Iceland Itinerary 7 Days – Your Complete Travel Guide

Iceland is a land of volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls. You can see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky, walk behind massive waterfalls, and soak in natural hot pools surrounded by snow.

This article provides a perfect Iceland itinerary 7 days designed for Indian tourists. We’ll show you the best natural wonders, help you navigate visa requirements, and keep your costs under control.

Suggested Read: Iceland Visa for Indians: Your Complete Guide

Your 7-Day Iceland Travel Plan

This Iceland 7 day travel plan covers Reykjavik’s highlights, the famous Golden Circle, the stunning South Coast, glacier lagoons, and geothermal spas. Daily costs average ₹15,000-20,000 (ISK 24,000-32,000) including activities, food, and transport.

Day	Areas	Main Attractions	Estimated Costs	Transport	Food Highlights
Day 1	Reykjavik	Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa, Sun Voyager	₹12,000 (ISK 19,200)	Airport transfer + Walking	101 Street Food, Sea Baron
Day 2	Golden Circle	Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss	₹18,000 (ISK 28,800)	Rental car	Fridheimar Greenhouse
Day 3	South Coast	Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara	₹16,000 (ISK 25,600)	Rental car	Sudur Vik
Day 4	East Region	Jokulsarlon, Skaftafell	₹22,000 (ISK 35,200)	Rental car	Hali Country Hotel
Day 5	Snaefellsnes	Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi	₹17,000 (ISK 27,200)	Rental car	Fjoruhusid Cafe
Day 6	Reykjavik	Whale watching, Perlan	₹25,000 (ISK 40,000)	Walking + Bus	Grillmarkadurinn
Day 7	Blue Lagoon	Geothermal spa, departure	₹20,000 (ISK 32,000)	Rental car	Blue Lagoon Cafe

Day 1 – Arrive in Reykjavik and City Exploration

Your 7 day trip to Iceland begins at Keflavik International Airport, the country’s main gateway. Most flights from India arrive in the afternoon after a journey of 14-20 hours with one or two stops.

Afternoon Activities

Landing at Keflavik, you’ll clear immigration with your Schengen visa in about 30-45 minutes. The airport is modern and efficient, with signs in English. Head to the baggage claim area where you’ll find currency exchange offices, though ATMs offer better rates.

Time	Activities	Key Info
15:00	Land at Keflavik Airport	Immigration takes 30-45 minutes
16:00	Collect bags and clear customs	Nothing to declare, usually
16:30	Pick up rental car	Blue Car Rental office in terminal
17:15	Drive to Reykjavik	45-minute journey, Route 41
18:00	Check into the hotel	Center Hotel Midgardur
18:30	Walk Laugavegur street	Main shopping area

Blue Car Rental charges about ₹7,000 (ISK 11,200) per day for a basic car with unlimited kilometers. The drive to Reykjavik takes you through black lava fields – keep an eye out for the famous Icelandic horses in fields along the way.

Evening Activities

After checking into your hotel (Center Hotel Midgardur costs ₹12,000 or ISK 19,200 per night), start exploring downtown Reykjavik. The city center is compact and walkable.

Walk up to Hallgrimskirkja church, visible from most parts of the city. This concrete church looks like a volcanic formation with its columnar design. Pay ₹800 (ISK 1,300) to take the elevator up the tower for panoramic views. The church stays open until 21:00 in summer.

From there, walk down colorful Skolavordustigur street toward the harbor area. Stop at:

• Sun Voyager sculpture – a steel Viking ship
• Harpa Concert Hall – geometric glass building
• Old Harbor – former fishing district now full of restaurants

Dinner at 101 Reykjavik Street Food serves authentic dishes in a casual setting. Their fish and chips cost ₹1,050 (ISK 1,650), while traditional meat soup goes for ₹1,100 (ISK 1,750). No reservations needed.

If visiting between September and April, consider a Northern Lights tour departing at 22:00. Tours cost ₹5,000 (ISK 8,000) with a free second attempt if the lights don’t appear.

