7 Nights / 8 Days Iceland Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries

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Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik

Morning:

  • Arrive at Keflavík International Airport and pick up your rental car.
  • Drive to Reykjavik (50 km, ~45 minutes). Check in to your hotel and relax.

Afternoon:

  • Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, Reykjavik’s iconic landmark. This striking Lutheran church, inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava formations, offers panoramic views of the city from its tower.
  • Explore Harpa Concert Hall, a modern architectural masterpiece known for its shimmering glass façade and excellent acoustics. It hosts concerts, exhibitions, and events.
  • Walk to the Sun Voyager Sculpture, a striking steel structure resembling a Viking ship. It symbolizes hope, progress, and freedom, set against the backdrop of the sea and mountains.

Evening:

  • Stroll along Laugavegur Street, Reykjavik’s main shopping and dining avenue. Discover boutiques, cafes, and street art.
  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring Icelandic dishes like lamb stew or Arctic char.

Overnight: Reykjavik

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Day 2: Reykjavik to Vik

Morning:

  • Drive along the scenic south coast to Vik (185 km, ~2.5 hours).
  • Stop at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, a mesmerizing 60-meter-high waterfall where you can walk behind the cascade for a unique perspective.
  • Visit Skógafoss Waterfall, another stunning 60-meter waterfall known for its powerful flow and frequent rainbows.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, a hauntingly beautiful site featuring the remains of a US Navy plane that crashed in 1973. The walk to the wreck takes about 40 minutes one way.
  • Visit the Black Sand Beaches of Reynisfjara, famous for their basalt sea stacks, dramatic waves, and mysterious black sands. The Reynisdrangar rock formations are steeped in folklore.

Evening:

  • Relax at your hotel in Vik and enjoy the serene surroundings.
  • Optional: Hunt for the Northern Lights during winter months.

Overnight: Vik

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Day 3: Vik to Hofn

Morning:

  • Drive along the south coast to Hofn (270 km, ~4 hours).
  • Stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a 100-meter-deep canyon offering breathtaking views of winding rivers and lush greenery.

Afternoon:

  • Explore Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. Highlights include hiking trails, stunning views, and the striking Svartifoss Waterfall, framed by basalt columns.
  • Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs float serenely in the lagoon. Nearby, the Diamond Beach showcases glistening icebergs washed ashore on black sands.

Evening:

  • Dine at a seafood restaurant in Hofn, known for its langoustine (lobster).
  • Optional: Enjoy an evening stroll along the harbor.

Overnight: Hofn

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Day 4: Hofn to Egilsstaðir

Morning:

  • Drive through the East Fjords to Egilsstaðir (250 km, ~4 hours).
  • Stop at the picturesque fishing village of Djúpivogur, known for its slow-living culture and unique outdoor art installation, the "Eggs of Merry Bay."

Afternoon:

  • Visit Hengifoss Waterfall, Iceland’s third-highest waterfall, with its striking red clay and basalt layers. The hike to the waterfall takes about an hour each way.
  • Explore Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest, Iceland’s largest forest, featuring tranquil walking trails and stunning lake views.

Evening:

  • Relax at your hotel in Egilsstaðir.

Overnight: Egilsstaðir

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Day 5: Egilsstaðir to Mývatn

Morning:

  • Drive to the Mývatn area (165 km, ~2.5 hours).
  • Stop at Dettifoss Waterfall, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Witness its thunderous roar and dramatic mist as it cascades into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.

Afternoon:

  • Discover Lake Mývatn, a geothermal wonderland surrounded by volcanic landscapes. Visit the Dimmuborgir Lava Fields, known as the “Dark Castles” due to their eerie rock formations.
  • Explore the Hverir Geothermal Area, where bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles create an otherworldly atmosphere.
  • Visit Krafla Caldera, an active volcanic region with colorful geothermal features and a striking crater lake.

Evening:

  • Unwind at the Mývatn Nature Baths, a relaxing geothermal spa with milky-blue waters and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Overnight: Mývatn

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Day 6: Mývatn to Akureyri

Morning:

  • Drive to Akureyri (80 km, ~1.5 hours).
  • Stop at Goðafoss Waterfall, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” named after a pivotal moment in Iceland’s history when pagan idols were thrown into the falls.

Afternoon:

  • Explore Akureyri’s attractions, including the Akureyri Botanical Gardens, featuring diverse Arctic flora.
  • Visit the Akureyri Church, designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, with stunning stained glass windows depicting Icelandic history.

Evening:

  • Stroll through Akureyri’s downtown area, lined with charming cafes, boutiques, and galleries.
  • Enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Overnight: Akureyri

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Day 7: Akureyri to Reykjavik

Morning:

  • Drive back to Reykjavik (385 km, ~5 hours).
  • Optionally, detour to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls in Borgarfjörður, where clear water streams through lava formations.

