Iceland in 7 Days: Our Real Route Through the South & Snæfellsnes 🇮🇸

Day 0: Arrival in the Land of Ice ✈️

We left Madrid at 10:00 AM and, after a 6-hour flight and the time difference, we landed in Iceland at 2:00 AM. 😴 Tired but excited, we took a taxi (ideal for the 5 of us) straight to our accommodation in Keflavik: the Blue Viking Guesthouse.

Day 1: Reykjanes, Fire & Hot Springs 🌋

We woke up, had breakfast at the hostel, and took another taxi back to the airport to pick up our rental car. 🚗 Here we had our first reality check: Icelandic traffic rules. Watch your speed limits closely and, above all, be careful with the wind when opening doors (hold them tight!). The roads are quiet, but the weather dictates the pace.
💡 Save this website to check road conditions live: umferdin.is.

🗺️ The Reykjanes Peninsula

We kicked off the adventure exploring this peninsula, a brutal UNESCO Global Geopark: this is where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rises from the ocean. It's a volcanic zone with 100 craters, lava fields, and bird cliffs. Our first stop was the Garður Old Lighthouse, facing west where the wind was already welcoming us.

From there, we hopped over to the Gunnuhver hot springs (30 min away). It's impressive to see water shooting out at nearly 100ºC from the center of the earth. We then took a walk to the Valahnúkamöl cliffs.

📝 Note on the Blue Lagoon: We passed near these famous hot springs but decided to skip them as they tend to be very crowded. We preferred to go on our last day to the Sky Lagoon (near Reykjavík), which felt more authentic to us.

However, the Blue Lagoon is a country icon. If you don't want to miss it, you can check availability right here:

💨 Wind, Sulfur & A Tough Choice

We continued to the Krýsuvíkurberg cliffs to eat our packed lunch while watching the ocean crash against the rocks. Recharged, we visited the Krýsuvík geothermal area (get ready for the rotten egg smell—it's pure sulfur!) and the desert-like Kleifarvatn lake.

In the afternoon, we had to choose: hike up the Fagradalsfjall volcano or trek to the thermal river? 🤔 We bet on the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River.

Day 2: The Golden Circle & Giant Waterfalls 💦

We started the day energized thanks to breakfast at Bella Apartments: fresh fruit, pastries, savory treats, and of course, typical skyr (Icelandic yogurt). Essential fuel for what's coming!

🗺️ Þingvellir National Park

First historical and geological stop. We walked through Almannagjá, the impressive gorge where you literally walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. We visited:

• Öxarárfoss: A beautiful waterfall tumbling into the rift.
• Lögberg (The Law Rock): The first Viking parliament was founded here in 930 AD. The 'Lawspeaker' recited the laws from memory atop this rock.
• Hakið: The viewpoint with a brutal panoramic view of Lake Þingvallavatn (the largest natural lake on the island).
• Þingvallakirkja: Next to this small church, you'll see simple houses; one is the Prime Minister's summer residence.

💨 Geysir: The Earth Breathes

For lunch, we headed to the Geysir area (there's a designated spot) after being blown away by Strokkur. It's the only reliably active one today: it erupts every 7-8 minutes, shooting water 15-20 meters high. Get your camera ready!

The route continues to the jewel of the day: Gullfoss. (Before that, we passed Brúararfoss, Midfoss, and Hlauptungufoss, but Gullfoss is in a league of its own). The volume and force with which the water falls in two tiers is mesmerizing. Undoubtedly, one of the TOP spots of the trip.

To wrap up the day, we visited the Kerið volcanic crater (red rock and turquoise water) before returning to Selfoss. We took a walk to see the colorful houses in the center and then rested after an intense day. 💤

Day 3: The Waterfall Route & The Black Sand Beach 🌊

Time to get wet! ☔ We were lucky with the weather, something we were extremely grateful for. We started the day touring the famous South Coast.

