Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice in 1-week: The Ultimate Guide
Iceland has always captivated us. With Sara's dad being a geology teacher, his love for rocks and all things geology really rubbed off on her. So naturally, this was high on our bucket list. After reading through our guide, you'll be an expert on all things Iceland and ready to add all the main points of interest to your own Google Maps.
This is a 7-day itinerary, but if you can stretch your trip to 14 days, we'd recommend it! You'll be able to take your time and truly soak in the beauty of this amazing country.
So, let's start!
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Time of the Year?
We were hunting for the Northern Lights, so we chose to go from September 29th to October 6th. The best time to see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland is between September and April, with September, October, February, and March being the prime months. But remember, Icelandic weather is a bit like a mood ring—always changing. So, cloud cover might dampen your chances of catching the lights.
Here is how we prepared and how you can too!
Aurora Hunting Tips:
Check the Aurora Forecast daily—it's surprisingly accurate.
If you get a green light (literally), find high ground with clear skies for the best chance to see the lights.
Renting a Car: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely! Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace. While it may cost more upfront, it's cheaper than taking multiple paid tours. Plus, there's only one main road around the island, so it's pretty hard to get lost. Just watch out for those off-the-beaten-path dirt roads—go slow, and if you can rent a 4x4, even better!
Car rental prices in Iceland typically range from 60 to 100€ per day, depending on the season and the type of vehicle you choose.
Budget
Our trip from Portugal cost about 1900€ per person for flights, accommodation with breakfast, and car rental. Add in tours, gas, and food, and the total came to around 2400-2600€ per person. Iceland is expensive, so we suggest sticking to supermarkets for meals, except for one splurge on local cuisine. And yes, the Blue Lagoon ticket is pricey, but it's a must-do!
Travel Essentials and Preparation
September brought a lot of rain, so come prepared:
Waterproof clothing: Essential! Iceland is cold and wet, so waterproof boots, trousers, and a durable coat are must-haves.
Reusable bottle: Save money by refilling at breakfast or from the tap.
Tripod: If you're serious about capturing the Aurora, you'll need one.
Gloves and beanies: Icelandic winds can be unforgiving.
Revolut: Handy for currency conversion with minimal fees.
Map out gas stations and supermarkets: N1 and Orkan are your best bets along the way.
Important Tips:
Fuel up whenever you can: Gas stations can be few and far between.
Respect nature: Iceland’s landscapes are fragile, so stick to the paths and leave no trace.
Keep an eye on the weather: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so check forecasts regularly.
Pre-booked Tours and Experiences
Iceland offers some unforgettable experiences, and while many of its wonders are free to explore, a few unique adventures are definitely worth the money. Here are some pre-booked tours and experiences that you should consider:
In Húsavík:
Geosea - Geothermal Sea Baths:
Cost: ~€40 per person
You can soak in warm waters while gazing out over the ocean—if you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale or two.Pro tip: Book a slot at sunrise or sunset for some truly magical vibes.
Gentle Giants - Húsavík Whale Watching:
Cost: ~€80 per person (3 hours)
Húsavík is the whale-watching capital of Iceland, and this tour gives you a solid chance to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Just remember, the whales are on their own schedule, so sightings aren’t guaranteed.
In Reykjavik:
Blue Lagoon:
Cost: ~€100 per person (1 hour)
This is the most famous geothermal spa in Iceland, and it’s worth every penny. Soak in the milky-blue waters (and take some amazing pics) and feel your worries melt away. Sure, it’s a bit touristy and pricey, but hey, you’re in Iceland—why not?
In National Vatnajökull Park:
Glacier Hiking and Ice Cave Exploring:
Cost: ~€150 per person (3 hours)
If you have extra days, exploring the ice caves and glaciers is worth it. Don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure—and maybe an extra layer or two though.
The Volcano:
Volcano Hiking:
Cost: ~€100-€110 per person (7 hours)
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking on a volcano, this guided hike will make that dream come true. You’ll trek through lava fields and up to the crater, feeling the earth’s power beneath your feet. It’s a hard hike, but the views (and bragging rights) are totally worth it.Helicopter Tours:
Cost: ~€500 per person
If you don’t want to hike and have a lot of money to spare, a helicopter tour will give you a bird’s-eye view of the volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and maybe even an erupting volcano if you’re lucky.
Itinerary
Brace yourselves—this is a whirlwind tour of Iceland! We rented a car, so we covered a lot of ground. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of our trip:
Day 1: Reykjavik
We landed, picked up our car, and stayed at the Fosshotel Rauðará (You can expect around 130€ per night here). Reykjavik is a charmingly small capital, so it’s perfect for a quick exploration.
