Iceland: The Ultimate 7 Day Road TripIceland is definitely one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes you will ever visit. An absolute must-visit destination for all adventure lovers, (hobby) photographers and videographers. Here you will definitely get the best landscape motifs in front of your lens. AuthorsTworoamtheworld
DestinationsIcelandItinerary

Day 1

Hallgrimskirkja
We didn't arrive at our accommodation until around 9 pm and had something to eat. However, as it was still light enough, we headed to Halgrimskirkja in the center of Reykjavik. It's a really impressive landmark that you really have to see.
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Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street
A walk through the city also takes you past the famous Rainbow Street. Another popular photo motif with the church in the background. That was already the program for the first day, as we had to get up early the next day in order to complete the planned program.
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Muli Hotel
The location is good, but outside the city. There are plenty of parking spaces around the building. But there is little or nothing to eat around the hotel. However, it‘s ideal for the start of a trip to Iceland and the price is very reasonable by Icelandic standards.
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Day 2

Seljalandsfoss
Our first stop was Seljalandsfoss, one of the most visited sights in Iceland, as it is also very easy to reach as a day trip from Reykjavik. Accordingly, there can be a lot of people here. The waterfall is located directly on the road, so no hike is required. You can park right in front of it for 900 ISK, or 6 EUR. Take enough time to photograph the waterfall from different angles. The special thing here is that there is a cave behind the veil of water, so you can also see the waterfall from behind. However, be sure to take rainproof clothing with you, as you can quickly get very wet here.
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Gljúfrabúi
Rainproof clothing is even more important at the next waterfall. Gljufrabui is around 800m (0,5 mi) away from Seljalandsfoss. It is therefore very easy to reach on foot. There is a footpath that leads directly to it. However, the waterfall itself is hidden behind a cliff, which can only be reached by walking through a small stream. Here, however, you can walk on wobbly stones. Inside the gorge and the closer you get to the waterfall, the wetter you get. So make sure you wear waterproof clothing and take care of your camera equipment. However, the shots you get here are worth the effort. We were lucky, the sun was shining very strongly that morning, so we were dry again quite quickly afterwards.
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Skógafoss
Skogafoss is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls Iceland has to offer with a width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters. It is also located right next to the road and you don't have to pay extra for parking. Take enough time for a few nice shots here too, if you get close enough you can also take beautiful pictures without people. Here you also have the opportunity to view the waterfall from above. There are more than 500 steps to climb to the right. This can be quite strenuous under certain circumstances, as the climb is very steep. Once you reach the top, you can not only admire the waterfall from above, you can also walk along a hiking trail. Along this trail, you will find a whole series of beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking views. We walked around 2.5km (1,5 mi) along the trail in one direction and saw a total of 8 other, less well-known waterfalls. Depending on how much time you have, you can go further.
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Kvernufoss
Only about 10 minutes further by car and you come to Kvernufoss. A lesser-known, but still very beautiful waterfall. Here, too, you have to pay for parking, which costs 750 ISK, or 5 EUR. This time the waterfall is not directly on the road, you have to walk along an 800m (0.5 mi) long trail that runs along the Kverna river. You can also walk behind the waterfall at Kvernufoss and there are generally fewer people here than at the previous waterfalls.
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Gígjagjá
After four waterfalls, it's time to see something else. We opted for the Yoda Cave (or Gigjagja). A cave that is simply shaped like the famous Jedi master from Star Wars. It's not really possible to do more than take the iconic picture on the stone. In front of the cave, however, there are even larger lupine fields, which are also very suitable for beautiful pictures.
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Black Beach
An absolute must-visit on the south coast of Iceland is the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. It is also known as a filming location for numerous films and series (e.g. Game of Thrones, Star Wars Rogue One or Star Trek Into Darkness). Again, you have to pay 1000 ISK, around 6.66 EUR, for parking, but you are right on site without a long walk. This wasn't a problem when we were there, but the beach is known for its strong and unpredictable waves. So be careful, don't get too close to the water and follow the safety instructions. Also very impressive are the Reynisdrangar basalt columns, where you can also have your picture taken, or the Reynisfjara cave. These are all things that you will see as soon as you arrive at the beach section.