💦 The Waterfall Festival

• Urriðafoss: A quick stop to see this high-volume waterfall.
• Seljalandsfoss: A classic! You can walk right behind the curtain of water. Feeling the roar so close is an incredible experience (be prepared to get soaked). Note: Parking costs about 700 ISK.
• Gljúfrabúi: Right next to the previous one. You have to cross a small stream hopping on stones to enter a cleft in the rock. It's important to wear good waterproof shoes, but the photo inside the cave is 100% worth it.
• Skógafoss: One of the most perfect waterfalls in Iceland. We climbed the stairs and had our picnic at the top, right by the river's source.
• Kvernufoss: A hidden gem very close to Skógafoss (behind the museum), less touristy and absolutely beautiful.

✈️ The Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

In the afternoon, we did the hike to the famous US Navy DC-3 plane wreck. It takes about 45 minutes (one way) walking through a desert of black sand and 'nothingness'.

📜 The Story: In 1973, the plane ran out of fuel (or there was human error) and had to make a forced landing. Fortunately, everyone survived. Since it was more expensive to recover it than to abandon it, there it stayed, becoming a tourist icon.

Due to the time we lost at the plane, we arrived late at the Dyrhólaey cliffs (famous for puffins and views).
⚠️ Watch the clock! During nesting season (May-June), the area usually closes access at 7:00 PM to protect the birds. Since it doesn't get dark in Iceland, we lost track of time and found it closed. Don't let it happen to you!

🖤 Reynisfjara: Deadly Beauty

We arrived at the most famous black sand beach: impressive basalt columns and a mystical atmosphere. If you are there in winter, Vik is a top spot to see the Northern Lights.

👽 Caves & Ice

Also in the area are Uxafótfoss and the curious Gígjagjá cave (known as the Yoda Cave due to its shape, look closely!). If you are looking for adventure, you can book the Katla Ice Cave tour here. We couldn't do it due to the summer thaw, but if your dates work, don't miss your spot!

Day 4: Skaftafell Trekking & Ice Diamonds 🧊

Moss, Canyons & Basalt

We started the day crossing the Eldhraun lava fields (that infinite carpet of green moss over black lava) to reach the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. We took the easy 2km route (about 40 min) to the Mögárfoss waterfall. The views of the winding canyon are cinematic!

There are many more waterfalls in the area (Rauðárfoss, Fjólafoss, Stjórnarfoss, Fagrifoss) and Lake Systravatn. We continued to Dverghamrar (basalt columns) and the Foss á Síðu waterfall.
💡 Tip: All this is quick to see. You don't need to stop at every waterfall; the priority today is arriving at the National Park with enough time.

🥾 Skaftafell National Park

We arrived at the highlight of the day. We chose the S6 Route (Red), a 7.4 km loop (approx 2-3h). It's the best option to see the essentials without rushing:

• Hundafoss & Magnúsarfoss: The first ones you encounter on the way up.
• Svartifoss (The Black Fall): Famous for being surrounded by geometrically perfect black basalt columns (which inspired the church in Reykjavík).
• Sjónarnípa: A viewpoint that leaves you breathless. From here you see the vastness of the Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue from above.

Upon finishing the hike, we took advantage of the picnic tables in the park's camping area to eat and rest our legs.

💎 Diamond Beach (Getting a Head Start)

On the way back, we stopped at the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon. It has less fame than its big neighbor (Jökulsárlón) and is smaller, but precisely for that reason, it's quieter and you can get very close to the glacier front. Highly recommended!

Day 5: Walking on Ice & Sailing Among Icebergs ❄️

We woke up very early with fully charged batteries: today was the day to step on Europe's largest glacier, the Vatnajökull. We had booked a tour with Tröll Expeditions on the Falljökull glacier tongue.

🧗 Glacier Trekking Options

We chose the 5-hour one and it was mind-blowing. They equip you with crampons, a harness, and an ice axe. The guide teaches you how to walk like a pro, digging your gear into the ice.

The best part isn't just the views of Skaftafell from above, but the interaction with the glacier: we saw deep blue crevasses, moulins (holes where water drains), and sculpted ice formations. We even learned how to climb an ice wall and rappel down. Plus, it's very educational: they explain how the ice moves, cracks, and changes with the climate.

