Iceland is a young land forged by fire and ice, settled by Norse seafarers in the late 9th century. Today, tectonic seams, lava fields, and glaciers sculpt a landscape that looks otherworldly yet sits just 5–6 hours from the U.S. East Coast and about 3 hours from London. In a single week, you can wander a cool Nordic capital, stand between continents, and touch centuries of volcanic storytelling.

Reykjavik hums with design-forward cafes, geothermal pools, and a compact harborfront where whale boats idle beneath the glass facets of Harpa Concert Hall. Day trips unlock the Golden Circle’s trio—Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss—while the South Coast strings together Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Beach, and the sea cliffs of Dyrhólaey. In Vik, you’ll meet Iceland’s stark, beautiful edge—and, in winter, chase the Northern Lights.

Practical notes: weather changes quickly; pack layers, waterproofs, and grippy shoes year-round. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; tap water is pristine. Driving is straightforward on the Ring Road in summer, but buses and guided tours are great alternatives in winter. This itinerary assumes an afternoon arrival on Day 1 and an afternoon departure on Day 7.

Reykjavik

Colorful corrugated houses, sea air, and a thriving food scene make Reykjavik more than just a launchpad. Hallgrimskirkja’s tower watches over the city; Harpa Concert Hall sparkles by the Old Harbour; street art threads through Laugavegur. After long days in nature, this is where you warm up with cinnamon buns, geothermal pools, and Icelandic comfort food.

• Top sights: Hallgrimskirkja (elevator view), Sun Voyager sculpture, Harpa Concert Hall, the Settlement Exhibition (Viking-age Reykjavik), and the National Museum of Iceland.
• Food & drink: Try dill-cured arctic char at Messinn, lamb at Grillmarkaðurinn, rye bread ice cream at Cafe Loki, and hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. Coffee? Reykjavik Roasters and Sandholt bakery are local institutions.
• Fun fact: Reykjavik’s name means “Smoky Bay,” likely for steam from the area’s hot springs rather than fire.

Where to stay: Browse central stays on VRBO Reykjavik or Hotels.com Reykjavik. Notable picks: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura (close to geothermal trails), the vibey Kex Hostel (social, great bar), or a splurge at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland for spa-first travelers.

Getting in: Fly into Keflavik (KEF). From Europe, compare fares on Omio (flights). From North America and elsewhere, search Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. KEF to central Reykjavik takes ~45 minutes by shuttle or taxi.

Vik

Vík í Mýrdal is the South Coast’s postcard: black sands at Reynisfjara, sea stacks like fangs in the surf, and cliffs where puffins nest in summer. Inland, Katla volcano hides blue ice caves and glacier tongues; on clear evenings, the sky can glow with aurora.

• Top sights: Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrhólaey arch and lighthouse (bird cliffs in summer), Church of Vik viewpoint, Sólheimajökull glacier (easy viewpoint), and the Katla ice cave (guided only).
• Food & drink: Warm up with “lava soup” in a bread bowl at The Soup Company, Icelandic burgers and craft beer at Smiðjan Brugghús, and locally sourced plates at Drangar (Hotel Kría).
• Safety tip: Reynisfjara’s sneaker waves are real—stay well behind warning markers and never turn your back on the ocean.

Where to stay: Explore options on VRBO Vik or Hotels.com Vik. Great choices: Hotel Kría (modern, mountain views), Icelandair Hotel Vik (walk to Reynisfjara viewpoint path), Hotel Katla by Keahotels (hot tubs), or budget-friendly Puffin Hostel Vik.

Getting there: Morning bus from Reykjavik to Vik takes ~3–3.5 hours (about 6,000–8,500 ISK/$45–$65 one-way). Check options on Omio (buses). Driving the Ring Road (Route 1) is ~2.5 hours without stops, but plan extra for waterfalls.

Day 1: Arrive Iceland, Settle into Reykjavik + Oceanfront Soak

Afternoon: Land at KEF and transfer ~45 minutes to your hotel. Shake off jet lag with a harbor walk: see the angular Harpa, the stainless-steel Sun Voyager, and colorful boats at the Old Harbour. Coffee and a cardamom bun at Reykjavik Roasters or a pastry at Sandholt hit the spot.

Evening: Ease into Icelandic bathing culture at the oceanfront Sky Lagoon. Book Sky Lagoon Ticket with 7-Step Ritual and Transfers for a stress-free ride and a guided circuit through a cold plunge, sauna with a sea view, steam, and scrub.

Afterwards, dine at Messinn (try the pan-fried Arctic char “for two” with potatoes and lemon butter) or Grillmarkaðurinn (Icelandic meats, open kitchen). Nightcap at Kaldi Bar (Icelandic craft brews).

Day 2: Reykjavik Essentials, History, and Nordic Flavors

Morning: Grab breakfast at Sandholt (sourdough, shakshuka) or Deig (bagel sandwiches) and ride the elevator up Hallgrimskirkja for the city’s best panorama. Stroll Laugavegur’s boutiques and murals; duck into Micro Bar for a peek at the local beer list for later.

Afternoon: Time-travel at the Settlement Exhibition—Viking-age longhouse remains beneath downtown—then the National Museum for a concise arc from settlement to modern statehood. Lunch at Cafe Loki opposite Hallgrimskirkja: rye bread with smoked trout and plokkfiskur (creamy fish stew) are classics.

Evening: From September to April, chase aurora on #1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland with PRO Photos—guides read the forecast and reposition for clear skies; you’ll get hot chocolate and photos if lights appear.

In summer, swap for a golden-hour harbor walk plus dinner at Fish Company (Fiskfélagið: modern seafood tasting menus).

