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

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