7 Day Complete Iceland

The day starts with pick-up from your accommodation or a nearby pick-up point in Reykjavík. The three attractions of the famous Golden Circle are first up on the agenda.

Þingvellir National Park holds a special place in every Icelander’s heart. It’s where the world’s oldest parliament was founded in 930 CE and now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history and geological wonders.

You’ll pass by Þingvallavatn, home to the famous Silfra fissure, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. The rift valley’s cliffs cut right through the park—where Iceland’s past and Earth’s forces come together.

The geothermally active hot spring area at Geysir is another Golden Circle attraction. Great Geysir, which gave us the English word geyser to describe this sort of hot spring, is no longer active. Strokkur, a nearby hot spring, spouts spectacular torrents of superheated water every 5 to 10 minutes.

A visit to Gullfoss waterfall will complete our Golden Circle. Feel the force as the falls thunder through the high, rugged canyon, dropping in two stages.

Next, we take a scenic drive along the beautiful South Coast, stopping at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Here, you have a unique opportunity to experience the power and wonder of nature. Don't just view these falls from a distance – walk the pathway that takes you right behind the elegantly falling cascade. 

We head onwards to the scenic Skógafoss waterfall. Here, the water crashes over the former sea cliffs, which extend for many kilometers, marking the coastline long ago. Watch out for rainbows—the incredible spray makes Skógafoss an ideal spot to catch single or double ones!

The day's final stop is Reynisfjara black sand beach, home of the legendary Reynisdrangar peaks, said to be the figures of two trolls who were turned into stone when they faced the morning sun! As you wander along the beach, you will also see the incredible basalt column cave.

After a full day of sightseeing, we make our way to a country hotel in the area around Kirkjubaerklaustur, a charming South Coast village. From September to April, your guide will give you special tips on how to find the Northern Lights in the area.

We enjoy breakfast and check out from our hotel. Today, we continue our journey along the south coast in the direction of Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park. Vatnajökull glacier, Hvannadalsnúkur, the highest peak in Iceland, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and many other natural treasures can be found within this 13,600 km2 protected wilderness area. Iceland has three national parks: Þingvellir, Vatnajökull, and Snæfellsjökull – on this tour, you will see them all.

We will stop at Skaftafell for a glacier hike led by one of our certified glacier guides (included in the Adventure package). Equipped with crampons and all the necessary glacier equipment, you will be led onto a Vatnajökull outlet glacier. These glacier tongues/outlet glaciers are unique places, with crevasses, moulins that can drill down to the glacier's base, and many incredible vistas for you to explore. Our guides love to be asked questions, so don't be too shy to ask!

From October to April, we replace the glacier hike with an exhilarating journey through Vatnajökull's crystal ice cave. Each winter, the glacier meltwater freezes into new ice caves that wind their way through the glacier's heart. See Iceland's mighty ice caps from the inside!

After your bracing glacier hike, our comfortable minibus will take you to experience yet more glacial magic at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. As we approach the main highway, you will glimpse a procession of mystically floating icebergs. These, often towering and amazingly shaped chunks of ice, broke free from the edge of the retreating Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Occasionally, you will see seals frolicking in the enormous lake between these stunning ice sculptures. So, you feel as if you are in a film scene? Well, actually, you are! Footage of a couple of James Bond movies and other films has been shot here.

Some with glittering blue ice, those icebergs make their way to the sea at Diamond Beach, a black sand beach just a few minutes walking from the lagoon. The icebergs that have been brought ashore by the tide come to rest here. Usually, you will see quite a few sitting like fine diamond jewels or giant shining clear quartz crystals on the coal-black sand. Some people call it Crystal Beach!

In the evening, we will lay our heads in comfortable accommodation in one of the charming seaside towns of the Southeast area. In winter, search for the Northern Lights near the hotel.

We leave the Vatnajökull National Park area, but the views stay impressive. We follow the winding roads through the East Fjords, with the coast on one side and steep mountains on the other. The narrow roads take us through quiet villages and offer great views of the calm fjord waters below.