After 5 hours of exercise in the cold, we recommend something hot. We ate a hearty sandwich on the way to recover calories and make it in time for the next stop.

🚤 Zodiac at Jökulsárlón

At 4:00 PM we had an appointment at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. We chose the Zodiac tour (speed boat, about €110) instead of the classic amphibian boat. You can book it here.

It is totally worth paying the difference: we got almost right up to the glacier wall. Although we didn't see any blocks falling live (sadly common due to melting), navigating among giant icebergs is overwhelming. We saw seals swimming freely and learned that icebergs sometimes flip over, revealing their intense blue color.

⚠️ We missed out on: Nearby is the Múlagljúfur canyon. They say the views are spectacular, but we didn't have time. Note it down if you can!

Day 6: Snæfellsnes, Iceland in Miniature 🏔️

This peninsula is magical. It welcomed us with typical Icelandic weather: rain, cold, wind, and gray skies. 🌧️ Luckily, we spent the morning driving along the Ring Road to reach the peninsula, so the bad weather gave us a break inside the car. After completing the south, today we diverted west to tour this peninsula before reaching the capital: it marks the beginning of the end of our loop around the island.

• Glymur Waterfall: The second highest in Iceland. (Note: Requires hiking; with the rain, we just saw it in passing).
• Gerðuberg Cliffs: An impressive wall of geometric basalt columns. Given the weather, we were content admiring it from the car—it looks perfect!
• Ytri Tunga: Mandatory stop. It's a beach where seal colonies usually rest. 🦭 They are very curious and playful!
• Búðakirkja: The famous black wooden church. The contrast of the black against the gray and mossy surroundings makes for a postcard photo.
• Bjarnarfoss: An imposing waterfall that drops directly from the mountain.

🪨 Arnarstapi & The Wild Coast

Near Arnarstapi, we walked to see the rock formations over the sea, like the Gatklettur arch and the Stone Bridge. The sea hits hard here.

We continued along the coast passing by Djúpalónssandur beach and the lighthouses of Svörtuloft and Öndverðarnes. The magic of this road is that you see waterfalls every 100 meters and, if the clouds allow, the imposing Snæfellsjökull volcano (yes, the entry point to the center of the Earth in Jules Verne's book).

⛰️ The Icon: Kirkjufell

We couldn't leave without visiting the most photographed mountain in the country (and famous for Game of Thrones): Mount Kirkjufell and its waterfall at the base, Kirkjufellsfoss. Even on a gray day, it's imposing.

Day 7: Reykjavík & Farewell at the Sky Lagoon 🏙️

We dedicated the last day to the world's northernmost capital. Reykjavík is small but vibrant, with about 130,000 inhabitants (over 230,000 if you count the metropolitan area, almost two-thirds of the country's population!).

🚶 Walking Essentials

• Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur Streets: The main shopping arteries (the famous rainbow street).
• Hallgrímskirkja: The iconic church. Its facade mimics basalt columns (like those at Svartifoss). In front stands the statue of Leif Erikson, the Viking who reached America 500 years before Columbus (a gift from the US).
• Tjörnin Lake: A beautiful pond in the center filled with birds.
• Sun Voyager (Sólfar): A beautiful steel sculpture facing the sea. Note: it's not a Viking ship, it's an ode to the sun!
• Perlan: A building with a glass dome and panoramic views.

For lunch, we went to Íslenski Barinn. It's a very authentic spot where you can try whale or puffin (if you dare). We went for the safe and delicious option: a classic vegetable soup and roasted lamb. 🍲

🧖 The 7-Step Ritual: Sky Lagoon

There is no better way to end the trip. At 4:00 PM we had a reservation at the Sky Lagoon. Unlike the Blue Lagoon, this one features an infinity pool with ocean views that leaves you speechless. Book your ticket here.

We did the famous 7-Step Ritual: warm lagoon, cold plunge (only for the brave!), sauna with a view, cold mist, salt scrub, steam room, and shower. You come out floating.