Firstly, welcome to my first ever blog post (YEY). Now let's get right to the subject of today: ICELAND.

You've probably heard it before, Iceland is one of the most remarkable countries to visit in both winter and summer. We went for the first time in January 2024 for a 7-day trip and even though we encountered some rain and cold weather, the unique landscapes of this nordic country just blew us away. Which is why I decided to share our 7 day itinerary packed with activities, tips, places to eat and sleep, as well as some unique secret spots.

Who should go? My initial reaction would be to say everyone, however I do believe some people might enjoy this country more than others. If you are a lover of nature and quiet environments; if you like to photograph landscapes; if you don't mind cold temperatures; if you aren't on a very limited budget; if you aren't really looking to party or if you love long drives on empty roads, this is definitely a place for you. One of the main defining factor will be your budget. Iceland is wonderful but is definitely expensive so not the ideal destination for individuals trying to have a cheap holiday. However, I have included tips along this post to help you make this holiday a little more affordable.

How to get there? Iceland is an island and therefore, the only way to get there is by plane or by boat.

By Plane ✈️
The main airport for international flights is the Keflavík International Airport (KEF). In most cases you will fly to this airport unless you are coming from Greenland or the Faroe Islands. Iceland also has airports in other regions mainly for domestic flights which include Akureyri Airport (AEY); Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS) and Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ).

By boat ⛴️
Alternatively you can take the boat to go to Iceland. This is usually good if you want to take your own car or van to travel across Iceland. All year round, ferries sail weekly from Denmark to Iceland via the Faroe Islands. If you want more information click on the name of the boat company: Smyril Line.

Must knows before your trip

Before I delve into the 7-day itinerary, here are some essential must knows that will definitely be useful along the way.

• Car rental: Unless you are coming by boat with your own car, the best way to get around Iceland is with a car. Cars in Iceland are very well-equipped for snowy and icy conditions, making them much better than your standard city car. We used Wheego by Zest Car and had a great experience with them, but there are numerous other companies such as Sixt or Hertz.
• Parking: Do be careful when parking your car around Iceland especially near tourist attractions and popular destinations. Most parkings have a fee and are very controlled, so unless you want to get a fine, I would strongly recommend to always buy your parking ticket. You can pay at a parking machine or via the parking app called: The Parka app.
• Making Iceland more affordable: Iceland is a very expensive destination and although it's worth every penny here are a few ways to make your trip more affordable.
  • Currency: Iceland uses the Icelandic Króna (1 pound = 175.13 ISK). I don't recommend using cash because exchange rates are usually quite high. This is because the Icelandic króna is usually traded internally. You will be happy to hear that Iceland is very card-friendly and you can pay by card anywhere (we didn't even go to a money exchange but used Monzo or Revolut instead).
  • Food shopping: You can really save money on food by buying in bulks from the grocery stores. The two most affordable ones are Bónus and Krónan. The latter one even has microwaves that you can use to heat up your food !
• Winter in Iceland: Winter in Iceland (October to April) can get very cold as temperatures range from -10 °C to 2 °C. Now the so-called "felt temperature" is even colder as you get cold gushes of wind and snow storms. That's why it's extremely important not to underestimate the cold and pack warm clothes. Be prepared for limited daylight as the sun only fully rises at around 11am in January. We didn't feel like this was a big issue as dawn starts at around 8am so you still have some light. Essentially it feels like a veeeeery slow sunrise.
• Winter essentials: Aside from warm clothes, another winter essential before leaving to Iceland are crampons. I've seen far too many people slip (including myself) thinking walking/snow boots are enough. Trust me, you need crampons because ICE IS EVERYWHERE. Funnily enough, the feeling of walking on ice in crampons is extremely satisfying. You can buy them from amazon here.
• People and language: Nearly everyone in Iceland speaks perfect English, in fact many residents aren't even from Iceland and have moved to the country for work. The population of Iceland is at around 380 000, so you will probably encounter more tourists than Icelanders.
• Safety: Iceland is extremely safe. It's so safe that people rarely lock their entrance doors. You can travel without a worry even with the most expensive gear.