Afternoon:

  • Explore Reykjavik’s cultural attractions, including the Perlan Museum, which offers interactive exhibits on Iceland’s natural wonders and a panoramic view of the city.

Evening:

  • Celebrate your last night in Iceland with a fine-dining experience at a renowned Reykjavik restaurant.

Overnight: Reykjavik

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Day 8: Departure

Morning:

  • Transfer to Keflavík International Airport (50 km, ~45 minutes).
  • Depart Iceland with unforgettable memories.

Recommended Hotels

Super Luxury

Reykjavík

  • Hilton Reykjavik Nordica – Reykjavik East District
  • Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection By Hilton – Downtown Reykjavik
  • ION City Hotel – Miðborg (Downtown)
  • The Reykjavik EDITION – Miðborg (Downtown)
  • Tower Suites Reykjavik – Miðborg (Downtown)

Vik

  • Black Beach Suites – Reynisfjara Beach
  • Hotel Kría – Vík Main Road
  • Vík Apartments – Vík Center

Hofn

  • Fosshotel Vatnajökull – 12.2 km from Höfn center
  • Hotel Höfn – 1 km from the town center
  • Milk Factory – Near the harbor

Egilsstaðir

  • Gistihúsið - Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir – By Lake Lagarfljót in Egilsstaðir village
  • Hérað - Berjaya Iceland Hotels – Centrally located in Egilsstaðir
  • Hotel 1001 Nott – 3.1 miles from Egilsstaðir, overlooking Lake Lagarfljót

Mývatn

  • Fosshotel Mývatn – By Lake Mývatn
  • Hótel Laxá – Near Lake Mývatn
  • Vogafjós Farm Resort – Close to natural attractions around Mývatn

Akureyri

  • Hafdals Hotel – Near Akureyri with panoramic views
  • Hotel Kea by Keahotels – Heart of Akureyri
  • Hotel Nordurland by Keahotels – Centrally located in Akureyri

Luxury

Reykjavík

  • Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre – Miðborg (Downtown)
  • Hotel Borg by Keahotels – Miðborg (Downtown)
  • Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton – Reykjavik City Center
  • Sand Hotel by Keahotels – Miðborg (Downtown)

Vik

  • Hótel Dyrhólaey – Near Dyrhólaey Peninsula
  • Hotel Katla by Keahotels – Just Outside Vík
  • Hotel Vík í Mýrdal – Near Black Sand Beach

Hofn

  • Árnanes Country Hotel – 5.9 km from Höfn center
  • Höfn - Berjaya Iceland Hotels – By the harbor
  • Hotel Jökull – 0.7 km from the town center

Egilsstaðir

  • Hotel Hallormsstadur – In Hallormsstaður Forest, near Egilsstaðir
  • Hótel Eyvindará – 1.2 miles from central Egilsstaðir
  • Hótel Valaskjálf – Centrally located in Egilsstaðir

Mývatn

  • Eldá Guesthouse – Centrally located in Mývatn
  • Sel - Hótel Mývatn – Near Skútustaðagígar, Lake Mývatn
  • Vogar Travel Service – Convenient access to Mývatn attractions

Akureyri

  • Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels – Near the fjord in Akureyri
  • Hotel Akureyri Dynheimar – Close to Akureyri town center
  • Hotel Halond – Outskirts of Akureyri with mountain views

Standard

Reykjavík

  • Alda Hotel Reykjavik – Miðborg (Downtown)
  • Fosshotel Reykjavik – Höfðatorg
  • Hotel Odinsve – Miðborg (Downtown)

Vik

  • Puffin Hotel Vík – Vík Center
  • Vík Cottages – Between Mountains, Vík
  • Volcano Hotel – Near Vík

Hofn

  • Apotek Guesthouse – Centrally located
  • Guesthouse Nýpugarðar – Near Höfn
  • Höfn Inn Guesthouse – Town center

Egilsstaðir

  • Eyjólfsstaðir Guesthouse – 6.3 miles from Egilsstaðir
  • Lyngás Guesthouse – Centrally located in Egilsstaðir
  • Tehúsið Hostel – In the heart of Egilsstaðir

Mývatn

  • Dimmuborgir Guesthouse – Near Dimmuborgir lava fields
  • Guesthouse Stöng and Cottages – In a tranquil area near Mývatn
  • Vogahraun Guesthouse – Centrally located in Mývatn

Akureyri

  • Centrum Hotel – Centrally located in Akureyri
  • Hotel Edda Akureyri – Near the botanical gardens
  • Hotel Kjarnalundur – Serene area, short drive from the town center

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