www.tourradar.com Open in urlscan Pro
13.248.185.222  Public Scan

URL: https://www.tourradar.com/days-to-come/seven-days-southern-iceland/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=days-to-come&utm_content=t...
Submission: On November 23 via api from US — Scanned from DE

Form analysis 1 forms found in the DOM

GET https://www.tourradar.com/days-to-come/

<form role="search" method="get" class="search-form" action="https://www.tourradar.com/days-to-come/"> <label for="search-form-637e9386c0a36"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Search for:</span> </label> <input type="search"
    id="search-form-637e9386c0a36" class="search-field" placeholder="Search Days to Come ..." value="" name="s"> <button type="submit" class="button--chromeless search-submit"><svg class="icon icon-search" aria-hidden="true" role="img">
      <use xlink:href="#icon-search"></use>
    </svg><span class="screen-reader-text">Search</span></button></form>

Text Content

Skip to content
Search for: Search

 * Facebook
 * Instagram
 * YouTube
 * pinterest
 * Twitter

Menu
 * Book Travel Expand child menu
   * Tours
   * Flights
   * Travel Insurance
 * Food & Drink
 * Lifestyle
 * Photography
 * Inspiration Expand child menu
   * Culture
   * Stories
   * Sustainable Travel
   * Tips & Tricks
   * Worldly Insights
 * Travel Writing Course
 * About Us

Search

Travelling Without a Passport


THE PERFECT 7-DAY ITINERARY FOR SOUTHERN ICELAND

View all posts by Jesse Warner
Posted on Published October 31, 2019October 15, 2018 15 min read

Iceland: the land of fire, ice, and some of the most amazing landscapes in the
entire world.

Read here the best 7 day Iceland travel itineraries.

After spending seven days touring the country, I can honestly say there is no
other destination as beautiful, charming, hostile, and diverse as Iceland. One
minute the sun is shining and the ocean mist is hitting your face from the edge
of a cliff. Ten minutes later it’s cold, grey, and the snow from ancient
glaciers is dancing around you. It’s easily one of the most awe-inspiring and
magical places I have ever visited, and will likely ever visit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Travel to: South Iceland

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capital cityReykjavikNational languageIcelandicMust-try food Reindeer and
PuffinPopular attractionWaterfalls, glaciers, black-sand beaches

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, the Southern coast should be at the top of
your to-do list. This stretch of coastline boasts a little bit of everything,
from thermal baths to breathtaking waterfalls. This region quickly became one of
my favourite, thanks to its diversity and strangely unique beauty.

Starting in Reykjavik, here is the perfect 7-day itinerary for everything you
need to see and do in Southern Iceland.


DAY ONE: REYKJAVIK AND THE BLUE LAGOON

Chances are, you’ll land at the airport in Keflavík fairly early in the morning.
From here, you have two ideal options that can be done in any order: Reykjavik,
or the Blue Lagoon.

 * The Blue Lagoon is geothermal spa located in the middle of a lava field just
   20 minutes from the airport. Filled with beautiful, blue, mineral-rich water,
   this iconic landmark is known to help people with a number of skin
   conditions. The water is extremely warm and the views are fantastic, making
   it a really relaxing way to start or end your day. Just remember to wash your
   hair with conditioner before and after going into the pools, otherwise you’ll
   have hair troubles for the rest of your trip.
 * Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland and home to 90% of the country’s
   inhabitants, is a beautiful seaside city with endless possibilities. Give
   yourself a day (or two if you can) to explore the city, because there’s a lot
   to see. Some major checkpoints include the Hallgrímskirkja cathedral, the
   Harpa concert hall, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and, if you’re into it, the
   Icelandic Phallological Museum. There’s also a lot of food to try, so make
   sure you sample it all. Oh, and hot dogs… you must try the hot dogs!

Blue Lagoon is a popular first stop for visitors to Iceland | Courtesy of Jesse
Warner

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See Also: Iceland vs. Norway: Where to Next?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


DAY TWO: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

The Golden Circle has become a very popular route for tourists because it
showcases so much in a relatively short period of time. Waterfalls, geysers, and
volcanic lakes can all be seen in just one day, making it the perfect second day
for your tour through Southern Iceland.