The ideal 7-Day Itinerary

7 days is the perfect amount of days for a trip to Iceland. It leaves you enough time to see the main attractions and enjoy the natural beauty of the country. However, 7 days is still too short to do the full ring road (the ring road is the road that goes all around Iceland). That is why I recommend focusing on the north coast or the south coast.

Seeing as we travelled in the winter time, our 7-day itinerary focused on the south coast from Reykjavík to Höfn. I highly advise this route all time of year but especially in the winter as the road conditions tend to be much better than up north.

Day 1: Arrival, Reykjavík and Sky Lagoon

I recommend taking the earliest plane possible to make the most out of your first day.

After landing early in the morning, we went to pick up our car. This usually doesn't take very long as the car rentals are next to the airport and there are no queues early in the morning which is very convenient.

Reykjavík

After picking up our car we headed straight to the centre of Reykjavík. It is approximately a 45 minutes drive from the airport. As you will quickly notice, the capital is a stunning city with colourful houses in a Scandinavian design.

Everything is in walking distance so you can park your car and take a walk to the following spots:

• Hallgrímskirkja church: Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Iceland and is known for its imposing architecture. The outside contrasts beautifully with the inside Lutheran design. Definitely worth a look.

• Rainbow Street: After visiting the church head down the rainbow street towards the downtown of Reykjavík. The street was painted in a rainbow pattern to celebrate Reykjavík Gay Pride in 2015.
• Downtown Laugavegur: Laugavegur is the high street of Reykjavik known for its shops, restaurants and bars. On weekends, it's the liveliest place in the capital.
• Sun Voyager: This "dream-boat" steel sculpture (known as 'Sólfarið') sits by the sea and was created to commemorate the 200 years of Reykjavík.

Sky Lagoon

Reykjavik isn't a large city, so we had time to relax in the late afternoon and what better way to do that then by going to a geothermal spa. There are two main spas near Reykjavík: Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon. Both of these are geothermal spas so the water is naturally heated from the volcanos.

We decided to go for the Sky Lagoon and had the most wonderful and relaxing time. Sky Lagoon opened in 2021 and is not as busy as Blue Lagoon, making it very pleasant.

Highlights:

• The infinity pool! It has a stunning view of the sea. Head to the bar in the middle of the pool (you don't even have to exit the pool) and order a drink. Then go to the sauna, the view will make you feel like you are floating in the sky (probably where it got it's name from).
• If you like Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit, go to the Sky Lagoon. The surrounding made us feel like we were in the Shire.

Day 2: The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a famous route that can be done in a day and includes 3 major attractions :

• Thingvellir National Park
• Gullfoss Waterfall (alternatively Brúarárfoss)
• Geysir

DON'T FORGET: Wear your crampons during these attractions in the winter.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is located 47 kilometers (29 miles) east of Reykjavík and was our first stop.
I would recommend dedicating at least 2 hours to visit the park but you can definitely spend more.  The park has plenty to do including hikes, waterfalls and a lake. No wonder it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Centre in 2004.

Highlight: The hike to the Oxararfoss waterfall in the national park.

Brúarárfoss waterfall

Now on most blogs you will hear about the Gullfoss waterfall, however we decided to go off our route and explore the Brúarárfoss waterfall. Yes, it's a smaller but you can get much closer to the water and it's not as busy. We did end up also going to the Gullfoss waterfall, but I personally preferred the Brúarárfoss one.

If you're like me and you prefer less busy areas don't miss out on Brúarárfoss.

Be careful in the winter as the road can be icy (our car slipped a little oups).

Geysir

We wrapped up our second day by visiting Geysir - a geothermal field hot spring area known for its eruption of boiling water. Now you might think that an eruption of boiling water doesn't sound like your idea of fun, but don't worry it's entirely safe as long as you avoid touching the water. This stop was definitely one of my favourites and confirmed how wonderful mother-nature can be.

You'll probably notice a scent of rotten egg as you get out the car, and that means you are near the geysirs.