Pro Tips:

• Download offline maps before arrival – data can be expensive
• Dress in layers – Reykjavik weather changes quickly
• Keep your camera ready – even city views are spectacular
• Many restaurants don’t take reservations for small groups

Suggested Read: Iceland with Kids: A Treasure Trove of Thrills for Families

Day 2 – Golden Circle Adventure

Today covers Iceland’s most popular tourist route. The Golden Circle includes three major attractions within easy reach of Reykjavik.

Morning Activities

Start early to beat the tour buses. After breakfast at your hotel (usually included), drive east on Route 36 to Thingvellir National Park.

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
07:30	Hotel breakfast	Scandinavian buffet style	Included
08:30	Drive to Thingvellir	45-minute scenic drive	₹500 (ISK 800) fuel
09:15	Walk Almannagja gorge	Between tectonic plates	Free entry
10:00	Visit Oxararfoss	Small waterfall	Free
10:30	Silfra fissure viewpoint	Clearest water in world	Free viewing
11:00	Drive to Geysir	60km, 1-hour journey	₹400 (ISK 640) fuel

Thingvellir holds special significance as the site of Iceland’s parliament from 930 AD. You can literally walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates here. The Almannagja gorge shows where the plates are pulling apart at 2cm per year.

The park offers multiple walking trails. The main path takes you past the Law Rock where Vikings gathered annually. Information panels explain the historical importance in English.

Afternoon Activities

Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, home to the original geyser that gave its name to all others. While the Great Geysir rarely erupts now, Strokkur shoots boiling water 20-30 meters high every 5-10 minutes.

Stop for lunch at Fridheimar Greenhouse, a tomato farm with a unique restaurant inside the greenhouse. Their tomato soup with homemade bread costs ₹1,650 (ISK 2,600).

After lunch, drive 10 minutes to Gullfoss waterfall. This powerful cascade drops 32 meters in two stages. Multiple viewing platforms let you see the falls from different angles. On sunny days, rainbows form in the mist.

Evening Activities

Return to Reykjavik by 17:00. For dinner, try Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron) near the harbor. This no-frills restaurant serves:

• Lobster soup: ₹825 (ISK 1,300) – their specialty
• Grilled fish skewers: ₹1,150 (ISK 1,800)
• Minke whale: ₹1,600 (ISK 2,500) – controversial choice

After dinner, options include:

• Northern Lights tour (if winter)
• Laugardalslaug geothermal pool (₹650 or ISK 1,000)
• Bar hopping on Laugavegur street

Pro Tips:

• Wear waterproof shoes for Thingvellir trails
• Bring a rain jacket – Gullfoss spray can soak you
• Fill up your gas tank before leaving Reykjavik
• Most sites have free parking, but limited spaces

Suggested Read: Iceland Visa Extension for Indian Tourists

Day 3 – South Coast Waterfalls and Black Beaches

Drive east along Route 1 to see some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes. The South Coast features powerful waterfalls, black sand beaches, and towering cliffs.

Morning Activities

Leave early to make the most of daylight, especially important in winter months. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall.

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
07:00	Quick hotel breakfast	Pack snacks too	Included
08:00	Drive to Seljalandsfoss	120km, 1hr 45min	₹1,000 (ISK 1,600) fuel
09:45	Seljalandsfoss waterfall	Walk behind the falls	Free
10:30	Gljufrabui waterfall	Hidden gem nearby	Free
11:00	Drive to Skogafoss	30-minute journey	₹300 (ISK 480) fuel
11:30	Skogafoss waterfall	Climb to the viewpoint	Free

Seljalandsfoss drops 60 meters from cliffs that once marked Iceland’s coastline. A path leads behind the waterfall – expect to get wet from the spray. Waterproof jacket and pants are essential.

Just 500 meters away, Gljufrabui hides inside a narrow canyon. You need to walk through shallow water or balance on rocks to reach it. Many tourists miss this hidden waterfall.