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Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
The next attraction was the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, which has been there on the black beach since 1973. It was now 9pm, but still very light, so the perfect time for one last attraction of the day. The Plane Wreck itself is quite far from the parking lot and a round trip walk (there and back) is a total of 7km (4.3 mi). During the day, however, a shuttle runs this route from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, a ticket here costs 3,000 ISK (20 EUR) per person. If you have enough time and are able to walk a bit, I would recommend this. However, avoid the path in bad weather, storms, rain or snow. It can get very cold here, especially in winter, or there can be regular snowstorms. Visibility can also be very impaired. Fortunately, we had perfect weather and as we were there quite late, there weren't that many people around, so we were able to take perfect photos. Drone shots are particularly impressive here.
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Welcome Holiday Homes
Super accommodation in a very idyllic location. Everything you need is available. The check-in could be made easier, we had to call three times until it was accepted, but everything still worked perfectly at the end
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Day 3

Fjaðrárgljúfur
Day 3 also started very early with a drive to Fjadrargljufur canyon. You park (for free) directly at the canyon, which is about 2 km (1.2 mi) long. However, a path leads from the parking lot at the lower end of the canyon uphill to the upper end. A round trip from the bottom, up and back is about 3.2 km (2 miles). Paths branch off from the main trail again and again, leading directly to the cliff edge and to various viewing platforms from which you have a really great view of the canyon. There is also a viewing platform at the top. In my opinion, this is the most beautiful place here, as you can see how the water enters the canyon from different directions via waterfalls. It's also a really great place for drone shots.
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Svartifoss
Of course, a waterfall is also a must on the third day. So the next stop on the tour around the island was Svartifoss. Svartifoss is located in the Skaftafell nature reserve, which is part of the huge Vatnajökull National Park in south-east Iceland. Again, you have to pay for parking, 750 ISK (5 EUR) as of 2023. Unfortunately, this time the waterfall is not located directly on the road, but a moderate 2.5 km (1.5 mi) hike (one way) is required to get there. Once there, however, the waterfall impresses with the dark basalt columns that surround it. A really great photo motif, which you can see from afar on the way.
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Turn to Mulagljufur Canyon
The next stop, Mulagljufur canyon, is a little less famous, probably because it's a little harder to get to. However, this is my absolute favorite spot in Iceland. The view here is a real dream. You can see glaciers, the ocean and beautiful waterfalls cascading into the canyon. The way there is not signposted, but if you enter Mulagljufur canyon in Google Maps, you should get directly to the parking lot, where you can park for free. From the main road, at the “Turn to Mulagljufur canyon” you have to drive into a somewhat bumpy side road and then follow it for about 2km (1.2 mi). But you won't need a 4WD vehicle for this.
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Mulagljufur Canyon
See „Turn to Mulagljufur Canyon“ for a description on how to get here. The hiking trail to the various viewpoints starts directly at the parking lot. The way up is not signposted either, but there are wooden posts to guide you. However, there is now also a well-trodden path. However, just go straight ahead and further up. The complete hike all the way to the top and back is about 6.4km (4 mi) with a fairly steep elevation of 440m (1440 ft). The way up can take 1h-1.5 h, but you will be back down in 30-45 minutes. However, the hike to the top can be quite tough. But if you are in good physical condition, I would definitely recommend it. The view from the top is really beautiful. But if you don't feel up to the last few meters, no problem. In my opinion, you will find the most beautiful spot a little further down. You will pass two main viewpoints on your way to the top. At the first you can still see Hangandifoss from a distance, at the second you are already directly opposite it.
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Jökulsárlón
You probably won't spend quite as much time at the next spot. Jökulsarlon is a glacier lagoon bordering the Vatnajökull National Park in southeast Iceland. Its calm, blue waters are streaked with icebergs from the surrounding Breidamerkurjökull glacier tongue, which is part of the larger Vatnajökull glacier. You can park right by the water. In addition to the impressive icebergs, you can also see seals here. These are particularly common in winter, but we did see a few.
