We strongly believe that the best way to explore the island is by making a road trip out of it. And a campervan will have you do it most cost-effectively. But what if your time is extremely limited? Could you truly create an Iceland itinerary of just 7 days and experience some of the best that the island has to offer?
We’re not going to lie; a week is pretty tight for an amazing place such as Iceland, with so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But the good news is that it’s completely doable. In this article, we’ll tell you why road-tripping in Iceland with a campervan is definitely the way to go. We'll also give you a few itinerary options for just 7 days in Iceland.
Why Use a Campervan for Your 7-Day Trip to Iceland?
Even though (as with most things in life) a campervan has its advantages and disadvantages, a campervan is probably the most cost-effective way to explore the island. Not having your own transport is not an option in a country with so many attractions and activities in more remote regions. Public transport will only get you so far.
That means that, without your own transport, you will have to solely rely on tours. If you have to fund tours each day to see and experience all you want to see and experience on the island, you’re going to be racking up quite an impressive bill.
Accommodation is also your most costly expense on the island. So, renting a car and then taking on a 1-week itinerary in Iceland can also put a lot of strain on your budget. Unless you go camping, but not everyone is the next Bear Grylls, and it can become a grueling exercise to set up and pack up at a new campsite every day.
By renting a campervan, you’ll be ticking off both transport and accommodation on your to-do list, and it allows you to camp in comfort and style. If you want to add even more savings to the pot, you can purchase the Camping Card for only €159. It gives 2 adults and up to 4 children access to a wide range of campsites across the island for a stay of up to 28 nights.
Iceland 1 Week Itinerary Irrespective of Season
Our first Iceland itinerary for 7 days can be done throughout the year. Just keep in mind that the local saying “you can experience all four seasons in a day in Iceland” still rings true. There may be sudden road closures – especially in the winter months. So, always keep an eye on the Iceland weather forecasts and the Iceland road conditions. This will ensure that your Iceland 7-day tour doesn’t get derailed somewhere along the way.
Day 1: Golden Circle and the South Coast (Reykjavík to Vik)
The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular routes. So, we recommend that you start the day off pretty early (especially during the busy summer months). Your first stop will be Thingvellir National Park. Here you will get to see and have the option of diving or snorkeling between two continents at the Silfra Fissure.
Just remember to book ahead of time if you intend to take the plunge into the crystal-clear glacier waters. Then it’s on to Geysir where you will get to see the origin of the very word as well as its neighboring geyser, Stokkur, which still erupts every 4–5 minutes. The final stop on the Golden Circle route is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls. After that, it’s on to the South Coast.
Another 1.5 hr drive will take you to Seljalandsfoss (the waterfall you can walk behind). You’ll also find another waterfall, Gljufrabui, nearby, making this a 2-for-one-waterfall special. After that, the next stop is just 20 minutes down the road; Skogafoss waterfall. From there you’re in the home stretch to Vik, but remember to make a quick stop at the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach. This beach was also a film location for the popular series, Game of Thrones.
Once you arrive in Vik, you should still have enough time to explore the town for a bit before spending the night at Vik Campsite.
Highlights of the day:
Thingvellir National Park
Silfra Fissure
Geysir Geothermal Area
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gljufrabui Waterfall
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
The Town of Vik
Day 2: Vatnajökull Glacier (Vik Campsite to Höfn)
This is yet another jam-packed day of your Iceland road trip, so you should get an early start. As you’re driving east and Vatnajökull starts coming closer, you can make a quick pit-stop at Fjadrargljufur Canyon. Then it’s off to Skaftafell National Park (now part of Vatnajökull National Park).
Here you will find a variety of hiking trails. However, for the purpose of this article where we want to focus on things open all year round, we recommend the trail to Svartifoss waterfall. Don’t worry, the hike will only take about 1.5 hrs back and forth and is not very challenging.
From there, it’s on to Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Also, make sure that you pop around to Diamond Beach right next door. From there it’s just a short drive to Höfn where you’ll be spending the night at Höfn campsite.
Highlights of the day:
Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Skaftafell National Park (inside Vatnajökull National Park)
Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Diamond Beach
Höfn
Day 3: The East Coast (Höfn campsite to Seydisfjördur)
Today your first stop will be Vestrahorn mountain right outside of town before you head up the eastern coast. This is truly going to be a stop-and-go situation all throughout the day as you drive through the eastern fjords, with its wide variety of attractions along the way.
Finally, you will reach Egilsstadir, the capital city of the eastern region. This town is a creative hub, so art lovers are in for a treat with all sorts of arts and crafts and creative décor. After you’ve explored the town, you can head to Seydisfjördur campsite for some much-needed rest.
Highlights of the day:
Vestrahorn mountain
The Eastern Fjords
Egilsstadir
Seydisfjördur
Day 4: Seydisfjördur to Myvatn (Seydisfjördur campsite to Reykjahlid)
As you head out to Lake Myvatn, take a detour to Dettifoss waterfall (the most powerful waterfall in Europe). Just keep a close eye on the proposed route (especially when using a GPS). There are two roads leading to the falls, 862 and 864.
