Going on a week-long holiday doesn’t have to be a race against time. With the right knowledge and planning, an Iceland itinerary for 7 days will take you through all the major sites on this mystical island. Consider the pros and cons of each season and choose the best road trip car for your journey to make the most of your northern holiday.

Is a week in Iceland really enough for all the remarkable sights this country has to offer? With the right plan, it certainly is! Our Iceland itinerary for 7 days lets you visit the major attractions and see more of Iceland than many other visitors. Be ready to start early each day and don't hesitate to stop at the many attractions along the way.

A Week in Iceland

Whenever you go on holiday, it can feel like there aren’t enough days to do everything you want. Iceland is no exception. With our Iceland itinerary for 7 days, you’ll hit all the key spots and still have time to relax in certain places if you choose. Iceland isn’t a huge country, and you could technically drive around the entire island in less than a 24-hour day, though we strongly advise against that.

Tourist enjoying Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland

Traveling Iceland

There’s something special about this mystical island that invites adventure. The Land of Fire and Ice is meant to be explored, which is why we recommend renting a car and hitting the road as soon as you arrive. Experiencing the island in only a week might feel intense, but with a 7-day Iceland itinerary, it’s manageable.

Traveling Iceland in 7 days by car might be different from what you’re used to. Be sure to check essentials, like necessary documents and the best vehicles for a road trip. Some vehicles simply aren’t made for long trips.

Also, reviewing the frequently asked questions about driving in Iceland can be helpful.

When to Have a Road Trip in Iceland

In our opinion, any day is a good day for a road trip in Iceland. However, there are a few factors worth considering when choosing your dates. Checking the Iceland weather by month is recommended before setting your travel dates.

Summer

Taking an Iceland itinerary for 7 days in summer is ideal in terms of weather and road conditions. The days will be long and mild, which is great when you’re spending a lot of time on the road.

The drawback is that an Iceland itinerary for 7 days will be more costly in summer, making it harder to travel cheaply in Iceland. However, all attractions will be open and fully staffed, so it may be worth the extra expense. Iceland’s summer is stunning, with plenty of events around the island.

Winter

If you’re up for rough roads and limited daylight, a winter Iceland itinerary for 7 days could be a great choice. Though you’ll have shorter days and slower driving, you’ll also enjoy unique experiences that only winter offers.

For instance, you can see the Northern Lights in Iceland. Imagine soaking in hot springs while surrounded by snow. It’s a truly remarkable experience.

Driving in Iceland in winter is challenging for visitors, so snow tires are essential for a safe journey.

Spring and Fall

The shoulder seasons are also excellent for spending a week in Iceland with our itinerary. You’ll get lower prices compared to summer and won’t face the same extreme weather as in winter.

Waterfalls will be either full of rainwater or meltwater, making them especially powerful. Nature will be transitioning, either coming back to life or settling down for winter – a beautiful sight.

For an Iceland itinerary for 7 days, fall and spring are arguably the best times to visit. Prices are lower, there are fewer tourists, and the roads remain in decent condition.

beautiful redroof church in the south coast of Iceland

The Best Iceland Itinerary for 7 Days

This 7-day Iceland itinerary assumes you’ll use half of days 1 and 7 for travel. If not, you could skip either the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, or both. Ideally, you’ll spend all 7 days on the road, allowing you to experience Iceland in-depth.

Day 1 – Vik I Myrdal

To start, head south towards Vik i Myrdal for the night. Along the way, explore as many wonderful sights as you can. This part of the trip covers about 187 kilometers and takes around 2.5 hours of driving.

Before departing, stock up on snacks and drinks for the road. Today’s highlights include:

A traveler leans against a white car, parked on a scenic road in Iceland.

Day 2 – Höfn

On day 2, begin with a stop at the Reynisdrangar rock formations if you missed them on day 1. Your goal is to reach Höfn, with a midday stop at Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach. The route covers 272 kilometers and takes about 3.5 hours.

Highlights along the way include:

A stunning view of the skaftafell glacier

Day 3 – Egilsstadir

On day 3, travel from Höfn to Egilsstadir. Consider visiting Vestrahorn and Stokksnes. The day’s drive covers 242 kilometers and takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Route highlights include:

A breathtaking panorama of Vestrahorn Mountain and the black sand beach of Stokksnes in Iceland.

Day 4 – Akureyri and the Diamond Circle

Day 4 includes a trip around the Diamond Circle with a final destination of Akureyri. From Egilsstadir, it’s a 378-kilometer journey taking about 4 hours and 40 minutes.

Highlights include:

Day 5 – Reykjavik

On day 5, return to Reykjavik, with options to stop at Hvitserkur, Borgarnes, and other northern attractions. This is a full day of driving with possible scenic detours.

Day 6 – The Golden Circle

Experience Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, including Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and the Geysir geothermal area. This loop can be adjusted as you’ll return to Reykjavik for the night.

Day 7 – Blue Lagoon

Wrap up your 7-day Iceland itinerary with a relaxing soak at the Blue Lagoon, located conveniently on the way to the airport.

Packing for Iceland

Packing light is essential for a smooth road trip in Iceland. Essentials include warm clothing, hiking boots, a reusable water bottle, and sunglasses. Check out our ultimate packing list for a road trip in Iceland for more tips.

Choose the Transport That Suits You Best

Now that you know how to spend a week in Iceland, make sure to choose the right rental car for a smooth journey. If you have more or fewer days, explore our other itineraries: