Iceland is a complete dream nation to go to, particularly in case you’re eager on the form of journey that’s a bit totally different from a seashore or tropical vacation. That being stated, it’s completely enormous (a lot greater than you may assume)! So, I wished to share our 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland that’ll enable you alongside your means.
You see, Iceland is crammed with essentially the most dramatic pure sights and the finest issues to do which might be dotted all throughout the island.
Not solely that, however there’s additionally a heap of scrumptious meals and yummy eating places that you simply actually can’t miss. Oh, and don’t neglect to move out on some of the spectacular hikes in Iceland, too. Belief me, you’re going to be spoilt for selection.
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 fundamental bases, the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik, each of that are unbelievable in their very own proper. Although, seeing as they’re positioned pretty shut to 1 one other, it was considerably restricted as you may solely wander thus far out of your base location; even when you’ve a automotive.
The following 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 might in a single week. All concentrate on the south and west of Iceland which will be a lot simpler to go to on a first-time journey.
Now, to save lots of to you the trouble of organising every little thing from scratch, I wished to pop our full 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland. Although, if you wish to spend longer, simply try 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, probably the greatest methods to get round Iceland is by automotive. So, after reserving your automotive, pop over to the rental centre and head out on the open highway. 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 informed, a number of the finest issues to do in Iceland are free to see and so all you want is a automotive to get to them. We will’t suggest this sufficient, it’s completely value it.
Learn extra: Finest 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 case 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 a minimum of as soon as. Although, it’s completely chilly. Brrrr!
Tackle: 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 automotive and also you don’t must go on any lengthy hikes or trails to see them.
They’re completely attractive at any time of the yr! Simply make sure you pack some good mountaineering sneakers. You’ll be strolling on a number of moist or muddy trails at instances.
Learn extra: Finest excursions to guide from Reykjavik
4.) Discover Reykjavik
We stayed on the Reykjavik Residence Lodge (we booked this virtually instantly after we paid for our flights). It was additionally good for parking (the automotive park is sort of reverse it) and is centrally positioned sufficient you could simply stroll round Reykjavik. Although it needs to be stated, Reykjavik is usually a really walkable metropolis.
As soon as right here, make sure you try a few of the finest eating places in Reykjavik and even, discover the long-lasting cathedral (and see the views from the highest) and come out on a whale-watching tour.
Learn extra: Finest excursions to guide from Reykjavik
5.) Drive out of town (for the Northern Lights)
You solely must drive round 30-minutes from the very centre of Reykjavik to be in full wilderness. That’s the great thing about Iceland, all this unbelievable nature is correct in your doorstep.
Not solely that, however Iceland can also be an important place to observe the Northern Lights, too. Now, you may guide a tour from town however we personally most well-liked to simply drive out into the nationwide park and await them to look. This manner, you may spend as lengthy or as little as you need and journey completely by yourself phrases.
Do try 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 somewhat 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 important 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 town. Have enjoyable!
Tackle: Particular Excursions, Reykjavik’s Previous Harbour, 101 Reykjavíok, Iceland
Web site: www.specialtours.is
2.) Keep on the Frost & Fireplace Lodge
We stayed right here and completely liked it, plus they’ve a tasty dinner menu that you simply actually can’t miss (which, you may see right here)
After dinner, get your self some wine/beer and nip into one of many geothermally heated scorching tubs the place, in case you’re fortunate,
Tackle: Hverhamar, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland
Web site: www.frostandfire.is
3.) Look out for the Northern Lights (once more)
Belief me, we did this each night time as you may’t at all times ensure on cloud cowl or if the lights are popping out to play.
Simply make sure you wrap up heat, take your digital camera and possibly a flask of scorching tea, too.
Learn extra: Finest 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 novel expertise to truly have the ability to 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 enormous.
Now, if you wish to keep away from the vast majority of the crowds, head throughout right here within the early morning or late afternoon. Additionally, in case you’re visiting in Summer time, you may simply head right here later within the night because it stays mild very late.
3.) Go on a glacier hike
The tour we had been meant to do was with the oldsters over Atarcanum however this was the one merchandise we couldn’t do in the long run as a result of storm in Iceland once we visited.
They arrive very extremely really helpful 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 listing of the explanation why we have to return to Iceland.
The glacier stroll and mountaineering base are by Sólheimajökull glacier about 28km west of Víok and 6 km east of Skógar. Simply bear in mind, Should 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 novel expertise to have while in Iceland.
Simply make sure you guide this tour earlier than arriving. Areas do promote out in peak journey instances.
Learn extra: Tricks to expertise an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland
4.) Go to the gorgeous Dyrhólaey and Vik Seashore
The drive to the subsequent 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 wanting wonderful.
5.) Test into Lodge Laki
There’s a restaurant and bar right here so that you can have dinner and subsequently, heat your cockles by the roaring hearth.
Tackle: Efri-Víok, 880 Kirkjubæjarklausturi, Iceland
Lodge Laki is positioned on Highway 204. Solely 4 km from freeway number one simply south of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Web site: www.hotellaki.is
6.) See the Northern Lights
Lodge Laki, and the encompassing rural areas, had been nice for seeing the Northern Lights.
You possibly can see the Northern Lights out of your room at Lodge Laki. Alternatively, you may 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 Lodge Laki to see them, in case you select some place else to relaxation your head that may work completely nice, too.
Wherever you keep, simply make sure you embody some northern mild recognizing in your 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland.
Learn extra: Finest cities in Iceland to go to
DAY 4
1.) Glacier cave hike
a glacier cave hike in Vatnajökull is fairly epic! Although, you may simply go on different cave hikes in different areas of Iceland, too.
2.) Drive as much as Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is one other wonderful sight it’s a must to see in Iceland and one place that’s nice for a bit cease earlier than you begin heading again east in direction of Reykavik.
There’s additionally a lagoon boat tour you could get proper from the shore edge and it’s fairly cool. Now, it’s not a whole-day kinda spot, however it’s nonetheless nicely 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 case you simply haven’t gotten your fill of these two wonderful websites. That is nice to incorporate in case 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 lovely, particularly round Stokksnes.
Learn extra: Finest hikes in Iceland
DAY 5
1.) Go Horse Using at Hestheimar
Icelandic horses are very distinctive to the nation. You see, you may’t import horses into Iceland and in case you export horses, they’re by no means allowed to return again to the nation. What?!?
That each one being stated, there’s no higher solution to see the Icelandic countryside than ambling round at your personal tempo on these horses.
We went horse using at Hestheimar throughout the tail-end of a storm! Which, I’ve to confess, made it all of the extra thrilling.
Tackle: Ásahreppur 851 Hella Ísland, Iceland
Web site: www.hestheimar.is
2.) Test into the Blue Lagoon
We at all times spend a minimum of one night time 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 personal blue lagoon (which opens earlier and closes later than the overall one), however you additionally get free entry to the overall lagoon, too.
Tackle: 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 probably the greatest issues to incorporate inside our 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland.
Learn extra: Finest 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 solution 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 ‘fundamental avenue’ 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 change into 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 town at your personal tempo and stick with it from the place you left off final night time proper earlier than your flight leaves from Keflavik Airport (round 30-minutes away).
Now, your 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland could be full, however possibly subsequent time you may discover some extra by driving the entire coastal highway of Iceland (see beneath).
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Iceland
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