). So, there isn’t a hotel or apartment in Iceland that I would specifically recommend or wish to return to. If you’re still planning your Iceland itinerary, be sure to book as far in advance as possible to secure the best deals!

The Ultimate 7-day Iceland Itinerary

Day 1 – Keflavik

Our itinerary began with an afternoon arrival in Keflavik airport, where we dropped off our suitcases at the hotel and headed out for a delightful dinner at Kef Restaurant. It felt like a wonderful way to kick off our Icelandic adventure!

Day 2 – Keflavik to Selfoss

On the second day, we finally picked up our rental car and felt excited to begin our 7-day itinerary across Iceland. Here are the main places we managed to visit:

Thingvellir National Part

First, we made a brief stop at Thingvellir National Park to marvel at this natural wonder. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit in Iceland. You can hike through stunning landscapes and even experience the famous Silfra fissure, where you can snorkel or dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Bruarfoss Waterfall

Our next stop was Bruarfoss Waterfall – one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, renowned for its otherworldly blue color. To reach it, there was a small hike involved. I can’t believe this place is considered somewhat off the beaten path. The sight of the turquoise cascade is absolutely worth the walk!

Bruarfoss WATERFALL iceland
Bruarfoss – one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland

Strokkur Geysir

After this lovely walk, we headed to Strokkur Geysir, one of the most popular attractions in Southern Iceland. Situated in the Geysir Geothermal Area, this geyser erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters (98 feet) into the air. It was fascinating to witness, especially since I had never seen a geyser in my life before!

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall is one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions, often referred to as the “Golden Falls.” This impressive two-tiered cascade is massive, and visitors can enjoy multiple viewing platforms to take in the breathtaking panorama. However, I personally found it less enjoyable than Bruarfoss, as the area was quite crowded with visitors. Still, visiting Iceland without stopping at Gullfoss feels very much like going to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower – it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Iceland for the first time!

Gullfoss Icelandic waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall is one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions

Kerid Crater

Our last stop for the day was Kerid Crater, a stunning volcanic crater lake with vibrant blue water. The short walk around the rim offered such a unique views. Although I’ve previously visited craters in Lanzarote, Tenerife, and even La Garrotxa in Catalonia, standing inside a volcano crater always makes me appreciate the power of nature.

Kerid 7 days itinerary for iceland
Kerid Crater in Iceland

Most of the places we visited on the second day of our Icelandic itinerary were part of the famous Golden Circle in Iceland. You can read more about it in this post.

Day 3 – Selfoss to Höfn

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

The morning of our third day in Iceland began with a truly unique experience: walking behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This was something I had never done before, and it felt incredibly special to gaze at the outside world through the shimmering water curtain. I highly recommend wearing a waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots for this adventure, or be ready to get a little wet to enjoy the unforgettable view from behind the cascading water.

iceland waterfall near Reykjavik day trip
Walking behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Southern Iceland

Skogafoss Waterfall

We arrived at Skogafoss early in the morning and were among the first visitors there. This magnificent waterfall is one of the largest in Iceland, standing at 60 meters (197 feet) tall. I really enjoyed wandering around on my own, taking in the lush greenery surrounding the falls, and climbing the stairs to the top for stunning views.

iceland waterfalls
Visiting Skogafoss Waterfall

Dyrholaey

After a morning filled with waterfalls, we headed to one of the most unique landscapes in Iceland: the black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs of Dyrholaey. Despite having visited several volcanic beaches around the world, I must admit that this place was probably one of the most spectacular black-and-white landscapes I have ever seen in my life. The only drawback was that it was already late morning, and there were many visitors around. However, sipping a morning coffee in solitude while taking in these otherworldly views would have been absolutely surreal.

Iceland sea waves black san beach vik
Dyrholaey black sand beach in Iceland
Iceland beach stones dyrholaey
The black sand beach in Dyrholaey
Iceland black beach Dyrholaey Lighthouse
Views from Dyrholaey Lighthouse

Fjadrargljufur Canyon

If I had to pick my absolute favorite place from this 7-day itinerary in Iceland, it would definitely be Fjadrargljufur Canyon. This breathtaking natural setting is around 2 million years old and offers stunning views and hiking trails along its edges. My only regret from this trip is not being able to stay in the area for a few days to fully enjoy the hiking opportunities.

Iceland Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Fjadrargljufur Canyon – one of my favorite stops during these 7 days in Iceland

Skaftafell National Park

Our last stop for the day was Skaftafell National Park, where we enjoyed an evening hike to Svartifoss waterfall, famous for its unique basalt column formations. If you’re up for more adventure, consider the Svinafellsjokull Glacier hike for a closer look at Iceland’s stunning glaciers – it’s on my bucket list for my next visit!

Day 4 – Höfn to Akureyri

Jokusarlon Glacier Lagoon

There’s no better way to start a new day than by marveling at the floating icebergs in Jokusarlon Glacier Lagoon. You can even take a boat tour to get up close to the icebergs. Since we visited early in the morning, it was so quiet, and we were even surprised by a few occasional sun rays, despite the day promising heavy rain.

Jokusarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jokusarlon Glacier Lagoon
Iceland white
Jokusarlon Glacier Lagoon

Dettifoss Waterfall

Our next stop for the day was Dettifoss Waterfall, known as Europe’s most powerful waterfall. It thunders down from a height of 44 meters (144 feet), offering quite a spectacular views. I’m not sure if it’s always so incredibly windy around this waterfall, but during our visit, the wind was intense enough to make it slightly scary to walk around. I wasn’t expecting any of it and hadn’t tied my hair back, so after about 20 minutes near Dettifoss, I was genuinely worried that I’d never be able to brush my hair properly again.

