Iceland is the land of fire and ice, where glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and fjords hold centuries of saga history. Vikings settled here in the 9th century, and you can still stand between tectonic plates at Þingvellir, home of the world’s oldest parliament. Today, geothermal heat warms homes, pools, and celebrated spas—nature’s steam rooms with ocean views.

Reykjavik hums with design-forward cafés, seafood kitchens, and live music, while Akureyri—“the capital of the North”—sits beneath snowy peaks above a long fjord. Between them you’ll find lava fields, black-sand beaches, and puffin cliffs; in winter, the aurora dances across subarctic skies. Expect pristine tap water, safe streets, and locals who love a good hot pot soak after work.

Practical notes: weather changes quickly—pack layers, waterproofs, and traction-friendly shoes. Reserve popular spas and day tours in advance, and check volcano/advisory updates before you go. Alcohol is pricey; consider happy hours and state shops (Vínbúðin) or sample curated wine flights at intimate bars instead.

Reykjavik

Colorful tin-roof houses, modernist Harpa Concert Hall, and street art define compact, walkable Reykjavik. It’s a perfect base for the Golden Circle, whale watching, and the steamy Sky Lagoon. Between adventures, warm up with third-wave coffee and cinnamon cardamom buns.

• Top sights: Hallgrímskirkja tower view, Harpa’s kaleidoscopic glass, the Settlement Exhibition, Sun Voyager sculpture, Grandi harbor.
• Eat & drink: Messinn (skillet-seared Arctic char), Grillmarkaðurinn (Icelandic grill), Apótek Kitchen (modern Icelandic), hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu; ice cream at Valdís. Coffee heavyweights: Reykjavik Roasters, Mokka Kaffi (since 1958), Sandholt Bakery.
• Wine tasting: Port 9 and Vínstúkan Tíu sopar pour thoughtful flights from Old World producers—small, cozy, and conversation-friendly.

Stay in Reykjavik: Browse VRBO in Reykjavik or compare hotels on Hotels.com Reykjavik. Specific picks: social vibes at Kex Hostel (great for mid-budget), nature-adjacent Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, or splurge-worthy The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland (ideal for your final night or day pass).

Getting to Reykjavik (KEF): From Europe, check flights via Omio. From North America or Asia, compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: 5–6 hours from NYC, ~3 hours from London.

Day 1 — Arrival, Harbor Walk, and Cozy Reykjavik Eats

Afternoon: Land at KEF, transfer to your hotel, and shake off jet lag with a harbor stroll past the Sun Voyager to Harpa. Coffee and a flaky snúður at Sandholt or a cappuccino at Reykjavik Roasters set the Icelandic-café tone.

Evening: Try Messinn for skillet-fried fish with potatoes and brown butter, or go for local lamb and Arctic char at Grillmarkaðurinn. Nightcap with a wine flight at Port 9; in aurora season (Sep–Apr), check the forecast and head to Grótta Lighthouse for a quick, dark-sky peek.

Day 2 — Golden Circle Icons with Kerið Crater

Morning–Afternoon: Join a small-group Golden Circle day tour to tick off Þingvellir National Park (rift between continents), erupting Geysir/Strokkur, the mighty Gullfoss, and the red-rimmed Kerið crater. It’s a classic for first-time visitors and perfect for photos and short walks.

Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik

Evening: Back in town, graze at Hlemmur Mathöll (great for groups and budgets). Try kransekake at Brauð & Co next door or gelato at Valdís by the harbor.

Day 3 — Whales, Lava, and a Sunset Spa

Morning: Cruise from the Old Harbor to spot minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and seabirds in Faxaflói Bay. Dress warm—boats provide extra suits.

The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Afternoon: Warm up with coffee at Mokka Kaffi and browse the Settlement Exhibition for Viking-era Reykjavik. For a unique experience, consider the Reykjavik Lava Show (real molten lava demo; book directly on-site).

Evening: Time your soak for golden hour at the oceanfront Sky Lagoon—do the 7-Step Ritual (cold plunge, sauna with fjord view, steam, and more) for peak Icelandic spa culture.

Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket Including 7-Step Ritual

Day 4 — DIY South Coast: Waterfalls and Black-Sand Beaches

Morning: Pick up a rental car and head east on Route 1 (about 1 hr 45 min to Seljalandsfoss). Walk behind the falls and peek at nearby Gljúfrabúi, tucked in a mossy gorge. Continue 30 minutes to Skógafoss and climb the stairway for canyon views.

Afternoon: Drive to Reynisfjara’s black-sand beach for basalt columns and roaring surf—stay well back from the water due to sneaker waves. Coffee stop at the Skool Beans bus in Vík, then detour up to Dyrhólaey for puffin lookouts in summer and panoramic cliffs.