Skogafoss is equally tall but much more powerful. Climb 527 steps to the viewing platform for incredible views of the coast. On sunny days, you’ll see single or double rainbows in the spray.

Afternoon Activities

Lunch at Icelandic Fish & Chips near Skogafoss serves fresh seafood. Their fish and chips cost ₹1,400 (ISK 2,200) and come with flavored dipping sauces.

Continue to Dyrholaey promontory, a 120-meter-high cliff that was once an island. This nature reserve requires a small entry fee of ₹630 (ISK 1,000) but offers:

• Lighthouse with panoramic views
• Natural rock arch extending into the sea
• Puffin colonies from May to August
• Views of black sand beaches stretching for miles

Next, visit Reynisfjara black sand beach. This dramatic coastline features:

• Hexagonal basalt columns called Gardar
• Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean
• Powerful waves that can be dangerous
• Cave formations in the cliffs

Warning signs about sneaker waves are serious – people have died here. Stay well back from the water and never turn your back to the ocean.

Evening Activities

Check into your accommodation in Vik, a small village with about 300 residents. Despite its size, Vik has several good restaurants.

Dinner at Sudur Vik offers:

• Icelandic lamb: ₹1,900 (ISK 3,000)
• Arctic char: ₹1,700 (ISK 2,700)
• Vegetarian options: ₹1,400 (ISK 2,200)

After dinner, walk up to the church on the hill. This red-roofed church offers the best views of Vik and the black sand coastline. It’s also the evacuation point if the nearby volcano erupts.

Pro Tips:

• Bring a full change of clothes for waterfall visits
• Check tide times before visiting Reynisfjara
• Fill up gas in Vik – next stations are far away
• Download road.is app for condition updates

Suggested Read: Iceland Visa Rejection for Indians

Day 4 – Glacier Lagoon Day Trip

Today’s highlight is Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, one of Iceland’s most spectacular sights. The drive is long, so start early to catch the best light.

Morning Activities

Leave Vik before sunrise for the 195km drive to Jokulsarlon. The route passes through vast lava fields and crosses glacial rivers.

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
06:30	Leave Vik	Pack breakfast and snacks	–
09:15	Arrive Jokulsarlon	Glacier lagoon viewing	Free
09:30	Amphibian boat tour	30-minute tour	₹2,200 (ISK 3,500)
10:30	Diamond Beach	Ice on black sand	Free
11:30	Fjallsarlon lagoon	Quieter alternative	Free
12:00	Drive to Skaftafell	45-minute journey	₹600 (ISK 950) fuel

Jokulsarlon formed when Breidamerkurjokull glacier started retreating from the coast. Huge icebergs break off the glacier and float in the lagoon before drifting out to sea. The lagoon has grown four times larger since 1970.

The boat tour takes you close to the icebergs – some over 1,000 years old. Seals often swim alongside the boats. Book tickets online in advance during the summer months.

Across the road, Diamond Beach gets its name from ice chunks scattered on black sand. These crystal-clear ice pieces wash up after floating out of the lagoon. Perfect for photography – especially at sunrise or sunset.

Afternoon Activities

Drive to Skaftafell, part of Vatnajokull National Park. This area was a farm until repeated glacier floods made farming impossible.

Lunch at Hali Country Hotel serves traditional dishes:

• Plokkfiskur (fish stew): ₹1,400 (ISK 2,200)
• Lamb soup: ₹1,200 (ISK 1,900)
• Skyr cake: ₹500 (ISK 800)

The main attraction at Skaftafell is Svartifoss waterfall. The 3km round-trip hike takes 1.5-2 hours with moderate uphill sections. Svartifoss falls over black basalt columns that inspired the design of Hallgrimskirkja church.

Other activities in Skaftafell:

• Glacier walks (guided tours only)
• Visitor center with exhibitions
• Multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty
• Photography viewpoints of the glacier

Evening Activities

Return to Vik for your second night. The drive takes about 2.5 hours. If you time it right, you might see sunset over the glaciers.