Dettifoss Waterfall Iceland 7 day itinerary
Dettifoss Waterfall

Vogafos Farm

Vogafos Farm Resort quickly became one of my favorite spots for eating in Iceland. Overall, I found that food in Iceland can be quite pricey, and there’s definitely a noticeable lack of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, this restaurant stood out as one of the few places we actually enjoyed. They take pride in providing a true farm-to-table experience, and I have to admit that the burgers we tried were really good.

Vogafjos A Foodie Guide to Eating in Iceland
Vogafos Farm Resort

Hverir Mudpots

Hverir might be one of the smelliest spots in Iceland, but trust me, it’s an absolute must-visit on any itinerary. Located near Lake Myvatn, this geothermal area has a strong sulfur smell, but captivates one by the unique sight of bubbling mud pools. The vibrant colors around create an otherworldly appeal. It’s a unique landscape that makes you feel stepping into another planet!

hverir Iceland mudpots travel itinerary
Hverir might be one of the smelliest spots in Iceland

Godafoss waterfall

Our final stop for the day was the stunning Godafoss waterfall, often called the “Waterfall of the Gods” in Iceland. There’s a fascinating legend behind this place: back in the year 1000, Thorgeir Ljosvetningagodi, the law-speaker of Iceland’s Althing, made a significant decision to embrace Christianity and tossed his pagan idols into the roaring waters of this fall. This moment marked Iceland’s shift from pagan beliefs to Christianity.

Godafoss iceland 7 days travel plan
Godafoss waterfall, often called the “Waterfall of the Gods”

More things to see and do

If you have a few days to spend in this area, do not miss the nearby attractions like Grjotagja Cave, Hafragilsfoss Waterfall, and the Myvatn Baths. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to explore these places during our 7-day road trip around Iceland, but they’re definitely on my bucket list for the next visit.

Day 5 – Whale Watching Tour and Akureyri

Whale Watching Tour in Husavik

Experiencing a whale watching tour in Husavik was one of my highlights of visiting Iceland. It’s an unmatched opportunity to sail along the majestic Icelandic coast while witnessing the magnificent humpback whales in their natural habitat. You can read more about my experience in this post.

Iceland: Whale Watching in The Rain
You can read more about my experience in this post

Akureyri

After the whale watching tour, we spent the afternoon exploring Iceland’s second-largest city, Akureyri. This small town felt incredibly charming; in fact, I liked it much more than the capital, Reykjavik. Here, we shopped for souvenirs, and I bought a handmade Icelandic sweater and a few books about Iceland. We also couldn’t miss trying the well-known local ice cream.

cafe iceland akureyri
Loved this cute Kaffi Ilmur in Akureyri

Day 6 – Akureyri to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

On the 6th day of our Icelandic road trip, we set out early to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a region often called “Iceland in miniature” for its diverse landscapes and natural wonders. You can find details and a map of all the incredible places we managed to see around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in this post.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature rocks
Exploring Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Snaefellsnes Peninsula Iceland in Miniature cliffs
Exploring Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Day 7 – Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon

At the end of our Icelandic Ring Road Drive, we headed back to Reykjavik early in the morning, returned our rental car, and spent the day exploring Iceland’s capital. We visited the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church, admired the Sun Voyager Monument, and strolled through the colorful streets of the city center.

Here are a few top-rated experiences to enjoy in Reykjavik:

reykjavik cathedral Iceland

Later, we took a transfer to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak in its mineral-rich waters. It was an interesting experience, but it was so crowded that I wouldn’t go back (unless visiting first thing in the morning). If the Blue Lagoon is a priority for you, I highly recommend booking in advance, as it tends to be completely full in August:

The map of our 7-day Iceland Itinerary

My impressions of Iceland

I know, it seems like after this jam-packed travel schedule you’d need another week of vacation just to recover [lol]. But my husband and I both returned home feeling energized and happy, even after such an intensive sightseeing adventure. In Iceland, we’d wake up around 6 a.m. naturally (no alarm was needed!) and would drive about 4 to 6 hours each day (except for one day in Akureyri and the last one in Reykjavik). But when the scenery is so stunning and you’re constantly stopping along the way, driving actually becomes part of the enjoyment. I should warn you that this 7-day Iceland itinerary, including doing the Ring Road drive in just 5 days, isn’t for everyone. It’s definitely a challenge! We didn’t get to bed until around 11 p.m. But if you asked me whether I’d have preferred limiting our trip to just South Iceland for the same 7 days, my answer would be a no way! I absolutely loved exploring North Iceland and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula – maybe even more than the popular sites in the South. I’m so glad we committed to this fast-paced itinerary: it was ambitious, for sure, but also 100% worth it!

Iceland in 7 days
On the road – 7 days in Iceland

Read more about Iceland:

  • 7 Lessons I Learned in Iceland (read it)
  • World of Waterfalls: Icelandic Natural Wonders (read it)
  • Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature (read it)
  • A Foodie Guide to Eating in Iceland (read it)
  • Whale Watching in Iceland: Sailing in the Rain (read it)

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Iceland: Ring Road Drive in 5 days - Pinterest

For more travel inspiration and useful tips about Iceland check my Iceland Pinterest Board.

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