7-Day Road Trip Across Iceland: An Epic Adventure Through the Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland is one of the most breathtaking road trip destinations in the world, offering dramatic landscapes, stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, and natural hot springs. If you’re planning to explore the country, a 7-day road trip around the Ring Road (Route 1) is the perfect way to experience Iceland’s natural beauty. This guide takes you through an unforgettable 7-day journey, including must-see stops and hidden gems along the way.
Day 1: Keflavik to Reykjavik (71 km | 1h 16m)
Your adventure begins as you land at Keflavik International Airport. Pick up your rental car and head towards Iceland’s vibrant capital, Reykjavik. Before reaching the city, consider stopping at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal spas, to relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
Must-Sees in Reykjavik:
- Hallgrímskirkja Church – A towering church with incredible city views from the top.
- Harpa Concert Hall – A stunning architectural masterpiece.
- Sun Voyager Sculpture – A symbolic Viking boat by the seaside.
- Laugavegur Street – The city’s main shopping and dining district.
Spend the night in Reykjavik and enjoy the city’s lively nightlife or a cozy dinner with Icelandic lamb or seafood.
Day 2: Reykjavik to Grafarkirkja (329 km | 4h 13m)
Today, start your journey northeast towards Grafarkirkja, the oldest surviving turf church in Iceland. On the way, take a detour to explore the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route.
Must-Sees Along the Route:
- Þingvellir National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk between two continents (North American and Eurasian tectonic plates).
- Geysir Geothermal Area – Home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes.
- Gullfoss Waterfall – A powerful two-tiered waterfall that is one of Iceland’s most breathtaking sights.
After exploring the Golden Circle, continue your journey to Grafarkirkja and settle in for the night.
Day 3: Grafarkirkja to Höfn (221 km | 2h 44m)
Depart early for the southern coast, known for its black sand beaches, waterfalls, and glaciers.
Must-Sees Along the Route:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – A unique waterfall you can walk behind.
- Skógafoss Waterfall – A majestic 60-meter-high waterfall with stunning rainbows on sunny days.
- Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck – A famous abandoned US Navy plane on a black sand beach.
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – A mesmerizing beach with towering basalt columns and powerful waves.
- Vatnajökull National Park – Home to Europe’s largest glacier.
Arrive in Höfn, a small fishing town famous for its delicious langoustine (Icelandic lobster).
Day 4: Höfn to Fjarðabyggð (220 km | 2h 53m)
Start your day by exploring the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs float peacefully. Nearby, visit Diamond Beach, where ice chunks sparkle like diamonds against the black sand.
As you continue towards Fjarðabyggð, enjoy the dramatic East Fjords—one of Iceland’s most underrated regions.
Must-Sees Along the Route:
- Stokksnes Beach – A stunning beach with dramatic views of Vestrahorn mountain.
- Djúpivogur – A charming fishing village with artistic sculptures and scenic harbor views.
- Hengifoss Waterfall – One of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, known for its red rock layers.
Spend the night in Fjarðabyggð, a peaceful town nestled within the fjords.
Day 5: Fjarðabyggð to Árskógssandur (317 km | 4h 4m)
Leaving the East Fjords, head towards North Iceland, passing through Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the region.
Must-Sees Along the Route:
- Dettifoss Waterfall – Europe’s most powerful waterfall, known for its raw force.
- Mývatn Geothermal Area – A unique volcanic region with hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and lava formations.
- Húsavík – Iceland’s whale-watching capital, where you can take a boat tour to see humpback whales and puffins.
- Goðafoss Waterfall – The stunning “Waterfall of the Gods,” rich in Viking history.
Arrive at Árskógssandur, a small village known for its beer spa, where you can bathe in warm beer-infused water!
Day 6: Árskógssandur to Búðardalur (303 km | 3h 37m)
Today, journey towards West Iceland, a region filled with waterfalls, hot springs, and Viking history.
Must-Sees Along the Route:
- Hvitserkur Rock Formation – A giant rock in the sea that resembles a dragon.
- Kolugljúfur Canyon – A stunning canyon with cascading waterfalls.
- Eiríksstaðir – The reconstructed Viking homestead of Erik the Red, the father of Leif Erikson.
Stay the night in Búðardalur, a small town with scenic fjord views.
Day 7: Búðardalur to Grundarfjörður to Reykjavik (391 km | 5h 14m)
On your final road trip day, explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it contains many of Iceland’s diverse landscapes.
Must-Sees Along the Route:
- Kirkjufell Mountain – One of Iceland’s most photographed peaks, featured in Game of Thrones.
- Snæfellsjökull Glacier – The setting of Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.
- Arnarstapi – A picturesque fishing village with dramatic cliffs and sea arches.
Return to Reykjavik for one last night before flying home.
Bonus: Day 8 – Reykjavik to Keflavik (45 km | 40m)
If you have extra time before your flight, take a morning stroll around Reykjavik, pick up some souvenirs, or enjoy a final dip in one of the city’s geothermal pools before heading back to Keflavik Airport.
A 7-day road trip across Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, offering some of the most incredible landscapes in the world. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring black sand beaches, or relaxing in geothermal hot springs, this Ring Road itinerary ensures you experience the best of Iceland in one week.
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