Hallgrímskirkja: Iceland’s tallest church, and it looks like it was plucked straight from a sci-fi movie. Whether you’re into architecture or just want an epic view of Reykjavik, this is the spot.
Rainbow Street: This vibrant street bursts with color and pride, symbolizing diversity and inclusion. Plus, it leads straight to Hallgrímskirkja, so you get double the fun in one stroll!
Sun Voyager: A steel sculpture that resembles a Viking ship set sail for adventure. It’s the perfect backdrop for those epic ‘I’m on a journey’ Instagram shots.
Tjörnin: A peaceful city pond that’s ideal for a laid-back stroll. Feed the ducks, snap some pics, and enjoy a bit of serenity in the city.
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre: This glass building is a must-see, even if you’re not a music enthusiast. It’s like Reykjavik’s own crystal palace, with shows and performances to match.
Perlan: This museum, with a rotating glass dome, offers panoramic views of the city. It’s like having Reykjavik at your feet, with some cool exhibits thrown in for good measure.
Sky Lagoon: A newer geothermal spa that’s all about soaking away your stress. It’s the perfect way to end your day, with stunning views and warm waters that will have you feeling like you’re in paradise. You can prebook the tickets here as well but might want to choose the Blue Lagoon instead.
Day 2: Reykjavik to Reykholt
From Reykjavik, we drove to the Fosshotel Reykholt (Expect around 120€ per night for this hotel), taking our time to explore some jaw-dropping natural wonders along the way. Think hidden waterfalls, lava fields, and those endless Icelandic landscapes that make you feel like you’re on another planet. Every turn was a new adventure!
On the way, these are the main points of interest we explored—each one more epic than the last:
Ytri Tunga Beach: Known for its playful seals. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready because these little guys love to pop up when you least expect it.
Búðakirkja: A lonely black church that’s incredibly photogenic. It's like it was dropped straight from a gothic novel, perfect for those moody Instagram shots.
Bjarnarfoss: A beautiful waterfall that’s often overlooked—don’t drive by without stopping. It's the kind of place where you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem.
Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge: A narrow gorge that you can hike into if you’re up for an adventure. It’s a bit of a squeeze, but totally worth it for the cool, secretive vibe inside.
Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint: Breathtaking cliffs, and a chance to stretch your legs while you marvel at the dramatic ocean views. The sea breeze here will definitely wake you up so make sure you bring your windbreaker!
Lóndrangar View Point: Two towering rock formations that were probably trolls in a past life. Seriously, these eerie rocks have "mythical Icelandic creatures" written all over them.
Malarrif Lighthouse: A white lighthouse with panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. It’s the perfect spot for some peaceful reflection or just pretending you’re in a dramatic movie scene.
Vatnshellir Cave: A lava tube that feels like an alien world. It’s dark, it’s eerie, and it’s absolutely fascinating.
Djúpalónssandur Beach: A black sand beach with eerie remnants of a shipwreck. The contrast between the dark sands and the ocean waves makes for a beautiful scenery.
Saxhóll Crater: Climb this extinct volcano for great views and bragging rights. It’s a short hike, but the panoramic views from the top make it feel like you’re on top of the world (you can even scream it).
Svörtuloft Lighthouse: A vibrant orange lighthouse that contrasts with the rugged landscape. It’s as if someone took a highlighter to the Icelandic coast.
Skarðsvík Beach: A rare golden sand beach, because Iceland likes to keep you guessing. It’s a weird and wonderful contrast to the black sand beaches, showing off Iceland’s unpredictable nature.
Svöðufoss: A hidden waterfall that’s worth the detour. Tucked away from the main road, it’s the kind of spot that feels like your own little secret.
Kirkjufellsfossar: The iconic waterfall with Kirkjufell mountain in the background. You’ve probably seen this spot-on postcards and screensaver—it’s a must-stop for the perfect photo op. You might recognize this one from Game of Thrones!
Berserkjahraun: A lava field with a name that literally means “Berserker’s lava”—so metal and hardcore.
Day 3: Reykholt to Húsavík
As we made our way to Fosshotel Húsavík (expect around 140€ per night here) —yes, that Húsavík, the town from Will Ferrell's Eurovision movie—we stumbled upon some incredible hidden gems along the route. We recommend waking up early for this one because there's a lot of ground to cover between these amazing spots:
Eiríksstaðir - Viking Longhouse: A reconstructed Viking homestead that really takes you back in time and makes you wonder.
Kolugljúfur Canyon: A canyon with a waterfall that’s off the tourist trail and that you can’t miss!