We stop at Djúpivogur, a small and remote fishing village. North Atlantic waves wash over its black sandy beaches, and birdlife is everywhere. In the summer, most of Iceland's birds nest here, and locals joke there are probably more birds than people. With just a few hundred residents, the village is known for being welcoming and eco-friendly.

We’ll stop at Egilsstaðir, a scenic town by the Lagarfljót River, known for the legend of the Largarfljót worm—a giant creature from Icelandic folklore said to occasionally appear in the lake.

Later, we'll head to an interactive historical center where you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horse riding. Nestled between Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and Lake Lagarfljót, the Wilderness Center provides an authentic Icelandic experience.

You can explore exhibits showcasing life in the rugged highlands. During your stay, admission to the museum is free. Upon arrival, you'll cross an old wooden bridge to step into history, with accommodation provided in charming historic buildings. Enjoy meals prepared with local ingredients, and after your adventures, relax in the hot spring spa.

After settling in to your accommodations, in winter, take your chances to scout out the shimmering Northern Lights. This remote and wild region is perfect for viewing them!

Today is packed with the breathtaking beauty of North Iceland. Our journey from the east into the north takes us through wild, remote landscapes, starting with the stunning Stuðlagil Canyon, one of the world’s most mesmerizing basalt rock formations.*

We travel from roaring glacial rivers to the geothermal area of Námaskarð, near Lake Mývatn. The ground here bubbles with boiling mud pools in red, yellow, and orange from mineral deposits. Fumaroles release sulfur-scented steam, creating a misty, colorful scene. This area is shaped by volcanic activity deep below the surface.

We continue our drive around the serene Lake Mývatn, a region known for its unique volcanic landscapes and rich birdlife. This area is truly special, with its shallow waters dotted with small islands formed by volcanic activity, making it one of Iceland’s natural treasures. 

As an optional extra, we offer a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths, often called the "Blue Lagoon of the North." These natural hot springs are fed by geothermal waters drawn from 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) below the surface. The warm, mineral-rich water is perfect for a relaxing soak, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of northern Iceland.

We continue to the Dimmuborgir lava formations, also known as the "dark cities." Towering above us like something out of a fairytale, these dramatic lava structures were formed when the roof of a massive lava tube collapsed. Though completely natural, some formations resemble familiar shapes. Can you spot the one called The Church (Kirkjan)?

Our next stop is the majestic Goðafoss waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods." As we approach, you’ll hear the powerful rush of water cascading over the cliffs, creating a constant roar. The falls are about 98 feet (30 meters) wide, curving in a horseshoe shape, and the water plunges down 39 feet (12 meters) into a wide, rocky basin below. It has a fascinating history too, you’ll learn all about it!

We will stay at a country hotel in Akureyri, the second-largest city in Iceland. In winter, the clear skies around Akureyri make for great hunting for the Northern Lights. 

*Please note that during winter, road conditions may prevent access to Stuðlagil. However, we'll make sure to offer other exciting activities for you to enjoy. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Thank you for your understanding.

We start the day with a drive through Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. On your way to the picturesque fishing town of Dalvík, you will, in good visibility, get fabulous views of Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland.

Your whale-watching boat tour from Dalvík will take you across Eyjafjörður Fjord, chasing after whales, dolphins, and other wonderful ocean life. Please note this is included in the Adventure package. Humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises are usually seen. There's a 98% chance you'll see cetaceans on our tours!

After Dalvík, we continue through charming villages and hamlets before stopping at Siglufjörður. In the early part of the 20th century, this village was known as the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic. People rushed to cash in on the boom, and the town acquired a Klondike-style gold-rush atmosphere.

We continue to drive the scenic road sandwiched between the towering mountains of Iceland's best ski resorts and the glorious fjord, taking us around the Tröllaskagi peninsula. The villages around this region will give you an excellent feel for the kind of life lived in Icelandic places, which seem to be falling off the world's edge.