Day 3: Heading to Vík

On the third day we drove towards Vík, a town nestled along the northern shores of Iceland. We made multiple stops along the way, which really facilitated the drive.

Here are our top recommendations of things to do when going to Vík.

Keldur

Imagine a town straight out of a horror film. Frozen in time. It’s empty. It’s quiet. An unsettling feeling fills you as you enter the town. An empty church and cemetary stand in the middle of the town. The unique architecture of the turf houses adds to the surreal experience, almost as if they're watching you as you explore. The only sounds accompanying your footsteps are the caws of crows. Many are aware of the dark secrets that this place holds. If you too want to discover them and have a taste for cinematic environments, Keldur offers a truly unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next horror film, or you want to feel a slight thrill, head to Keldur.

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss

Following our spooky experience in Keldur, we went to see the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Make sure to wear a raincoat and consider keeping spare clothes in the car, especially if you plan to get up close. I suggest setting aside 2-3 hours to fully appreciate both waterfalls. There are also options to hike and walk around, so you will definitely have plenty to do around the area.

Lava Show (optional)

Vík (and Iceland in general) has many lava shows seeing as the country has over 130 active and dormant volcanoes. We decided to go attend one of the lava shows that recreates a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava. If you're seeking an informative and captivating activity, I highly recommend it. Additionally, the show is followed by discussions about recent eruptions, the associated risks, and the potential impact on communities and infrastructure."

Day 4: Sólheimajökull and Black Sand beach

Sólheimajökull

Iceland is not only known for its volcanoes but also for its breathtaking glaciers. We woke up early to drive to the Sólheimajökull glacier for our 3-hour hike. The activity was organised by Tröll Expeditions. The glacier is located 30 minutes from Vík and beneath its thick surface is the Katla volcano, which is why the glacier is covered in black ash. The volcano is actually due to erupt very soon but it's being closely monitored so it's perfectly safe.

Make sure to wear hiking boots and ski pants for the hike. The rest of the gear including crampons, a helmet and the ice hammer will be provided by the organisation. The guide will take you to discover the different areas of the glacier including glacial tunnels, crevasses and caves and it's a great opportunity to ask any questions about the volcanoes and glaciers in Iceland. The tours are in English.

Don't miss out on this experience, especially as these may be the last few years the glacier is accessible. Due to climate change, Sólheimajökull is melting at an alarming rate (about 60 meters annually) and may become inaccessible in the next decade.

Black Sand Beach

In the afternoon visit the Black Sand beach also known as Reynisfjara beach, distinguished by its colour.The beach has black sand from the volcanic ash and dark rock formations.

You can take a walk on the beach but I advise against swimming in the water due to the strong waves and dangerous currents.

Day 5: Heading Höfn

On the fifth day, our goal was to reach our final destination Höfn before heading back to Reykjavík. Located at the very East of Iceland, Höfn is close to many incredible attractions that we wanted to discover. Before we left Vík, there were still two more places we wanted to see.

Dyrholaey

Dyrholaey, which translates to "Door Hill Island" in Icelandic, is a small peninsula with panoramic views. It's mainly known for its large arch of volcanic rock in the sea. However, it's also a popular destination amongst bird watchers, as there are opportunities to see a range of species such as puffins, fulmars, and guillemots.

Check the weather before heading there as it can be very windy and there could be floods on the road.

Quad Bikes (optional)

We had initially booked snowmobiles but due to the lack of snow we had to cancel and opted for quad bikes instead. The ride started with a short safety briefing on how to operate the ATVs. We then headed to the black sand plains of Sólheimasandur and its desert-like landscapes. We then made a stop at the famous DC3 plane that crashed on the sands in 1973.

The activity lasted around 2 hours and was great fun for non-snowy conditions. Our guide was very friendly and chatty and even let us do a couple quad drifts and tricks, for those seeking a little more adrenaline.

Following our activity we left straight to Höfn. The drive can be a little monotonous by night, but we had a great Spotify playlist to keep us going.

Day 6: Hidden glacier and more wonders

On the sixth day, we decided to explore the different wonders around Höfn.

