Few places contrast as spectacularly as Iceland and Greenland. Iceland, settled by Norse seafarers in the late 9th century, is a living geology lesson—where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge surfaces, geysers boil, and waterfalls thunder over young volcanic rock. Greenland, the world’s largest island, is home to Inuit culture, iceberg-studded fjords, and a resilient spirit shaped by ice, ocean, and aurora-lit skies.

This week puts you in Reykjavík for Iceland’s headline acts: the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls and black-sand beaches, whale watching, and a modern geothermal lagoon ritual. Then you’ll hop to Nuuk, Greenland’s compact, colorful capital framed by serrated mountains and one of the largest fjord systems on Earth.

Practical notes: weather swings fast—pack layers, waterproofs, and traction-ready shoes year-round. Daylight varies wildly (summer midnight sun; aurora hunting from roughly late August through April). Cards are king in both countries (ISK in Iceland, DKK in Greenland). Always heed local safety signs at Reynisfjara beach and near glaciers, and check conditions before hikes or winter travel.

Reykjavík

Quirky and creative, Reykjavík pairs Viking history with cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, a thriving coffee scene, and easy day trips to geysers, glaciers, and lava fields. Stroll the harborside for views of Esja, listen for experimental sounds at Harpa Concert Hall, and warm up with geothermal soaks that define Icelandic life.

Top highlights include Hallgrímskirkja’s tower views, the National Museum of Iceland, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and food halls and bakeries that punch far above their weight. Evenings can be mellow—craft beer, jazz bars—or aurora chases when the KP index spikes.

• Stay: Browse VRBO Reykjavik or Hotels.com Reykjavik. Specific picks: splurge at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, mid-range nature-forward at Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, or budget-social at Kex Hostel.
• Getting in: Fly into KEF (Keflavík). Compare fares on Omio flights, Trip.com flights, or Kiwi.com. KEF–city transfers take ~45 minutes by bus or taxi.

Day 1: Arrival, downtown wander, and Icelandic comfort flavors

Afternoon: Land at KEF and transfer to your hotel. Shake off jet lag with a mellow loop: Hallgrímskirkja (elevator to the tower for a city-and-sea panorama), the rainbow-streaked Skólavörðustígur, and the silver Sun Voyager sculpture along the bay.

Evening: Ease into Icelandic fare at Messinn (sizzling pans of Arctic char with brown butter and almonds) or Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market) for creative takes on lamb and local produce; book ahead for peak nights. Nightcap at Skúli Craft Bar to sample Icelandic brews; if the aurora forecast looks promising, walk the waterfront for dark-sky views.

Day 2: Reykjavik culture, bites, and Sky Lagoon ritual

Morning: Coffee at Reykjavik Roasters followed by pastries at Sandholt (try the rúgbrauð and cardamom buns). Explore the National Museum of Iceland to trace the island’s saga-age roots through modern times.

Afternoon: Join the acclaimed Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland (about 3–4 hours, typically ~$110–$140). Expect tastings like lamb soup, fresh fish, and local sweets while you explore downtown with a guide who weaves food with history.

Evening: Bask at the oceanfront Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket Including 7-Step Ritual (typically 1.5–2 hours, ~$55–$95 depending on package). The cold-mist walk between warm soaks makes the steam room’s birch-infused scent all the sweeter.

Round out with dinner at DILL (Michelin-starred, modern New Nordic—book far in advance) or the cozy Café Loki for rye bread, smoked fish, and skyr desserts overlooking Hallgrímskirkja.

Day 3: The Golden Circle—tectonic plates, geysers, and a mighty fall (full-day tour)

Dedicate the day to Iceland’s signature loop. Book the Small-group Golden Circle Classic Tour from Reykjavik (about 8 hours, often ~$80–$120). You’ll stand between continents at Þingvellir National Park, watch Strokkur geyser erupt, and feel the spray at Gullfoss. Many tours add Kerið crater’s russet caldera for vivid photos.

Return to town for grilled fish at Höfnið by the Old Harbor or elevated casual plates at Mat Bar (Mediterranean-Nordic small plates) with Icelandic natural wines.

Day 4: South Coast waterfalls, Reynisfjara’s black sands, and Vík (full-day tour)

Head east to the island’s photogenic coastline on the Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik (about 10 hours, typically ~$110–$160). Walk behind Seljalandsfoss, marvel at Skógafoss, and crunch across the basalt sands at Reynisfjara (stay well back from the water—sneaker waves are dangerous). Many tours stop in Vík; for lunch, try The Soup Company (lava soup in a bread bowl) or burgers at Smidjan Brugghús.

Prefer to linger? Consider an overnight at Hotel Kría or Icelandair Hotel Vik and return next morning.

Nuuk

Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, is compact, colorful, and backed by the immense Nuuk Fjord. The city blends Inuit heritage with modern Nordic design—think harborside sculptures, a striking cultural center, and cafes serving local flavors like musk ox, reindeer, and halibut.

