Iceland is the land of fire and ice—glaciers and lava fields, fjords and fumaroles—shaped by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Viking lore. Modern Reykjavik hums with design-forward cafés and a rich arts scene, while the South Coast pulls you toward waterfalls that roar, beaches as dark as obsidian, and glaciers that breathe.

In one compact week, you’ll savor geothermal bathing culture, photograph the Golden Circle’s geysers and tectonic rifts, sail out for whales, and then base in Vík for the black-sand drama of Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey cliffs, and a mind-bending ice cave under Katla Volcano. This Iceland itinerary balances guided day tours with flexible time for spontaneous detours and cozy meals.

Practical notes: winter brings aurora and shorter days; summer means midnight sun and puffins. Weather flips quickly—dress in layers, waterproof head-to-toe. Roads and beaches demand respect (rogue waves at Reynisfjara are real). Cards are widely accepted; tap-to-pay is the norm. Always check local advisories, especially during periods of volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Reykjavik

Colorful corrugated houses, street art that pops in the bright subarctic light, and a culinary scene far beyond stereotypes—Reykjavik is an ideal first base. From the harborside Harpa concert hall to Hallgrímskirkja’s rocket-like tower, most sights are walkable, with hot pools and oceanfront spas to ward off any chill.

• Top sights: Hallgrímskirkja (tower views), Sun Voyager sculpture, Harpa, Old Harbour, Perlan’s observation deck, and the National Museum of Iceland.
• Signature experiences: Golden Circle day tour (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss), Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon soak, whale watching, and a Reykjavik food walk.
• Where to stay: Browse apartments and homes on VRBO Reykjavik or hotels via Hotels.com Reykjavik. Specific picks: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura (quiet, near wooded paths), Kex Hostel (designy social hub), or splurge at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland for on-site geothermal serenity.
• Getting there: Fly into Keflavík (KEF). Typical flight times—London ~3h; New York ~5.5–6h; Boston ~5h; Seattle ~7.5–8h. Compare fares and routes with Omio flights (commonly $350–$900 roundtrip depending on season).

Day 1: Arrival, Reykjavik Stroll, and Oceanfront Soak

Afternoon: Land at KEF, transfer to your hotel (45–60 minutes by airport bus or ~45 minutes by car). Drop bags, then stretch your legs across the Old Harbour: admire Harpa’s prismatic glass, the Sun Voyager’s steel “ship,” and Laugavegur’s boutiques. Coffee at Reykjavik Roasters (single-origin pour-overs) or Mokka Kaffi (old-school, with waffles).

Evening: Ease into Icelandic bathing culture at the Atlantic-edge Sky Lagoon—an infinity pool with a 7-step ritual (cold plunge, sauna with a window to the sea, and more). Book your spot with transfers if you prefer not to navigate on day one.

Book: Sky Lagoon Ticket with 7-Step Ritual and Transfers from Reykjavik

After, dine on skillet-seared Arctic char at Messinn (pan-fried in herb butter), try lamb shoulder and foraged flavors at Dill (Michelin-star, book ahead), or the wood-fired, farm-to-table menu at Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market).

Day 2: Golden Circle + Blue Lagoon (Full-Day)

Let a guide handle the driving so you can focus on geysers and waterfall rainbows. This small-group day covers Þingvellir National Park (Viking-era assembly site straddling tectonic plates), the steamy Geysir area, thundering Gullfoss, Kerið volcanic crater, and includes time at the Blue Lagoon for a milky-silica soak.

Book: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket and Kerid Volcanic Crater

Back in town, warm up with lamb soup at Café Loki (try rye bread with trout) or seafood pans at Messinn if you didn’t go yesterday.

Day 3: Whales, Food Walk, and Northern Lights

Morning: Head to the Old Harbour for a classic whale-watching cruise—minke and humpbacks frequent these waters, and seabirds wheel overhead. Dress warmly; ships provide extra layers.

Book: The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Afternoon: Meet a local guide to eat your way through downtown—expect Icelandic lamb, artisan cheeses, fish stew, and something sweet. You’ll also hear stories that stitched the city together.

Book: Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland

Evening: If visiting September–April, chase the aurora in a small group. Guides monitor cloud breaks and KP index, serve hot chocolate, and take photos so you can stay present.

Book: #1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos

Between tours, grab breakfast at Sandholt Bakery (try the almond croissant), a legendary hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu, and dinner at Fish Market (Fiskmarkaðurinn) for sashimi-grade Arctic char and inventive tasting menus.

Vík í Mýrdal (Vík)

Vík, the southernmost village on the mainland, sits between cliffs and an inky shore patrolled by basalt sea stacks. It’s a perfect base for South Coast icons: Reynisfjara’s black sands, Dyrhólaey’s arch and puffin nests (in season), thunderous Skógafoss, and the otherworldly ice cave beneath Katla Volcano.