Dinner options in Vik:

• Smidjan Brugghus (craft brewery): ₹1,600 (ISK 2,500)
• Halldorskaffi (casual dining): ₹1,300 (ISK 2,000)
• Hotel restaurants: ₹1,900 (ISK 3,000)

If conditions are good, try again for Northern Lights. Check the aurora forecast at vedur.is and cloud cover predictions.

Pro Tips:

• Book boat tours in advance for summer visits
• Bring binoculars to spot seals
• Watch for reindeer near the glacier lagoon
• Carry crampons if hiking on ice

Suggested Read: Iceland Visa Photo Requirements For Indian Tourists

Day 5 – Snaefellsnes Peninsula Journey

Drive to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything – volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields, and fishing villages.

Morning Activities

This is a long driving day – 380km from Vik to Snaefellsnes. Leave very early to maximize time on the peninsula.

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
06:30	Depart Vik	Take packed breakfast	–
11:30	Stop in Borgarnes	Refuel and stretch	₹2,500 (ISK 4,000) fuel
12:00	Continue to peninsula	1-hour drive	₹800 (ISK 1,300) fuel
13:00	Arrive Arnarstapi	Coastal village	Free parking
13:30	Coastal walk	Cliffs and arches	Free

The drive follows Route 1 west past Reykjavik, then north on Route 54. Borgarnes makes a good rest stop with gas stations and cafes.

Arnarstapi is a tiny fishing village with dramatic coastal scenery. Walk the 2.5km trail to Hellnar to see:

• Gatklettur arch rock – perfect for photos
• Basalt cliffs with nesting seabirds
• Small fishing boats in the harbor
• Traditional turf-roofed houses

Afternoon Activities

Have lunch at Fjoruhusid Cafe in Hellnar. This small cafe in a wooden building serves:

• Fish soup: ₹1,100 (ISK 1,750)
• Lamb sandwich: ₹900 (ISK 1,400)
• Homemade waffles: ₹400 (ISK 650)

Continue exploring the peninsula’s highlights:

1. Londrangar basalt cliffs – two 75-meter volcanic plugs rising from the sea
2. Djupalonssandur black pebble beach – test your strength with the lifting stones
3. Snaefellsjokull National Park – a glacier-capped volcano that inspired Jules Verne
4. Kirkjufell mountain – a most photographed mountain in Iceland

Each stop requires 20-30 minutes of driving between them. Most attractions are free, with occasional parking fees of ₹300 (ISK 500).

Evening Activities

Drive to Grundarfjordur for an overnight stay. This fishing town of 900 people sits below Kirkjufell mountain.

Dinner at your guesthouse restaurant typically offers:

• Fresh catch of the day: ₹2,200 (ISK 3,500)
• Vegetarian pasta: ₹1,600 (ISK 2,500)
• Local craft beer: ₹600 (ISK 950)

After dinner, photograph Kirkjufell at sunset. The mountain looks different from every angle. If you’re lucky, you might catch the Northern Lights behind it – a classic Iceland photo.

Pro Tips:

• This is the longest driving day – take turns if possible
• Pack lots of snacks and water
• Book Grundarfjordur accommodation well ahead
• Check wind forecasts – the peninsula can be very windy

Suggested Read: Is Iceland Safe to Visit? Everything You Need to Know

Day 6 – Whale Watching and Reykjavik Museums

Return to Reykjavik for marine wildlife watching and cultural experiences. Today balances outdoor adventure with indoor attractions.

Morning Activities

Drive back to Reykjavik early to join a whale watching tour from the Old Harbor. Several companies operate similar tours.