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Diamond Beach
Directly opposite the Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon is the famous Diamond Beach. A beach where hundreds of chunks of ice lie, glittering like diamonds. However, this was the biggest disappointment for us during our trip. There were only relatively few and quite small chunks of ice lying on the beach. Through social media, I had always imagined this to be somewhat larger and more extensive. Perhaps we were simply at the wrong part of the beach and there were more elsewhere. However, we walked along the black beach for a while and nowhere looked really impressive. Maybe the boulders aren't as big in June as they are in the colder months. But the bottom line is that it wasn't worth it. After all, we didn't have to drive far for it. You can always combine this visit with the much nicer Glacier Lagoon.
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Hotel Smyrlabjörg
Spacious but poorly soundproofed rooms. Good selection at breakfast - there are lots of homemade things - and the location right on the ring road is also great.
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Day 4

Regnboga Vegur - Rainbow Road
Day 4 began with a relatively long drive to the small town of Seydisfjördur in the east of the country. Located deep in the mountains and at the end of a fjord, the town impresses with its colorful houses and one spot in particular. The Seydisfjördur church with the rainbow road in front of it. I said at the beginning that this is also an Instagram travel guide and this is another such spot. We only took a few pictures here and had a look at one or two stores but didn't buy anything. The prices put us off a bit.
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Rjúkandi Waterfall
The next stop was the Rjukandi waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland and also not very popular. This time it is also located directly on the road and you don't have to pay a parking fee. However, I have to admit that it doesn't look that spectacular. Maybe you can capture the size better with a drone photo. However, the wind was too strong at the time, which is why the drone didn't quite work out. You can stop here once on your way around the islands. However, I wouldn't plan much time for this.
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Stuðlagil Canyon Main Access
One of the most beautiful collections of basalt columns on the whole island. Before you get here though, be aware that there are two sides, the east and the west side. Here we will explain the west side, check „Studlagil (East side parking)“ for a description on how to get to the other side. We haven’t managed to do that but if you have enough time we would recommend the east side, as it is much more beautiful from there. The parking lot on the west side is called “Official Studlagil parking”. There are also food trucks and restrooms here. Unlike the parking lot, however, you have to pay for the latter. You can get to the viewing platform by going down some stairs from the parking lot. However, we didn't find the view from here particularly beautiful, so we would rather recommend the east side. We actually only visited the west side as we didn't have enough time for the long hike, otherwise we would have done that of course.
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Stuðlagil (Bridge parking)
The east side includes a 4km (2.5 mi) easy walk each way. However, it depends on where you park. The first parking lot is “Studlagil (east side parking)”, which is another 2km (1.2 mi) away from another parking lot (“Parking - Studlagil canyon”). From here it is then the aforementioned 4km (2.5 mi). We haven't tried it ourselves, but the road condition from the first to the second parking lot can be quite bad, so check if your car can handle it before you leave. Otherwise, always book full coverage insurance in advance, just in case. This hike first takes you past Studlafoss. A waterfall that is a little reminiscent of Svartifoss. Once you've reached the end, you're standing at the foot of the canyon right by the water. The most beautiful spot, much shared on social media and not comparable to the view you get from the west side. The best pictures and videos for instagram are definitely taken on the east side, but you have to take an 8km (5mi) round trip hike to get there.
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Dettifoss
At the next location, Dettifoss, there are also two different sides from which you can admire the breathtaking waterfall. There are also the east and west side. Which one you choose is up to you. But I will give you some facts, pros and cons about both sides. Here about the East Side first: The approach to the parking lot is a bit bumpier but still manageable with a normal 2WD car. The parking lot is also much smaller than on the west side. However, the footpath to the waterfall is not as long, about 400m (0.25 mi). You can walk right up to the waterfall and feel its full power. However, you can only see the waterfall from the side and not from the front in its full splendor. But the pictures you can take here are really great. What's more, you don't get wet here. The path to Selfoss is also around 1 km (0.62 mi) long, but here you have to climb a little more over rocks. The path is much better on the west side. On the east side, however, you can see Selfoss in its full size.