Borgarvirki: A natural fortress with Viking history—because Iceland was hardcore like that.
Hvitserkur: A 15-meter high sea stack that looks like a dragon drinking from the sea. This one is one of our favorites and definitely worth the drive.
Þingeyraklausturskirkja: A charming stone church in a remote setting, but then again, what isn’t remote in Iceland?
Reykjafoss: A beautiful, secluded waterfall—perfect for those who like their nature served peaceful.
Víðimýrarkirkja: A historic turf church, one of the few remaining in Iceland.
Glaumbær Farm & Museum: A preserved turf house farm that shows how Icelanders lived back in the day. It really makes you wonder how different things were back then.
Grafarkirkja: The oldest church in Iceland, dating back to the 17th century.
Tröllaskagi: The “Troll Peninsula,” with stunning fjords and mountains.
Akureyri: A beautiful small town with a real Christmas vibe to it!
Akureyri Botanical Garden: A surprisingly lush garden, considering Iceland’s weather. It has a little café where you can sip on a warm coffee and contemplate the plants and trees.
Christmas House: A Christmas-themed shop open year-round. We went crazy here, specially since Christmas is Vasco’s favorite time of the year, so if you are a Christmas lover don’t miss this one.
Svalbarðseyri Lighthouse: A red-and-white lighthouse with panoramic ocean views.
Húsavík: A charming fishing town known for its whale-watching tours and a certain Eurovision song. We would recommend eating at the Gamli restaurant to try some local delicacies (prepare for a big bill though).
Day 4: Húsavík to the Eastfjords
On Day 4 of our Icelandic adventure, we embarked on a scenic drive from the charming town of Húsavík to the rugged beauty of the Eastfjords, with a stay at the Fosshotel Fáskrúðsfjörður (expect around 260€ per night here), where we were lucky enough to witness the northern lights (FINALLY).
Hólkotstjörn: Our first stop was at this lesser-known lake, where the calm waters reflected the surrounding mountains. It was a peaceful spot to stretch our legs and take in the tranquility of Iceland’s untouched nature.
Goðafoss Waterfall: Known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," Goðafoss is a majestic sight. We took some time to explore the area, capturing photos from different vantage points, which we definitely recommend!
Skútustaðir: Next, we visited Skútustaðir, an area known for its unique craters formed by volcanic activity (and a lot of fluffy sheeps).
Dimmuborgir: Translating to "Dark Castles," Dimmuborgir is a surreal landscape of lava formations that resemble a crumbling fortress. We wandered through the maze of lava pillars and caves and recommend doing the same.
Grjótagjá Cave: This small lava cave, famous for its geothermal hot spring, was our next stop. The cave gained fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones, so you might recognize it!
Myvatn Geothermal Area: The Myvatn region is a geothermal wonderland, and we spent time exploring its bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and surreal landscapes.
Hverir: Hverir, near Myvatn, is an area of intense geothermal activity, with boiling mud pools and hissing fumaroles. It really feels like you are walking on Mars!
Dettifoss: Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss is an absolute wonder. The sheer force of the water plunging into the canyon below left us in complete awe. Take a moment to absorb the raw power and beauty of this incredible waterfall because the photos really don’t do it justice.
Stuðlagil Canyon: As we made our way east, we stopped at Stuðlagil Canyon, famous for its towering basalt columns and turquoise waters. This is probably one of the most well known places in Iceland as well.
Fremsta-Rjúkandi: A final stop before reaching our destination, Fremsta-Rjúkandi is a beautiful waterfall located right by the Ring Road. It’s less visited, so make sure you come here before heading into the Eastfjords.
Fáskrúðsfjörður: We arrived at Fosshotel Fáskrúðsfjörður in the evening, just in time to settle in and relax. That night, we were treated to one of nature’s most spectacular shows—the northern lights dancing across the sky, a magical end to an incredible day (Bring your tripods!!).
Day 5: From Fáskrúðsfjörður to Fosshótel Núpar
On Day 5, we continued our journey from the charming Fáskrúðsfjörður to Fosshótel Núpar (around 200€ per night) , weaving our way through Iceland’s Eastfjords and South Coast. This day was packed with dramatic landscapes, and just enough surprises to keep us on our toes.
Hafnarnesviti: Our first stop was Hafnarnesviti, a lonely lighthouse perched on the edge of the fjord. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like the last human on Earth. We admired the rugged coastline and wondered if the lighthouse keeper had the best or the loneliest job in the world. Either way, the views were unbeatable.
Saxa Viewpoint: Next, we made a quick pit stop at Saxa, a spot where the waves crash into a narrow crevice, shooting water up like a geyser. Nature’s own water show—who needs theme parks when you have Iceland’s coastline?