Hidden winter glacier

Glaciers in Iceland are usually packed with people, and it's no wonder – their beauty is truly breathtaking. Like many others, we decided to journey to Jökulsárlón, one of the most stunning glaciers along the south coast.

While driving, we decided to take an unexpected route, drawn by a mountain we had noticed from afar. The concrete road quickly transformed into an earthy, soil path with icy patches. We decided to keep going, curious of what we could find. After a 10 minute drive, we reached a tiny parking. Stepping out of the car, we discovered the most stunning glacier and to our delight, we were the only visitors, as the spot is only frequented in the summer for kayaking activities. We watched the most breathtaking sunrise!

We think that in the summer/spring this place might get busier but in the winter it is completely empty.

Now, you might be wondering, "How can I find this spot?". Well, I've managed to pinpoint its location on a map.

Type into google maps "Ice Guide Kayaking Heinabergsión" and follow the route towards the location.

You'll notice that the route might not be indicated and you need to take a right turn on an unpaved dirt road. Don't worry, that means you are headed in the right direction! Just keep going until you find a small parking.

Jökulsárlón and Diamond beach

Following our morning off-road adventure, we decided to drive to the most famous glacier lagoon: Jökulsárlón. It is famous for its large lake filled with floating icebergs due to the melting of the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier.

Make sure to look out for grey seals that may be relaxing on the floating ice.

You can easily walk to Diamond beach as it is only a few metres from Jökulsárlón. Its name comes from the diamond shaped icebergs that wash out on the beach from the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. Although these two are beautiful sites, their rapid expansion is due to climate change.

Hofskirkja church

As we headed back towards Reykjavík, we made a small stop by one of the most intriguing churches I have ever seen. This turf church astonished us by its roof (one of its most distinctive features). The roof is covered with a layer of grass and moss helping it to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings.

Day 7: Kerið and natural hot springs

Kerið

On our last day, we decided to go see the remaining attractions near Reykjavík. This included Kerið (also known as Kerid), a stunning volcanic crater lake.

It's around 1-2km to go all around the crater and parking fee is at 500 ISK.

Natural hot springs

We wanted to end our ideal week by experiencing a natural hot spring. While human-made springs like Sky and Blue Lagoon are wonderful, there is a unique beauty in immersing yourself in a warm river in the wild. And natural hot springs are FREE !

We decided to go to Reykjadalur Valley Hot Springs. Now, I must warn you, this requires a 40-60 minutes hike up a steep mountain, but I always say "High effort, high reward".

The hike starts from the parking lot of a restaurant called Dalakaffi. They'll have a map inside the restaurant that you can take with you, but the route is very straightforward as once you cross a small bridge it's always straight up from there.

The hike itself is absolutely stunning and you will see many geysers along the way (do not touch them as they are boiling hot!). You'll soon arrive to a wooden man-made construction and that should indicate you the entry. I would recommend going higher up, as the higher you go the warmer the water will be. It's one of the most liberating feeling, even though you do have to be brave enough to change in the cold, but the warm water will soon bring you comfort.

Don't forget to take some water, a towel and a warm hat!

Northern Lights

On our last night, we knew it was our last opportunity to catch the northern lights. We spent half the night chasing them and finally managed to see them dancing in the sky.

If you are in Iceland during the winter season, Northern Lights will be an essential part of your tip. Of course, seeing them isn't always easy and can depend on the weather and location so check out my blog post here to read all the advice on catching the northern lights in Iceland.

Horse riding (optional)

If you have some additional time and if your budget allows it, consider booking a horse riding tour. Icelandic horses are a friendly and wonderful breed making them ideal for beginners. The tour might not be as fun for more advanced riders who would rather gallop through the Icelandic countryside.

As you can see Iceland has so much to offer that even 7 days is not enough to discover the whole country ! I will definitely be going back and I hope this post was helpful to you.

I would love to hear from you as I embark on this blogging journey, so don't hesitate to connect with me on my social media or to leave a comment below 🤗