If you’re not in the mood for tackling a rough gravel road, we highly suggest that you take road 862. After visiting Dettifoss, you’ll go back towards the Ring Road and continue to Lake Myvatn. On your way there, be sure to stop at Hverir and the Myvatn Nature Baths. Here you can rest your body and mind whilst soaking in the hot water. From there it’s just a short drive to the Reykjahlid campsite.
Highlights of the day:
Dettifoss Waterfall
Hverir
Lake Myvatn
Reykjahlid
Day 5: Husavik (Reykjahlid campsite to Akureyri)
We suggest getting up early and exploring the Lake Myvatn region. You can go down the eastern side and then head back up via the western shore. From there, take the 50-minute drive to Husavik (the whale capital of Iceland). Here you can take one of the popular boat tours to get up close and personal with these giants of the sea.
Once you’re done with your whale watching, continue on in the direction of Akureyri. Make a quick stop at Godafoss waterfall right before you enter Eyjafjördur (Iceland’s longest fjord). From here you will already see your final destination for today waiting for you on the western coast of the fjord.
Akureyri is Iceland’s second-largest city and is abuzz with all sorts of city attractions. Don't forget to leave enough time to explore Akureyri's shops, restaurants, and bars. All that before settling in for the night at the Akureyri campsite.
Highlights of the day:
Lake Myvatn
Husavik
Godafoss Waterfall
Eyjafjördur
Akureyri
Day 6: The Tröllaskagi Peninsula and the North (Akureyri campsite to Hvammstangi)
This is a beautiful route that snakes through the mountains and offers absolutely breathtaking views. Stop at Hofsos along the way to take a quick dip in the pool that overlooks the fjord. From there you continue north towards Hvammstangi where you can see Iceland’s largest seal colony before ending your day at the Hvammstangi campsite.
Highlights of the day:
The Tröllaskagi Peninsula
Hofsos
Hvammstangi
Day 7: Glymur Waterfall and Reykjavík (Hvammstangi campsite to Reykjavík)
As you start heading slowly back to the capital city, make a quick detour inland to visit Hraunfossar waterfall. After that, give the tunnel underneath Hvalfjördur a skip and head down to the bottom of the fjord. Here you will find the trail leading to Glymur (one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls).
This trail is the only way you’ll get to see the falls, but, once again, the hike is not very strenuous and is just a 3 hr walk back and forth. Keep an eye on the time, as you’ll need to start the drive back to Reykjavík once it’s afternoon. It'll allow you enough time to explore the city before heading back home. Your sleeping spot, Reykjavík campsite, is very conveniently located. So, you can actually head straight to your final accommodation stop and then walk downtown.
Highlights of the day:
Hraunfossar Waterfall
Glymur Waterfall
Alternative/Seasonal Iceland Itineraries for 7 Days
Have already completed our first itinerary or are looking for seasonal options? Then consider the following alternatives:
Iceland 1 Week Itinerary (when traveling during a shoulder month)
Day 1
Depart from Reykjavík
Skogafoss Campsite
Day 2
Skogafoss Waterfall
Kvernufoss Waterfall
Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Eldhraun Mossy Lava Fields
Skaftafell Campsite
Day 3
Mulagljufur Canyon (this includes a 2hr hike back and forth)
Höfn Campsite
Day 4
Stokksnes and Vestrahorn Mountain
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Diamond Beach
Skaftafell Campsite
Day 5
Skaftafell Glacier
Svartifoss Waterfall
Day 6
Gljufrabui Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Day 7
Drive back to Reykjavík
Iceland 1 Week Itinerary (when traveling during a summer month)
Certain roads and regions close during the colder months. This includes the Highlands as well as parts of the Westfjords. So, if you are traveling to Iceland in the summer, we suggest you grab the opportunity and take on this Westfjords, Iceland itinerary for 7 days:
Day 1
Depart from Reykjavík to the Westfjords
Hellulaug Hot Spring
Vatnsfjördur Nature Reserve (here you can make time for some of the hiking trails)
Day 2
Krosslaug Hot Spring
Bardastrandarsandur (a black sand beach)
Raudisandur (a red sand beach)
Latrabjarg Cliffs (you can spot Puffins here from May to August)
Day 3
The Town of Talknafjördur
Pollurinn Hot Baths
The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum in Bildudalur
Reykjafjardarlaug Swimming Pool
Day 4
Take a detour to the town of Sudureyri
Stock up in Isafjördur (one of the biggest towns in the Westfjords)
A quick drive out to the town of Bolungarvik (make sure to drive up the mountain with its beautiful views)
Day 5
Litlibaer farmstead
Heydalur Hot Springs
Mountain Pass towards Holmavik
Budardalur
Reykjavík
Pick the Iceland Itinerary for 7 Days That’s Right for You
With so much to do on the island, it’s no surprise that an Iceland trip itinerary for 7 days is pretty jam-packed. Even with limited time and budget, you can still experience some of the best things Iceland has to offer!
By using this article as a guide, you can pick the Iceland week itinerary that suits you best based on when you’ll be visiting the island. You can now experience all the advantages of an Iceland road trip yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Book that flight, rent a campervan in Reykjavík, and let the adventure begin!
If you're lucky and you have no time constrictions, check out our article for a full Iceland itinerary.