Highlights include the Greenland National Museum & Archives (home to the famous Qilakitsoq mummies), the Old Colonial Harbor with red-and-mustard wooden buildings, and trails like Lille Malene that rise quickly to mountain views. In winter, aurora ribbons across the sky; in summer, boats thread between islands under endless light.

• Stay: Explore VRBO Nuuk or Hotels.com Nuuk. Central stays near the harbor put you close to museums, cafes, and fjord tours.
• Getting there (Reykjavík → Nuuk): Morning flight is ~2.5–3 hours. Schedules and prices (often ~$250–$600 one-way, seasonal) can vary—compare on Omio flights and Trip.com flights. Aim for a morning departure to maximize time on arrival.

Day 5: Fly to Nuuk, Old Harbor, and Greenlandic cuisine

Morning: Depart Reykjavík on an early flight to Nuuk (about 2.5–3 hours). Check in and get your bearings with a walk along the water; if the weather’s clear, the pyramid peak of Sermitsiaq dominates the horizon.

Afternoon: Visit the Greenland National Museum & Archives to see traditional kayaks, tupilaks, and the Qilakitsoq mummies that rewrote Arctic history. Warm up with a latte at Café Esmeralda or homey pastries at Kaffivik (coffee culture runs strong here).

Evening: Book dinner at Sarfalik (Hotel Hans Egede) for modern plates featuring halibut, reindeer, or musk ox—thoughtful, locally sourced, and beautifully plated. For a casual nightcap, stop at Godthaab Bryghus, Nuuk’s microbrewery, to sample Greenlandic craft beer.

Day 6: Fjord adventure and a mountaintop view

Morning: If seas are fair (summer to early autumn especially), join a boat trip into the Nuuk Fjord—think iceberg-dotted channels, waterfalls, and potential whale sightings. In winter, swap for a snowshoe or snowmobile outing just outside town; local operators advise on conditions.

Afternoon: Hike Lille Malene (Quassussuaq) for a panoramic sweep of Nuuk and the fjord (allow 2.5–4 hours; bring spikes in shoulder/winter seasons). Prefer a gentler option? Explore the Nuuk Art Museum and the striking Katuaq Cultural Centre for exhibitions and performances.

Evening: Taste Greenlandic comfort food at Inuk Hostels Café (try suaasat, a traditional soup) before a final aurora check. Good dark-sky vantage points sit just beyond the main streetlights near Qinngorput or the edges of the old harbor—bring a headlamp and tripod.

Day 7: Slow morning in Nuuk, then depart

Morning: Squeeze in a harborside stroll and a pastry at Kaffe Mik. If time allows, drop by Katuaq for a last look at Greenlandic design and a cappuccino.

Afternoon: Fly out after lunch. If you’re returning to Iceland or connecting onward, compare options on Omio flights or Trip.com flights. Build buffer time in winter in case of weather holds.

Optional add-on activities in Reykjavík (if you extend)

- Whale spotting on The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik (3–3.5 hours; summer sees frequent minke and humpbacks).

Where to eat and drink (quick picks)

• Breakfast/coffee (Reykjavík): Reykjavik Roasters (single-origin brews), Sandholt (legendary pastries), Brauð & Co (sourdough and flaky croissants).
• Lunch (Reykjavík): Hlemmur Mathöll food hall (varied stalls under one roof), Icelandic Fish & Chips at the harbor (light, crispy), Deig (bagels/doughnuts).
• Dinner (Reykjavík): DILL (tasting menus), Grillmarkaðurinn (wood-fired), Messinn (family-friendly fish pans).
• Nuuk cafés: Café Esmeralda (cozy), Kaffe Mik (central, reliable), Katuaq café (design-forward setting).
• Nuuk dinners: Sarfalik (fine dining, local produce), A Hereford Beefstouw (grillhouse at Hotel Hans Egede), Inuk Hostels Café (traditional staples).

Getting around and practical tips

• Local transport: Reykjavík is walkable; taxis and city buses fill gaps. In winter, sidewalks can be icy—use traction cleats.
• Tours: Full-day tours remove winter driving stress and cover big distances efficiently. For self-drivers, always check road and weather updates before setting out.
• What to pack: Waterproof jacket/pants, insulating mid-layers, hat and gloves, swimwear for lagoons, and power bank. In shoulder/winter seasons, bring microspikes.

At-a-glance travel booking links

• Flights: Omio flights (to/from Europe), Trip.com flights, Kiwi.com
• Reykjavík stays: VRBO Reykjavik, Hotels.com Reykjavik, plus: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, Kex Hostel
• Nuuk stays: VRBO Nuuk, Hotels.com Nuuk

In one week, you’ll stand between continents, feel the spray of Gullfoss and Skógafoss, soak in an oceanfront lagoon, and trace Greenlandic history from ancient mummies to modern art. Whether you come for northern lights or midnight sun, the interplay of fire and ice—and the people who thrive between them—will stay with you.