Day 3: Golden Circle + Blue Lagoon Day Tour

Full-day: See Iceland’s greatest hits on a small-group circuit: tectonic rifts at Thingvellir National Park, erupting Strokkur at Geysir, and thundering Gullfoss. Many tours also stop at the crimson Kerið crater before capping the day in the milky-blue waters of Iceland’s most famous spa. Book the Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater for a relaxed pace and included admission.

Lunch tends to be on the road (soups and lamb stew at visitor centers). Back in town, keep it simple: hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu with crispy onions and pylsusinnep, then a scoop at Valdís.

Day 4: South Coast to Vik — Waterfalls, Sea Stacks, and Black Sand

Morning (travel): Depart Reykjavik for Vik. By bus, plan ~3–3.5 hours (about 6,000–8,500 ISK/$45–$65 one-way; check Omio (buses)). Driving Route 1 takes ~2.5 hours; aim for a morning start.

Afternoon: Stop at Seljalandsfoss (bring a rain shell if walking behind the falls) and Skógafoss (climb the staircase for valley views). In Vik, warm up with bread-bowl “lava soup” at The Soup Company or espresso at Skool Beans (cozy coffee bus). Explore Reynisfjara’s basalt columns and the view back toward Reynisdrangar sea stacks—mind posted safety lines; sneaker waves are hazardous.

Evening: Sunset at the Church of Vik viewpoint paints sea stacks in gold. Dinner at Smiðjan Brugghús (smoked brisket burger, buffalo cauliflower, and local IPA flights) or Drangar (Hotel Kría’s sleek dining room with South Coast lamb and Arctic char). If skies are clear in winter, step outside after dark—aurora often dances over Vik.

Day 5: Katla Ice Cave Adventure + Coastal Wandering

Morning: Venture beneath a volcano on the Ice Cave by Katla Volcano Super Jeep Tour from Vik. Guides outfit you with helmets and crampons before rumbling across black sands to sapphire ice.

Expect ~3 hours; dress warm with waterproof layers and ankle-supporting shoes.

Afternoon: After lunch at Suður-Vík (fish of the day, pizzas with local toppings), choose an easy glacier viewpoint at Sólheimajökull or hike the flat 45–60 minutes (each way) to the Sólheimasandur DC-3 plane wreck—haunting on a moody day.

Evening: Relax with a simple dinner—fish and chips at Black Beach Restaurant or hearty fare back at Smiðjan. On clear winter nights, another DIY aurora scan: drive or walk a short way out of town to reduce light pollution.

Day 6: Return to Reykjavik + Grandi Harbour Flavors

Morning (travel): Bus back to Reykjavik (~3–3.5 hours; see Omio (buses)) or drive the Ring Road. If driving, quick stops at Kvernufoss (quieter falls near Skógar) make the journey special.

Afternoon: Explore the Grandi Harbour district: browse the Marshall House art spaces and watch ship traffic. Lunch at Kaffivagninn (Reykjavik’s oldest diner—plokkfiskur and fish of the day) or Grandi Mathöll food hall (try lamb flatbreads and fresh fish stalls).

Evening: For a mellow final night, grab small plates at Mat Bar (seasonal Nordic-Med) or Apótek (Icelandic meats, classic cocktails). Music fans can check the bar at KEX for occasional live sets.

Day 7: Last Sips of Reykjavik + Departure

Morning: Souvenir run along Skólavörðustígur (local design shops) and a cinnamon snúður at Brauð & Co. If you have time, Perlan’s observation deck gives a sweeping last look at the bay and mountains.

Afternoon (departure): Allow ~45 minutes to KEF, plus check-in time. From Europe, compare returns on Omio (flights); from North America or elsewhere, check Trip.com or Kiwi.com for the best fare and timing. Grab one last pylsa (hot dog) if you spot a stand en route.

Add-On Ideas (if you have extra time or swap a day)

• Whale watching (in season): Departures from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour commonly see minke whales, dolphins, and birdlife.
• Snorkel Silfra: For drysuit-prospects, the clearest water on Earth between tectonic plates is unforgettable (Thingvellir; age/health restrictions apply).

Where to Sleep Each Night

• Nights 1–3: Reykjavik — choose central lodging for easy walks. Options via Hotels.com Reykjavik or VRBO Reykjavik.
• Nights 4–5: Vik — coastal base for ice caves and sea cliffs. See Hotel Kría, Icelandair Hotel Vik, Hotel Katla, or Puffin Hostel Vik.
• Night 6: Reykjavik — last-night convenience for airport transfer. Repeat your favorite or pick a new neighborhood hotel.

Logistics Quick-Guide

• Airport transfers: ~45 minutes each way; shared shuttles are widely available. Build in buffer for winter weather.
• Reykjavik ⇄ Vik: Bus ~3–3.5 hours (about $45–$65; check Omio). Driving Route 1 is ~2.5 hours each way.
• What to pack: Waterproof jacket, mid-layers, hat/gloves even in summer, and sturdy, lug-soled footwear. Swimsuit for lagoons.

Tours Featured in This Itinerary

• Sky Lagoon Ticket with 7-Step Ritual and Transfers

  

• #1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland with PRO Photos

  

• Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater

  

• Ice Cave by Katla Volcano Super Jeep Tour from Vik

  

In a week, you’ll taste Reykjavik’s creative energy, soak in geothermal lagoons, stand at the meeting of continents, and feel the Atlantic crash on black sands. Iceland lingers—its light, its lava, its quiet—calling you back to see what the weather and the earth dream up next.