Petra's Stone Collection: A slight detour led us to Petra’s Stone Collection, an unexpected museum dedicated to one woman’s lifelong obsession with rocks. Petra apparently collected more stones than we’ve had hot dinners in Iceland, and the result is a garden and house full of minerals. We spent a good hour here, partly because it was fascinating and partly because we couldn’t decide if this was the most charming or the most eccentric place we’d ever seen.
Bird Watching House: Next, we visited a bird-watching house, because no trip to Iceland is complete without a bit of avian stalking. Armed with binoculars, we tried to look serious about identifying species but mostly ended up pointing at random birds and nodding knowingly. “Look, it’s a... bird!”—we’re practically experts now (sorry to Sara’s dad).
Kambaskriður: As we continued driving, we made a stop at Kambaskriður, a stunning viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding fjords. This was one of those “let’s just take a quick look” stops that turned into a photo session worthy of a magazine cover. Seriously, Iceland, stop being so photogenic!
Breiđalsvegur Beach: Breiđalsvegur Beach was our next stop, where we took a stroll on the black sand and tried not to get our shoes too wet. Easier said than done. The ocean has a way of sneaking up on you, but at least it provided a good laugh. Just be careful with those massive waves cause they can creep up on you.
Green Rock: We stopped at the so-called "Green Rock," a large boulder covered in moss that was strangely captivating. Who knew a rock could be such a hit on our itinerary? We debated starting our own rock collection, but Petra’s already got that market cornered.
Austurland: Driving through the Austurland region, it’s just the endless beauty of the fjords and valleys. Each turn in the road brought new views that had us reaching for our camera yet again. Iceland: 1, camera battery: 0.
Folaldafoss: A waterfall nestled in a rocky gorge, was another highlight. It’s not as famous as some of Iceland’s bigger falls, but that just means fewer crowds and more time to enjoy it. Plus, we got to say “Folaldafoss” a bunch of times, which is fun in itself.
Hænubrekkufoss Waterfall: Not to be outdone, Hænubrekkufoss waterfall was next. With a name like that, you know it’s got to be good.
Fauskasandur: We then visited Fauskasandur, a black sand desert that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie (again). It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see a spaceship land, but we settled for just some epic photos instead.
Tófuhorn: Tófuhorn, a unique rock formation, was our next stop. Its unusual shape made for a quick but memorable visit. We spent a few moments thinking about how nature can create such bizarre and wonderful shapes but reached no conclusion.
Skútafoss: The journey continued to Skútafoss, another beautiful waterfall tucked away in the landscape. By now, we were getting pretty good at the whole “stare in awe at waterfall” thing, but Skútafoss still managed to impress us.
Hornafjörður: We were greeted by stunning views of the glacier-capped mountains and the waters of the fjord. It’s one of those places where you just have to stop, take a deep breath, and soak it all in.
Jökulsárlón: Finally, we reached the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift in the water. It’s one of the most surreal and beautiful places in Iceland. We spent some time wandering along the shore, marveling at the ice sculptures nature had created. We also visited the nearby Diamond Beach, where ice chunks washed ashore sparkle like jewels on the black sand—a photographer’s dream.
Hnappavellir: On our way to the hotel, we made a quick stop at Hnappavellir, known for its cliffs and a popular spot for climbers. While we didn’t do any climbing ourselves, we admired the impressive rock faces and made a mental note to maybe return someday with climbing gear (maybe…).
Háalda: The drive took us past Háalda, a lava fields that seemed to go on forever.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier: Our final stop of the day was Svínafellsjökull Glacier, a tongue of ice stretching down from the larger Vatnajökull glacier. The glacier’s blue ice made for an inspiring sight.
Day 6: From Fosshótel Núpar to Fosshótel Hekla
Our adventure continued from the captivating landscapes around Vatnajökull National Park to the serene surroundings of Fosshótel Hekla (alternatively you have Heima Holiday Homes, since this Fosshotel is not taking new reservations and you can expect around 260 per night). We couldn’t resist an early start, knowing that today’s itinerary was filled with some of Iceland’s most iconic sights. The route from the Eastfjords to Fosshótel Núpar had already set the bar high, but this leg of the journey promised to be just as unforgettable. Here are the highlights of Day 6:
Foss á Síðu: Our first stop was Foss á Síðu, a waterfall that seems to spill effortlessly off the side of a cliff. It’s one of those charming spots where you can almost imagine elves and trolls hiding just out of sight—if you believe in that sort of thing, of course.