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
07:00	Hotel breakfast	Early start	Included
07:30	Drive to Reykjavik	185km, 2.5 hours	₹1,500 (ISK 2,400) fuel
10:00	Drop bags at hotel	Quick check-in	–
11:00	Whale watching tour	3-hour excursion	₹8,900 (ISK 14,000)
14:00	Lunch at Kaffivagninn	Harbor restaurant	₹2,200 (ISK 3,500)

Elding Adventures runs whale watching tours year-round from Reykjavik harbor. They provide:

• Warm overalls and raincoats
• Indoor heated areas on the boat
• Expert guides who speak English
• Free coffee and cinnamon buns

Common sightings include:

• Minke whales (most frequent)
• Humpback whales (seasonal)
• White-beaked dolphins
• Harbor porpoises
• Occasional orcas

The success rate is about 95% in summer, 80% in winter. If you don’t see whales, you get a free second trip.

Afternoon Activities

After the tour, have lunch at Kaffivagninn, Iceland’s oldest restaurant near the harbor:

• Traditional lamb soup: ₹2,200 (ISK 3,500)
• Pan-fried fish: ₹1,900 (ISK 3,000)
• Vegetable curry: ₹1,400 (ISK 2,200)

Visit the Perlan Museum in the afternoon. This dome-shaped building on a hill offers:

• Wonders of Iceland exhibition
• Real indoor ice cave at -10°C
• Northern Lights planetarium show
• 360-degree observation deck

Entry costs ₹2,450 (ISK 3,900) including all exhibitions. The ice cave requires warm clothes – they provide ponchos. Spend the late afternoon shopping on Laugavegur and Skolavordustigur streets. Popular items:

• Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa): ₹12,000-20,000
• Volcanic jewelry made from lava
• Local design products
• Outdoor gear and clothing

Evening Activities

For your final dinner, splurge at Grillmarkadurinn (The Grill Market):

• Tasting menu: ₹5,700 (ISK 9,000)
• Lamb fillet: ₹3,200 (ISK 5,000)
• Arctic char: ₹2,800 (ISK 4,500)
• Wine pairing: ₹3,800 (ISK 6,000)

The restaurant focuses on local ingredients cooked over open flames. Reservations essential – book several days ahead.

Evening entertainment options:

• Bar crawl on Laugavegur street
• Live music at Harpa Concert Hall
• Final Northern Lights tour attempt
• Relax at Sky Lagoon (city geothermal spa)

Pro Tips:

• Take seasickness medication before whale watching
• Bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing
• Use tax-free shopping for expensive items
• Keep receipts for VAT refund at airport

Suggested Read: How to Check Iceland Visa Status Online for Indians

Day 7 – Blue Lagoon and Departure

End your 1 week in Iceland itinerary with the country’s most famous attraction. The Blue Lagoon makes a perfect stop between Reykjavik and the airport.

Morning Activities

Check out early and drive to the Blue Lagoon. Pre-booking is essential – tickets sell out weeks in advance, especially in summer.

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
07:00	Hotel checkout	Pack everything	–
07:30	Drive to Blue Lagoon	45km, 50 minutes	₹600 (ISK 950) fuel
08:30	Blue Lagoon entry	Comfort package	₹6,300 (ISK 9,990)
11:30	Leave for airport	20-minute drive	₹200 (ISK 320) fuel
12:00	Return rental car	Allow 30 minutes	–

The Blue Lagoon’s milky-blue water stays at 37-39°C year-round. The geothermal seawater contains silica, algae, and minerals that are good for your skin.

Your Comfort package includes:

• Entrance to the lagoon
• Silica mud mask
• Use of towel
• One drink of your choice

The facilities include:

• Modern changing rooms with lockers
• Showers (mandatory before entering)
• In-water bar serving drinks
• Sauna and steam room
• Relaxation area with loungers

Apply conditioner to your hair before entering – the minerals can make your hair dry and brittle.

Airport Departure

Drive to Keflavik Airport and return your rental car. The process takes about 30 minutes:

1. Fill the tank at a nearby gas station
2. Park in the rental return area
3. Staff checks the car for damage
4. Get your deposit release paperwork

Inside the airport:

• Check in at airline counters
• Clear security (can be slow)
• Shop at duty-free (cheaper than Reykjavik)
• Exchange leftover kronur

Popular duty-free purchases:

• Icelandic chocolate and licorice
• Brennivín (local schnapps)
• Wool products
• Skincare items

Allow at least 2 hours for international flights. Your top 7 day itinerary for Iceland ends with memories of glaciers, volcanoes, and the magical Northern Lights.

