Reykjavik Iceland 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Reykjavik

Morning

  • Arrive in Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland
  • Check-in to your accommodation:
    • Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Fron or similar (centrally located and comfortable)
    • Hostel Recommendation: Reykjavik Hostel 101 or similar (budget-friendly and social)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Hallgrimskirkja Church (free admission), a iconic landmark and great spot for panoramic views of the city
  • Explore the Laugavegur Shopping Street, lined with unique boutiques, cafes, and restaurants
  • Stop by the Reykjavik Harbour, where you can take in the sea views and maybe even spot some whales or dolphins

Evening

  • Dine at Fishmarket (try their famous fish soup) or Lamb Street Food (for delicious lamb-based dishes)
  • Enjoy a drink at MicroBar (features a vast selection of Icelandic beers)

Things to Know

  • Reykjavik is a very walkable city, but you can also use the Reykjavik Bus System ( Straeto ) if needed
  • Be prepared for unpredictable weather; pack layers and waterproof gear
  • Icelanders take their language seriously; try to learn some basic Icelandic phrases (e.g., “Halló” for hello)

Day 2: Golden Circle and Geothermal Spa

Morning

  • Take a guided Golden Circle Tour (~ISK 12,000 / ~$90 USD) which covers:
    • Þingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
    • Geysir Geothermal Area (watch Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes)
    • Gullfoss Waterfall (an breathtaking, glacier-fed waterfall)

Afternoon

  • Relax at the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Spa (~ISK 3,500 / ~$25 USD), a serene oasis surrounded by nature
  • Alternatively, visit the Icelandic Horse Farm (learn about and interact with these majestic creatures)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Coocoo’s Nest (offers Icelandic cuisine with a twist) or Bæjarins Beztu (try their famous hot dogs)
  • Explore the Reykjavik Nightlife, with many bars and clubs concentrated on Laugavegur Street

Tips

  • Book your Golden Circle Tour in advance to ensure availability
  • Pack snacks and water for the tour, as options may be limited
  • Be respectful of Iceland’s unique nature; follow all guidelines and rules at the geothermal spa and national park

Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Morning

  • Take a guided Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour (~ISK 15,000 / ~$110 USD), which covers:
    • Arnarstapi Village (charming coastal town with stunning views)
    • Hellnar Arch (a unique natural rock formation)
    • Djúpalónssandur Beach (black sand beach with picturesque views)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Snæfellsjökull National Park, featuring a glacier-capped volcano
  • Stop by the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum (learn about Iceland’s shark fishing history)

Evening

  • Dine at Foss Hotel Restaurant (offers Icelandic cuisine with a focus on local ingredients)
  • Return to Reykjavik in the evening and enjoy some relaxation time

Things to Know

  • The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is known for its diverse landscapes and unique geological features
  • Be prepared for a longer day of driving and sightseeing (~10 hours)

Day 4: Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes Peninsula

Morning

  • Visit the Blue Lagoon (pre-book your tickets, ~ISK 6,000 / ~$45 USD), a famous geothermal spa surrounded by lava fields
  • Take some time to relax and enjoy the lagoon’s silica mud masks and massage options

Afternoon

  • Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, featuring:
    • Garður Lighthouse (stunning views of the surrounding landscape)
    • Bridge Between Two Continents (a unique geological feature)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Lava Restaurant (located within the Blue Lagoon complex, offering Icelandic cuisine with a focus on seafood)
  • Return to Reykjavik in the evening and enjoy some relaxation time

Tips

  • Book your Blue Lagoon tickets well in advance, as it’s a popular attraction
  • Consider adding a massage or other spa treatment to your Blue Lagoon experience

Day 5: Whale Watching and Seafood

Morning

  • Take a guided Whale Watching Tour (~ISK 10,000 / ~$75 USD), departing from Reykjavik Harbour
  • Spot various whale species, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural habitat

Afternoon

  • Visit the Reykjavik Maritime Museum (learn about Iceland’s rich maritime history)
  • Explore the Grandi Harbour Area, featuring a vibrant atmosphere and seafood restaurants

Evening

  • Enjoy fresh seafood at The Seafood Cellar or Fisherman’s Favorite
  • Relax with a drink at The Whiskey Bar (features an extensive selection of whiskeys)

Things to Know

  • Whale watching tours are subject to weather conditions; be prepared for possible cancellations
  • Reykjavik is known for its seafood, so be sure to try some during your stay

Day 6: South Coast Adventure

Morning

  • Take a guided South Coast Tour (~ISK 18,000 / ~$130 USD), which covers:
    • Skógafoss Waterfall (a breathtaking, glacier-fed waterfall)
    • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (stunning coastal views and unique rock formations)
    • Skaftafell National Park (a beautiful park featuring glaciers, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Vík Village, a charming coastal town with stunning views
  • Stop by the Dyrhólaey Arch, a unique natural rock formation

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Höfn Restaurant (offers Icelandic cuisine with a focus on local ingredients)
  • Return to Reykjavik in the evening and enjoy some relaxation time

Tips

  • Be prepared for a longer day of driving and sightseeing (~12 hours)
  • Pack snacks and water, as options may be limited during the tour

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring Reykjavik’s charming streets
  • Depart for Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and your return journey home

Things to Know

  • Check the weather forecast before departing, as it may impact your travel plans
  • Consider purchasing a Reykjavik City Card (~ISK 2,000 / ~$15 USD), which grants access to various attractions and public transportation