Evening: Return to Reykjavik (2.5–3 hours). Casual dinner near the harbor at Kaffivagninn (Iceland’s oldest diner) or share small plates and a glass of red at Vínstúkan Tíu sopar.

Akureyri

Set on Eyjafjörður fjord and ringed by mountains, Akureyri serves alpine views and easy access to the Mývatn geothermal wonderland. The vibe is small-town cozy: blue hour over the harbor, cafés in wooden houses, and a superb new spa in the forest.

• Top nearby sights: Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn (Hverir mud pots, Dimmuborgir lava fields), Hverfjall crater, Grjótagjá cave.
• Eat & drink: Strikið (panoramic dining), Greifinn (casual comfort), Akureyri Fish & Chips; coffee at Bláa Kannan or Kaffi Ilmur; wine and tastings at R5 Beer & Wine.
• Spa: Forest Lagoon (Skógarböð)—a dreamy soak with forest and fjord views.

Stay in Akureyri: Compare stays on VRBO Akureyri or Hotels.com Akureyri. Specific options: central Hotel Kea by Keahotels, budget-friendly Akureyri Backpackers, comfortable Icelandair Hotel Akureyri, nature-adjacent Hotel Kjarnalundur, or Hotel Nordurland by Keahotels.

Getting there from Reykjavik: Fly from Reykjavik Domestic (RKV) to Akureyri (AEY): ~45 minutes, often US$100–200 one-way. Search options via Omio. Self-drive is ~5 hours on Route 1 in good conditions.

Day 5 — Fly North, Goðafoss, and Forest Lagoon

Morning: Morning flight RKV→AEY (~45 min) and quick taxi or bus into town. Settle in and grab a latte at Bláa Kannan, a blue house café that feels like a hug.

Afternoon: Drive or tour to Goðafoss (“Waterfall of the Gods”), a perfect horseshoe cascade with easy trails. Stop at Kaffi Ilmur for waffles on your way back.

Evening: Soak at Forest Lagoon—two warm pools, cold plunge, and a swim-up bar beneath pine trees. Dinner at Strikið (try the Arctic char or lamb) and a glass at R5 Beer & Wine; ask for a tailored tasting flight.

Day 6 — Lake Mývatn Geothermal Circuit and Hiking

Morning: Circle Lake Mývatn: walk the boardwalks at the steaming Hverir mud fields, then hike the Hverfjall rim (1–1.5 hours round-trip for sweeping crater views).

Afternoon: Explore Dimmuborgir’s lava labyrinth and peek into Grjótagjá cave (no bathing). Optional extra soak at Mývatn Nature Baths if you’re collecting spa days.

Evening: Back in Akureyri, casual dinner at Greifinn or Akureyri Fish & Chips. Dessert at Brynja, the beloved old-school ice cream shop. In winter, a short drive out of town gives you dark skies for potential Northern Lights.

Day 7 — Back to Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, and Departure

Morning: Fly AEY→RKV and transfer toward KEF. Leave luggage with Blue Lagoon’s storage service if needed.

Midday–Afternoon: Unwind at the Blue Lagoon before your flight; the silica-rich water does wonders after a week of exploring. This option includes transfers, which simplifies airport timing.

Blue Lagoon Admission Including Return Transfers from Reykjavik

Food: Lunch at the café for skyr bowls and rye bread or book Lava Restaurant for a refined sendoff. Head to KEF for your afternoon departure, refreshed and toasty.

Budget & logistics tips (aiming for a 50/100 spend)

• Transport: Mix guided day tours with one rental-car day (South Coast) to keep costs balanced. Domestic flights save time vs. long drives.
• Food: Alternate sit-down dinners with food halls and harbor diners; share plates and skip cocktails some nights. Coffee culture is worth every króna.
• Spas: Book Sky Lagoon at sunset and Blue Lagoon on departure day to maximize value and logistics.
• Seasonal add-ons: From Sept–Apr, consider a Northern Lights bus tour; from May–Sep, add whale puffin combos or longer hikes.

Book essential travel: International and European flights via Omio, plus options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. For intra-Europe rail/bus connections before or after Iceland, see Omio Trains and Omio Buses.

In one week, you’ll sip third-wave coffee in Reykjavik, stand between continents on the Golden Circle, chase waterfalls on the South Coast, whale watch at sea, and soak in steamy lagoons—then fly north for fjord views, forest spas, and lava landscapes. It’s a well-paced Iceland itinerary that blends big-sky nature with cozy Nordic comforts.