7 day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
7 days in the Land of Fire and Ice
There is TRULY so much to do in Iceland, and so many ways to explore the country. Each area of the country is so unique and offers different activities and views. A lot of people will use Reykjavik as home base and do day trips to the Golden Circle and the South. We decided to do the Ring Road (an actual road in Iceland that goes around the entire island) to make the most of our visit. Would 100% recommend this if you have the time! Days were fast-paced as we tried to cram it all in in 7 days but it was absolutely worth it.
Our Itinerary - Counter Clockwise
Day 1 // The Blue Lagoon
Arrive Iceland early morning and head straight to The Retreat
Spend time in the Blue Lagoon
Hotel: The Retreat - this hotel is really something special. With your stay, you get access to the Blue Lagoon and private area of the lagoon, The Spa, The Four Step Ritual, and so much more. It is absolutely worth a splurge one night on the trip!
Dinner: Lava at The Retreat (get the arctic char, cauliflower soup, and cod!)
Day 2 // South & Southeast Iceland
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall - walking distance or 2 min drive
Drive from Seljalandsfoss to Skogafoss
Solheimajokull outlet glacier hike - we used Mountain Guides Iceland
Stop in Vik for snacks/food at Restaurant Suður-Vík
Reynisfjara Beach (black sand beach)
Dyrhólaey Lighthouse Viewpoint at Reynisfjara
Drive from Lighthouse to Diamond Beach
Hotel: Brunnholl Country Guesthouse
*recommended to break this day up into two if you have time
Day 3 // East Iceland
Snowmobiling on Vatnajökull Glacier
Lunch in Hofn *go to Pakkus on the water
Hike Litlanesfoss if you have time
Stop by Gufu waterfall
Explore Seydisfjordur or go for dinner if you have time
Hotel: Lake Hotel Gistihusid
Day 4 // Northeast Iceland
Drive to Studlagil Canyon and hike to the basalt slabs ~8 km hike (5 mi)
tip: if you want an extra walk (making it about 3.5 miles one day) park at the first parking lot. It’s not a hard hike. More of a walk. The road from the first parking lot to the second parking lot is quite rough so only drive it with 4WD vehicle.
Drive from STUDlagil Canyon to Myvatn Nature Baths
Must stop at Fjallakaffi on the way
Grjotagja cave hot spring near Myvtan
Drive from Myvatn Nature Baths to hotel
Hotel: Guesthouse Brekka
Day 5 // North Iceland
Visit Godafoss then to Aldeyjarfoss
*only attempt Aldeyjarfoss with a 4WD vehicle. Godafoss is right off the main road but Aldeyjarfoss is a long way down a gravel road
Drive from Godafoss to Husavik - try to find puffins!
Drive from Husavik to Foss hot pot (a must!)
Explore Akureyri
*Lyst is a must for light bites, natural wines, and pretty views of the botanical gardens
Food Options: Bryggian or Strikid
We stayed at Hotel Kea
Day 6 // Northwest Iceland + Reykjavik
Breakfast at the cafe in the art museum (yummm)
Drive from Akureyri to Fosslaug hot pot
*tip: it is right next to the waterfall just hidden behind it. Park in the waterfall parking lot and keep walking.
Drive from Fosslog to Hvitserkur
Drive from Hvitskur to Reykjavik (could also go straight to do Golden Circle depending on timing)
Day 7 // Reykjavik
Hrunalaug Waterfall
Hrunalaug natural hot pot
Lunch at Fridheimar
*make a reservation IN ADVANCE
Sky Lagoon (make a reservation ahead of time and definitely get the 7 step ritual)
Dinner: Monkeys
Day 8 // Depart
Explore Reyk in the morning
Depart Iceland
Reyk Restaurants:
Braud & co. sourdough bread
Baka baka bakery
Grill Market
Saeta svinid
Monkeys
Tips:
Get gas when you can! Towns are few and far between on the Ring Road
Almost everywhere took Apple pay - cash not necessary
Check google maps and look online for road closures depending on the weather
Bring waterproof jackets to the waterfalls - you will get wet!
Bring towels for hot pots if you can fit them
Bring Reusable water bottles
Hiking boots for almost everything because of rain, water and uneven terrain
Visit the western fjords if you have time! You could spend a whole week or two here.
Even though the guesthouses (basically bed & breakfasts along the ring road) seem like they are in the middle of nowhere, it is perfectly safe