Pro Tips:

• Remove all jewelry before the Blue Lagoon
• Buy alcohol at the duty-free if desired
• Keep some Kronur for airport food
• Save the Blue Lagoon wristband as a souvenir

Suggested Read: How to Book Iceland Visa Appointment

Addiotional Recommendations for Indian Tourists

Hotels

Luxury:

• Hotel Borg (Reykjavík) – From ₹28,000 (ISK 47,000) per night
• Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – From ₹22,000 (ISK 37,000) per night
• Ion Adventure Hotel (Nesjavellir) – From ₹30,000 (ISK 50,000) per night

Budget:

• Kex Hostel (Reykjavík) – From ₹4,000 (ISK 7,000) per night
• Hlemmur Square Hostel – From ₹4,500 (ISK 8,000) per night
• Guesthouse Aurora (Reykjavík) – From ₹6,000 (ISK 10,000) per night
• HI Hostels (countrywide) – From ₹3,500 (ISK 6,000) per night

Food

Luxury:

• Dill Restaurant (Reykjavík) – Michelin-starred, New Nordic cuisine
• Grillmarkaðurinn (Reykjavík) – Modern Icelandic grill
• Matur og Drykkur (Reykjavík) – Contemporary Icelandic

Casual:

• Icelandic Street Food (Reykjavík) – Lamb soup, fish stew
• Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – Famous hot dog stand
• Café Loki (Reykjavík) – Rye bread, fermented shark, local eats
• Kaffivagninn – Classic Icelandic diner

Street Food:

• Reykjavík Food Halls (Hlemmur Mathöll, Grandi Mathöll) – Local and global street eats
• Fish & chips stalls (Akureyri, coastal towns)
• Skyr (Icelandic yogurt) from grocery stores

Shopping

Electronics:

• Elko – Iceland’s main electronics chain
• Epli (Apple reseller) – Reykjavík

Fashion & Luxury:

• Laugavegur (Reykjavík) – Boutiques, Icelandic wool, design shops
• Kringlan Mall (Reykjavík) – Fashion, gifts

Local Markets:

• Kolaportið Flea Market (Reykjavík, weekends) – Souvenirs, vintage, food
• Farmers’ Markets (seasonal, Reykjavík) – Local produce, crafts

Suggested Read: 20 Compelling Reasons to Visit Iceland – Explore the Land of Fire and Ice

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FAQs

Is 7 days enough to explore Iceland?

Yes, seven days allows you to see Reykjavik, Golden Circle, South Coast highlights, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula. While more time would let you drive the complete Ring Road, this Iceland itinerary 7 days covers the main attractions efficiently.

What is the average daily cost for a 7 day itinerary in Iceland?

Budget ₹15,000-20,000 (ISK 24,000-32,000) daily for mid-range travel, including car rental, accommodation, meals, and activities. Luxury travelers might spend ₹35,000+ (ISK 56,000+) daily.

Which is the best month to visit Iceland?

June to August offers midnight sun and highland access. September to March provides Northern Lights viewing. May and September have fewer tourists with decent weather.

How much money to take to Iceland for 7 days?

Carry ₹105,000-140,000 (ISK 168,000-224,000) for a week, excluding accommodation and car rental. This covers meals, activities, fuel, and shopping. Credit cards work everywhere.

Which area of Iceland is best to stay in?

Reykjavik serves as the best base with the most amenities. For South Coast exploration, Vik offers a strategic location. Selfoss works well for Golden Circle visits.

Should I include the Westfjords in my itinerary?

With only 7 days, focus on the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The Westfjords need at least 3-4 extra days due to their remote location and difficult roads. Save them for a return trip when you can explore the best places to visit in Iceland in 7 days more thoroughly.