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Dettifoss (West Side)
Here are some facts about the West side. You should decide on your own what you prefer. But if you have time I would recommend visiting both sides. The west side is designed more for tourists. The approach is easier, the road is paved and there is a large parking lot. However, you have to walk about 1 km (0.62 mi) to the waterfall. The advantage here is that there are extra viewing platforms where you can see the waterfall directly from the front and from above. You are also further away and can therefore see more. The disadvantage is that you can get wet from the waterfall spray. You can also reach another beautiful waterfall (Selfoss) from both sides and with a short walk, which is a little upriver from Dettifoss. The walk here was another 1 km (0.62 mi). You can get close from the west side, but you can't see Selfoss completely. A complete round trip from the parking lot to Dettifoss, to Selfoss and back to the parking lot is about 2.5 km (1.6 mi) long.
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Hverir
Our next stop on the way to our overnight accommodation near Reykjahlid was the Hverir geothermal area. This can also be visited around the clock, but parking here is comparatively expensive at 1200 ISK (8 EUR). This area is not that exciting from the ground. You can see a few smoking and bubbling mud pools and smell a characteristic stench of rotten eggs. We didn't find it that impressive. However, the view from the air with the drone is all the more beautiful. On the one hand, there is the aforementioned area, which makes a really great mosaic from above. On the other hand, there is this picturesque road and the mountain in the background. Also a really great photo motif, which is why the visit was worthwhile after all.
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Guesthouse Stöng
We had a simple but adequate room. It was clean and warm. The location is quite remote, but idyllic.
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Day 5

Gentle Giants - Husavik Whale Watching
Day 5 begins with a tour that we absolutely had to do. It was a whale, dolphin and puffing watching tour in Husavik in the north of the island. We booked with the company “Gentle Giants” and were really impressed. We chose the tour with the speedboat for around 140 EUR pp because you can cover a larger radius in the same amount of time and therefore increase your chances of seeing whales and dolphins. And don't worry, you get a warm overall and a life vest beforehand. First you make a stop at Lundey Island, where there are thousands of puffins. Then you continue into the deeper waters of Skjalfandi Bay where dolphins and whales await you. Whale and dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, but very likely. We saw a few dolphins and humpback whales, but unfortunately no blue whales. Nevertheless, it was a truly unforgettable experience, which I can only recommend to everyone.
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Goðafoss Waterfall
Godafoss was the next waterfall on our trip. It is also very impressive, but not because it is so powerful or high, but because of its horseshoe shape. Godafoss is located in the northeast of Iceland, directly on Ring Road 1 and is well marked with large signs and hard to miss. There is a very large parking lot for which you do not have to pay a fee. You can easily explore the waterfall from both sides and also walk very close to the water. A really beautiful attraction that invites you to linger. However, it is also very popular with tourists and is always well visited.
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Hvitserkur
Hvitserkur is a 15m (49ft) tall basalt rock formation just a few meters from the shore in the Hunafjord. This attraction is a little out of the way and can only be reached via a very bumpy gravel road. However, the sight of the rock is well worth it. The rock is also a nesting ground for seagulls, fulmars and other bird species and many of them can be seen not only on the rock but also on the shore. A short stop here is definitely worthwhile.
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Kolgrafarfjörður
Our destination for tonight was Budir in the west of the island, so we still had quite a long drive ahead of us. And this journey also involved a very long stretch of rather bumpy gravel roads. The infrastructure in this section is not always so good. There isn't much to see here either. However, we did make a stopover at the Kolgrafarfjördur bridge, which is actually quite inconspicuous from the car. However, the real motif only becomes apparent when you look at it from the air. A perfect spot for beautiful drone shots.
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The Old Post Office Guesthouse
Small room with an even smaller bathroom, but we still felt very comfortable. Beds were very comfortable and there was a wall-mounted TV. There was a communal kitchen where everything was available and which was kept clean. There were also provisions from previous guests who had left them there willingly.
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Day 6

Kirkjufellsfoss
In the west of the island there is plenty more to discover and Budir is the perfect starting point. For example, the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall is very close by. You've probably seen pictures of it before. It is also very easy to reach and is located directly on the road, where you have to pay a parking fee of 700 ISK (4.65 EUR). The waterfall itself is not very spectacular. What makes it special, however, is the picturesque mountain in the background and the resulting composition. Kirkjufell is a 463-metre-high mountain in the small fishing village of Grundafjördur, which makes this place absolutely instagram worthy.