Hildishaugur: Supposedly, it’s the final resting place of an ancient Viking chief.
Fjaðrárgljúfur: A dramatic canyon carved by glacial meltwater. We took a walk along the edge, snapping photos that barely did justice to the beauty before us.
Skáfta: Our journey continued along the Skáfta River, which we followed for a while, admiring the ever-changing landscape.
Álftaversgígar: A collection of craters that hinted at the island’s volcanic past. It’s not every day you get to casually stroll around craters, but in Iceland, it seems almost normal.
Gígjagjá: A lava cave also known as the “Yoda Cave” for its resemblance to the character. We half-expected Yoda himself to appear and offer some advice, but instead, we just enjoyed the cool interior of this natural beauty.
Black Sand Beach Reynisfjara: Where the towering basalt columns and crashing waves created a scene straight out of a movie. We braved the chilly winds to explore the beach, trying our best not to get too close to the waves that have a reputation for being a bit too friendly with visitors.
Solheimasandur: A bit of a walk led us to the famous Solheimasandur plane wreck, a U.S. Navy aircraft that crash-landed on the black sand in 1973. The eerie remains of the plane against the desolate backdrop made for some striking photos. If you prefer not walking, since it’s a bit of a stretch, there is a truck that takes you there and back (it can take an hour or more to get there).
Skógafoss: Continuing our waterfall tour, we arrived at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Its sheer power and beauty left us speechless (and a little wet from the mist, so take care with all your photo gear).
Mia's Country Van: After all that adventure, we were more than ready for a food break. Mia’s Country Van was a delightful find, serving up some of the best fish and chips we’ve ever had. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out—perfect for an Icelandic road trip.
Rútshellir: Energized by our meal, we made a quick stop at Rútshellir, an ancient cave. This turf-covered cave is believed to be one of the oldest man-made structures in Iceland. It’s a fascinating—though we were quite happy to head back to our heated car afterward.
Seljalandsfoss: Our final stop of the day was the stunning Seljalandsfoss, where you can actually walk behind the waterfall. Yes, you’ll get a bit damp, but it’s a small price to pay for the unique experience of seeing the water cascade down in front of you.
Day 7: Fosshótel Hekla to Reykjavik
On the final leg of our Icelandic adventure, we journeyed from Fosshótel Hekla to the capital of Reykjavik once again. After days of exploring remote landscapes, it was both exciting and bittersweet to know that our road trip was coming to an end. But not before we squeezed in a few more epic stops!
Faxafoss: What this waterfall lacks in fame, makes up for in tranquility. The peaceful setting was the perfect way to ease into the day, and the salmon ladder on the side of the falls added an interesting twist. We didn’t spot any fish making the leap, but the thought of it kept us entertained.
Geysir Strokkur: Next up was the famous Geysir Strokkur, the more active sibling of the original Geysir. Every few minutes, Strokkur shoots boiling water up to 20 meters into the air, and we were lucky enough to catch several eruptions. It’s one of those sights that never gets old, no matter how many times you see it—and we may or may not have tried to predict the next burst like seasoned geyser experts (we weren’t very good at it).
Gullfoss: Just a short drive away, we found ourselves at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Its sheer size and power were nothing short of amazing, and the two-tiered cascade left us snapping photos from every angle (but what’s new?).
Kerid Crater: Our journey then took us to Kerid, a volcanic crater lake with strikingly red slopes and vibrant blue water. The contrast of colors was almost surreal, like something out of a painting. We walked around the rim, soaking in the views and, of course, snapping a few selfies to prove we’d conquered yet another Icelandic wonder (especially sitting at the bench by the water!).
Gjábakki: We made a quick stop at Gjábakki, a scenic viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Öxarárfoss: Our final natural wonder of the day was Öxarárfoss, located in Þingvellir National Park. The waterfall might be smaller than some of the others we’d seen, but its location in the middle of a historic rift valley made it feel special.
Reykjavik: Finally, we arrived in Reykjavik once more.
After days of exploring the wild and rugged landscapes, the city’s colorful buildings and lively streets were a welcome change of pace. We checked into our hotel, and had prebooked the famous Blue Lagoon so we could witness the sunset while soaking it the warm waters of the lagoon.
We couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’d had.
Iceland had given us everything we’d hoped for and more—breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable experiences, and a few unexpected surprises along the way. And while we were sad to see the trip come to an end, we knew that the memories we’d made would stay with us forever!
And that’s it! After a week of chasing waterfalls, dodging trolls, and soaking in geothermal pools, you’ll have enough stories (and photos) to last a lifetime.
We can’t recommend this amazing country enough!
