Iceland Itinerary: 7-Day Road Trip on the South Shore

Get a rental car. We rented a small SUV from Go Rentals and loved it. Get a portable Wi-Fi device so you can always navigate, even in remote areas. Also, be VERY sure to get all the options for insurance for your rental car, including wind, ash and rock damage. The weather in Iceland can change quickly and cause extensive (and expensive) damage to your car if you’re not fully insured!

Check into your hotel for two nights and get out to explore! I recommend the Reykjavik EDITION, but there are lots of great options right in the center of the city.

Head out on foot to explore Reykjavik. Some of the main attractions include Hallgrimskirkja Church, Perlan and the Sun Voyager Sculpture. But don’t hesitate to walk around freely and lose yourself in the unique bars, restaurants and cafés all along Laugavegur and the adjoining streets. Take it all in! Even if you have an overnight flight, packing in a full day will help with the jet lag.

Grab a quick dinner at Baejarins Beztu Icelandic Hot Dogs or PostHus.

Relax at Sky Lagoon: At the end of your first long day, relax by overlooking the Atlantic in these stunning geothermal waters with a drink from the swim-up bar. Be sure to try the Seven-Step Ritual, which provides a uniquely Icelandic experience.

Depart Reykjavik and head for Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds historical significance as the site of the world’s first parliament. This stunning park is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating awe-inspiring rift valleys and unique geological formations. Walk between the edges of the two plates and wonder at the power of our planet.

Depart Þingvellir and head for lunch at Efstidalur where you’ll experience the most authentic farm-to-table meal ever. Located in the beautiful countryside, Efstidalur offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and pastures. This working farm has been tended by the same family for seven generations. Be sure to have some of their famous ice cream, made from the milk produced right on site.

From Efstidalur, drive to the geothermal fields near Strokkur, one of Iceland's most famous geysers, located in the Haukadalur Valley. Strokkur erupts regularly (every 5–10 minutes), sending a powerful jet of hot water 20–40 meters into the air. The entire area is active, with boiling springs and smaller geysers.

After the geysers, head for the final stop on the Golden Circle at Gulfoss ("Golden Falls"), one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls. This stunning two-tiered cascade plunges into a deep gorge, creating a captivating display of tumbling water and mist that often produces beautiful rainbows on sunny days. Gullfoss offers various viewing platforms for visitors to marvel at its grandeur, making it a must-see natural wonder.

Stop for a wood-fired pizza and craft beer at Ölverk Brewery and Pizza in Hveragerði on your way back to Reykjavik. Their unique use of geothermal energy in the brewing process is consistent with the entire country’s dedication to sustainability and working with the natural forces available.

Check out of your hotel in Reykjavik and drive to Hvolsvöllur for your next two-night stay. The Lindartun guesthouse offers guests the chance to experience authentic Icelandic life. Nestled in a picturesque rural setting, the guesthouse provides stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including mountains and lush greenery, as well as Icelandic horses right outside your door! Lindartun is also known for its delicious home-cooked meals, prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

Get a guided Super Jeep tour of Þórsmörk National Park. I strongly recommend Midgard Adventures for their exceptional guides, equipment and knowledge.

Þórsmörk National Park is unlike any other place on earth. Surrounded by majestic glaciers, mountains and volcanoes (including the prominent Eyjafjallajökull and Tindfjallajökull). The area is shaped by volcanic activity and glacial erosion, featuring intriguing geological formations such as stunning canyons, ravines and riverbeds.

Return to Midgard Base Camp for delicious and nourishing Nordic food. Expect freshly caught fish from the South Coast, pasture-raised Icelandic lamb and tasty plant-based dishes with potatoes and herbs from neighboring towns.

Enjoy the midnight sun (summer) or the northern lights (winter) from the Guesthouse.

After a home-cooked breakfast at the guesthouse, head out for a road trip along the south coast.

Start with Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi — Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls (and there are many!), where you can walk behind the water plunging over a 60-meter cliff and experience a truly immersive and spectacular experience. While there, walk 500 meters down the path to visit Gljúfrabúi: a hidden magical waterfall cascading into a secret canyon.

Continue along Route 1 to Skogafoss. Skógafoss is a majestic waterfall on Iceland's South Coast. Plunging 60 meters (197 feet) into a rugged gorge — where visitors can walk nearly up to the very base of the falls. A staircase leads to panoramic views from the top, as well as a trail that leads to numerous upstream waterfalls.

While there, park at the Skogar museum and walk to Kvernufoss, just a short distance away. Kvernufoss is a stunning, lesser-known waterfall that flows over a cliff into a secluded gorge, where visitors can enjoy a tranquil hike that leads right up to its base.

Grab lunch at the Hotel Skogafoss Bistro & Bar before heading back out on the road.

Sólheimajökull Glacier is just up the road and offers a perfect opportunity for a glacier hike. Make reservations in advance with Icelandic Mountain Guides, located directly at the base of the glacier. Sólheimajökull has retreated more than half a mile in just the past 20 years. Take the opportunity to experience this glacier before it disappears.

Dyrholaey is the next stop on your day-long journey. Bring your camera to capture the many birds and creatures that live on this beachside cliff, including puffins, gulls, fulmars and Arctic terns.

Reynisfjara is visible from Dyrholaey, but you’ll need to drive there, so you can park near Reynisfjara’s beautiful black sand beach and stunning basalt columns. Keep your eyes out for the dangerous sneaker waves!

Wrap up your road trip with a stop in Vik to get dinner and enjoy the charming local shops, cafes and beautiful church perched on a hill. Get some memorable photos from the panoramic views of the village and coastline and then head back to Hvolsvöllur.

Make a reservation in advance to catch the ferry at Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjabær. Drive your rental car ride on board with you for the short trip to Haimaey.

Check in to Hótel Vestmannaeyjar for one night and then explore this little Icalendic village. Visit the Volcano Museum. Hike To Heimaklettur, the highest point on the island.

Book a minibus tour with Ebbi - A local legend! He will take you to the windiest place in Europe and the world’s largest puffin colony while entertaining you with local lore along the way.

Grab dinner at Gott Restaurant - Before settling in for the night.

Catch the ferry back to Landeyjahöfn and drive back towards Reykjavik for a hike.

Navigate to the Litli Hrutu Volcano Trail. Just outside Grindavik, site of volcanic eruptions in 2023 and 2024, this trail offers a unique chance to walk on very ancient and very recent lava flows. With breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including unique volcanic formations, lava fields and the dramatic Icelandic scenery. This hike is moderately challenging, suitable for families and casual hikers, making it accessible for many outdoor enthusiasts.

Check into the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre, right in the center of town for your final night in Iceland. Walk the city center for some gelato or one more taste of the Icelandic hot dogs.

The iconic Blue Lagoon is on your way to the airport in Keflavik. Book yourself an early time at the lagoon to enjoy some natural spa treatments and the milky blue geothermal waters.

Return your rental car and walk to the terminal to begin your journey home!