• Top sights: Reynisfjara and Reynisdrangar, Dyrhólaey, Skógafoss, Kvernufoss (a “hidden” waterfall), Sólheimasandur DC-3 wreck, Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon (east).
• Where to stay: Browse VRBO Vík or Hotels.com Vík. Specific picks: Hotel Kría (modern rooms, mountain views), Icelandair Hotel Vik (coastal vistas), Hotel Katla by Keahotels (hot tubs, space to breathe), or budget-friendly Puffin Hostel Vik.
• Getting to Vík: Morning buses from Reykjavik take ~3h–3h15m (Strætó route via Hvolsvöllur), typically $35–$50. Compare schedules on Omio buses. Driving the Ring Road (Route 1) is similarly ~2h45m without stops—but you’ll want to stop.

Day 4: Reykjavik to Vík, Black-Sand First Impressions

Morning (Travel): Depart Reykjavik for Vík (~3h by bus via Omio buses, or ~2h45m drive). If driving, detour to Seljalandsfoss for the behind-the-falls walkway (pack waterproofs) and to Skógafoss for a stair climb to the rim trail.

Afternoon: Check in, then head to Reynisfjara. Study the hexagonal basalt columns and keep a wide berth from the shore—sneaker waves are hazardous. For coffee with personality, Skool Beans serves flat whites from a cozy converted school bus. If skies are clear, stop at the Dyrhólaey viewpoint for sweeping stacks-and-arch vistas.

Evening: Burgers and local brews at Smiðjan Brugghús (smoky “Tinderbox” burger is a favorite) or pizza and fish at Suður-Vík in a hilltop house. On dark nights, step outside town for aurora—Vík’s minimal light pollution pays off.

Day 5: Katla Ice Cave, Sea Stacks, and DC-3 Wreck

Morning: Join a super-jeep adventure to the “Dragon Glass” ice cave under Katla Volcano—blue ice, ash stripes, and textures that look carved by a sculptor. Helmets and crampons are provided; dress warmly.

Book: Ice Cave by Katla Volcano Super Jeep Tour from Vik

Afternoon: Hike the Sólheimasandur DC-3 wreck: a flat 7–8 km round trip across black sands (allow ~2.5 hours; there’s a paid shuttle in peak season if you’re short on time). Alternatively, return to Skógafoss and continue to Kvernufoss, a graceful fall in a mossy gorge, often far quieter than its famous neighbor.

Evening: Warm up at The Soup Company with “lava soup” in a bread bowl, or book Drangar Restaurant at Hotel Kría for refined local fare (think Arctic char with dill oil). Nightcap at Smiðjan or the lounge at Icelandair Hotel Vik.

Day 6: Cliffs, Canyon, and Coastal Views

Morning: Circle back to Dyrhólaey for calmer morning light (May–August brings puffins; respect nesting areas). Then take in the view from Vík’s hilltop church over the village, sea stacks, and Myrdalsjökull’s ice cap.

Afternoon: If conditions and time allow, drive east to Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon (~1h15m each way from Vík). The rim trail offers dreamy turquoise river scenes; stick to marked paths to protect fragile turf. Prefer staying local? Walk Vík’s black-sand beach toward the sea stacks—staying well back from the waterline.

Evening: Early dinner at Black Beach Restaurant (excellent fish of the day and views), or Halldórskaffi for cozy plates like fish and chips and lamb. Pack for tomorrow’s return to Reykjavik.

Day 7: Return to Reykjavik and Departure

Morning (Travel): Bus back to Reykjavik (~3h–3h15m; check Omio buses) or drive (~2h45m). If you have a cushion, grab brunch at Grandi Mathöll food hall (multiple local vendors under one roof) or a final pastry at Brauð & Co.

Afternoon: Transfer to KEF for your flight. If you didn’t soak enough earlier in the week and schedules align, a quick Sky Lagoon session can fit before heading out—just keep a generous buffer for travel and check-in.

Optional Add-Ons (if you extend your stay or swap a day)

• Snorkel Silfra between tectonic plates at Þingvellir—astonishing 100m visibility in glacial water: Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates - Meet on Location

  

• Swap Blue Lagoon for more time at the oceanside Sky Lagoon (entrance-only option): Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket Including 7-Step Ritual

  

Getting Around and Practical Tips

• Intercity travel: Reykjavik–Vík by bus is ~3h–3h15m (about $35–$50). Compare options on Omio buses. Driving offers flexibility; check road conditions daily.
• Within Reykjavik: walk, use city buses, or taxis for short hops. Most day tours include hotel pickup or central meeting points.
• Dining to bookmark: Sandholt (bakery), Brauð & Co (sourdough), Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (hot dogs), Messinn (fish pans), Dill (tasting menu), Grillmarkaðurinn (Icelandic grill), Smiðjan Brugghús (burgers and beer), The Soup Company (soups), Suður-Vík (cozy dinners), Black Beach Restaurant (sea views).

Where to stay—quick links:

• Reykjavik stays: VRBO | Hotels.com | Picks: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, Kex Hostel, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
• Vík stays: VRBO | Hotels.com | Picks: Hotel Kría, Icelandair Hotel Vik, Hotel Katla by Keahotels, Puffin Hostel Vik

In a week you’ll trace Iceland’s greatest hits: Reykjavik’s culture and cuisine, Golden Circle marvels, rejuvenating geothermal lagoons, and Vík’s cinematic South Coast—from thunderous falls to a glittering ice cave. Expect big skies, bigger landscapes, and the kind of memories that tug you back for a longer Ring Road adventure.