We travel onwards through farmlands to the town of Laugarbakki. Your accommodation for the night will be at a country hotel in this area. Your guide can help you search for the Northern Lights at night from September to April!

Today, we will focus on the area around Borgarfjörður in West Iceland. Lonely Planet voted this area one of the best travel destinations.

Our first stop is Grábrók, a volcano crater. We will take a short hike to the top, where, in good visibility, there are spectacular views over the lava fields and landscapes stretching way into the distance.

Then, we head to the town of Reykholt, an important place in Icelandic history, particularly in medieval times. We will show you Snorralaug, the hot spring pool named after Snorri Sturluson, the late 12th-century scholar, lawyer, historian, and saga writer. Stand by the pool where Snorri is reputed to have bathed and contemplate the threads of Icelandic history woven together.

Your next stop will be very different! We'll visit the Deildartunguhver hot spring. This Borgarfjörður jewel is the most powerful hot spring in Europe, supplying most of the hot water utilized in the area.

We will also see the Hraunfossar waterfall, where the ice-cold water pours out of the lava in thousands of creeks, forming the vast and picturesque falls. Onwards to a very different nearby waterfall, Barnafoss. The name of this beautiful waterfall means 'Children's Falls,' and your guide will tell you all about the legend behind it!

Another fun stop today is at the Sturlureykir horse farm, where you’ll get to meet and interact with the friendly Icelandic horses, pet them, and discover more about their unique traits.

After a day filled with wonders, you are driven through the charming Borgarfjörður countryside. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Borgarnes. Spend the night chasing the Northern Lights in the winter months!

Today, your guide will pick you up around 8 a.m. You'll spend a whole day exploring the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula, its craggy cliffs, black pebble beaches, seabirds, and glacier mountains. This region is called “Iceland in miniature” for a reason!

We will drive you through the spectacular countryside with breathtaking mountains and coastal views. Stop at the charming seaside village of Arnarstapi, where you'll have the chance to visit the natural Miðgjá rock arch and then the 19th-century Búðakirkja church.

For lunch, we'll stop at the village of Hellnar (food and drink not included).

Next, we head into Snæfellsnes National Park, where we will have the chance to stroll around the moss-covered lava landscapes and admire views of Snæfellsjökull Glacier. This glacier was featured in the work of the famous novelist Jules Verne. He chose this glacier for the entry point into the underworld when he wrote Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Onwards to the magnificent black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur, framed by crazily shaped cliffs. You get time to explore the beach and even try your hand at the 'lifting stones' that fishermen used to lift to proclaim their strength.

On the way back to Reykjavík, you will be driven through legendary scenery. Your next stop will be at Kirkjufell. Many people say this is the most beautiful Icelandic mountain, and you can also be a judge of that.

In the evening, after a week of sensational sights and exciting adventures, we will drop you off in Reykjavík. We return to the city at around 8:00 p.m. and will drop you off at your original pick-up location.

Pick-up is at 08:00 am from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Reykjavík. Picking everyone up can take up to 30 minutes. Your patience is much appreciated. Available pick-up points: Arctic Adventures’s pick-up list.

• Myvatn Nature Baths are not included in any package and must be paid for separately as an optional extra.
  
  
• Solo travelers have to choose the single room supplement if they want a private room. Otherwise, they might be accommodated with another solo traveler of the same gender.
  
  
• Sometimes, due to weather conditions, we may need to change the glaciers or glacier outlets on this tour. Glacier outlets might include Svínafellsjökull, Falljökull, and Sólheimajökull, all equally as beautiful.
  
  
• We replace the glacier hike from October to April with a journey through the Crystal Ice Cave.
  
  
• Hotels can change during your trip.
  
  
• During the booking process, you can rent sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and pants. Please note that these items must be ordered in advance, as they are not available for rent on-site.