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Búðakirkja
The next photo spot, the Budir Black Church (Budakirkja), is also one of the most photographed sights and the most photographed church in Iceland. It is merely a free-standing, very simple black church. However, its surroundings, the Snaefellsjökull glacier in the background and the strong contrast make it a beautiful photo motif.
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Ingjaldshóll Church
The next attraction is very close by and is also a church, Ingjaldsholskirkja. It reveals its full potential when photographed from a distance with the mountains in the background and the long road in the foreground. The church with the red roofs is also a very striking and high-contrast photo motif here, which you should definitely capture with your lens.
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Músagjá
The Stone Bridge in Arnarstapi is a natural rock formation right on the west coast. It is also a destination and a beautiful photo spot that you can simply enter in Google Maps. You will then be directed to a spacious parking lot, which you can enter for free. It's then just a short, easy walk to the bridge. However, always have Google Maps open, as this will guide you to the approximate location of the bridge, as there are no special signs. Also, always keep your eyes open, because this bridge is not that obvious. It is not such an obvious arch as, for example, Gatklettur nearby. The bridge is rather inconspicuous. In pictures it always looks like something very large, but it's the angle alone that makes it look so impressive. But you know you're in the right place when you see a bridge with lots of seagulls nesting in the foreground.
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Strokkur Geyser
As the previous spots didn't take much time, we still had enough time to drive towards the Big Geyser (Strokkur Geysir). Another relatively long drive of 3.5 hours, but absolutely worth it. Not particularly impressive in photos, but in reality. The way to the Big Geyser is very well signposted, easy to find and you don't have to pay for parking. The Strokkur geyser is the main attraction here and the most active geyser in Iceland. It erupts every few minutes (about 4-10) and reaches a height of up to 30 meters. There are clear signs before an eruption, such as a very large bubble forming shortly beforehand, from which the water fountain then shoots out. A spectacle that you absolutely have to see at least once.
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Thingvellir National park service centre
On the way back to Reykjavik, you can make a stop at Thingvellir National Park. The place where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. Which makes it one of the most extraordinary geological sites in Iceland. The best place to see this spectacle is the Hakid view point, or Almannagja, a gorge you can easily walk through. Part of this gorge is also a beautiful little waterfall called Oxararfoss, which you should definitely visit. This is also very easy to reach on foot and is well signposted. In general, simply enter all the points I mention here into Google Maps. Then you're sure to find what you're looking for. We spent the night in the capital Reykjavik at the end of the sixth day.
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Öxarárfoss
See the explanations above.
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Day 7

Ishestar Horse Riding Centre
We went horseback riding through the lava fields outside Reykjavik. We booked a two-hour tour and only paid just over 100 euros pp for it. However, the introduction was included in this time. Still a really good price-performance ratio. When we arrived (we arrived early as we still had time) there were two newborn foals that you could watch at close range, which was really great. Even after the ride we were able to spend some time with the horses. We were looked after very well and whether beginner or advanced, everyone can ride here. During the ride, we were asked whether we were confident enough to trot a few sections. After a while, the groups are split up. One group continues to ride at a walk, the other trots. One thing should be said, however. Icelandic horses are relatively small and therefore take many small steps, which can make it very bumpy. This type of horse therefore requires a slightly different riding style than you are used to with normal sized horses.
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Blue Lagoon
As an evening program, we wanted to try out the famous Blue Lagoon. If you really want to and your budget allows it, you can go for it. However, we found that it wasn't really worth it. But here is our experience. It's best to book tickets directly on the official website for a specific day and a specific period. That way you can be sure that you will get in. You can choose a timeslot every hour on which you have to arrive. This also varies in price. We booked the standard (Comfort) package. This ranges from 65 EUR to 94 EUR per person. The standard package includes the following: Entry to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, a towel and the first drink of your choice. For a description of the whole experience and an overview of the other packages and which one is more worth it, check out the Blog Post on our website https://tworoamtheworld
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Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport
Chic and modern hotel close to the airport, perfect if you have an early flight to catch.
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