 * Thingvellir National Park is the first stop along the Golden Circle and is
   located just 45 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. The amazing geology around
   the park stems from the fact that it’s sitting directly between the North
   American and Eurasian tectonic plates. A beautiful rift valley runs through
   the park, allowing you to see and walk right between the two plates.
 * The Geysir Geothermal Area is located in the Haukadalur Valley, and it’s your
   next stop. This is where you can see Iceland’s volcanic activity up close and
   personal, with tons of steaming chimneys and bubbling pools everywhere.
   Mostly notably is the Great Geysir: the earliest documented geyser in all of
   Europe. While the original Geysir rarely erupts, its close friend, Stokkur,
   blows every ten minutes, so you’re sure to see at least one amazing eruption.
 * Gullfoss Waterfall, the third stop along The Golden Circle, is arguably the
   most well-known waterfall in all of Iceland. Known for its powerful water,
   stunning layers, and frequent rainbows, this site is perfect for photos and
   sightseeing. Plus, regardless of when you visit, the falls are never any less
   impressive.

You can’t visit Iceland without chasing a few waterfalls | Courtesy of Jesse
Warner


DAY THREE: KERIÐ, SELJALANDSFOSS, SKOGAFOSS, AND HOTEL RANGA

This day is all about water; covering two of Iceland’s most photographed
waterfalls, a volcanic lake, and a hotel sitting beside a famous salmon stream.

 * Kerið is a stunning volcanic crater lake located just a few minutes outside
   the charming town of Selfoss. Take my advice and explore Selfoss first – the
   town is really adorable and will definitely leave you with some great photos.
   When you arrive at the crater, you’ll instantly be amazed by its size. Huge
   would be an understatement. Take your time exploring the lake and, if you’ve
   got the energy, hike around the entire perimeter. The views are outstanding
   the entire way around.
 * Seljalandsfoss is next, and for this waterfall you will definitely need a
   raincoat. The fall’s claim to fame is hands down the fact that you can walk
   all around it, including behind it. It offers a unique 360 degree perspective
   that very few waterfalls in the world can provide, and if you’re lucky,
   you’ll spot a rainbow coming perfectly out of the top of the falls.
 * Skogafoss waterfall might look a little familiar – it was the backdrop to one
   of the scenes in the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. This waterfall was
   one of my favourite stops in all of Iceland, which leads me to believe it
   might be for you as well. The shear power of the falls is somehow humbling,
   and you can feel the force of the water from the moment you arrive. Plus, the
   soothing hum of the water is enough to relax you for the entire trip.
 * Hotel Ranga is a must visit lodge if you need somewhere to stay while
   visiting the South of Iceland. Everything about this hotel is magic: the
   food, the staff, the grounds… it’s like an Icelandic fairy tale. Amazingly,
   when you arrive at the hotel you can opt for a “Northern Lights wake up
   call”, so if the skies do decide to light up, you’ll be the first to know.
   The menu is phenomenal, featuring reindeer and puffin, plus the three hot
   tubs in the rear of the grounds will lull you to sleep after a long day of
   adventure.

Make sure you save time to explore Iceland’s charming towns | Courtesy of Jesse
Warner


DAY FOUR: DYRHÓLAEY, REYNISFJARA BEACH, AND VIK

After so many waterfalls, it’s nice to know that day four features more water –
this time at the beaches of Southern Iceland.

 * Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula just outside of Vik that overlooks the
   Atlantic Ocean and the famous black sand beach. This 120-metre high promenade
   is charming and unique, showcasing a massive archway in the centre that’s
   formed over years of crashing ocean water. Complete with a viewing platform
   and lighthouse, this site is a calming reminder of Iceland’s isolation.
 * Reynisfjara Beach, also known as the Black Sand Beach, is a bizarre beach
   right beside the Dyrhólaey lighthouse. The first thing you’ll notice when you
   arrive is the sand – it’s black. And while that might sound underwhelming,
   trust me, it’s one of the coolest and beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Filled
   with endless photo possibilities, this beach boasts towering cliffs, strange
   basalt columns, lava formations, and blackened caves. And if that’s not
   enough, there are puffins! Be sure not to get too close to the water though,
   as a number of fatal accidents have occurred due to the strength and
   unforgiving nature of this stretch of sea.
 * Vik is one of the most charming seafront villages in all of Iceland, not just
   the southern coast, so it’s definitely worth a visit. This village sits
   quietly below the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, so if you’re up for it, sign up for
   an afternoon tour of the ice caps. If you’re on the tired side, take the time
   to relax and walk around the village. The town’s church was built in 1929,
   making it a historic site that’s beautifully preserved in time, and the
   locals are extremely friendly, so be sure to get chatty.

Iceland’s beaches are some of the most diverse and unique in the world |
Courtesy of Jesse Warner


DAY FIVE: FJAÐRÁRGLJÚFUR AND VATNAJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK (SVARTIFOSS AND
JÖKULSÁRLÓN)

Pushing onward to the ends of Southern Iceland you’ll start to notice the
landscape shifts, becoming more and more dramatic. That’s probably why
Fjaðrárgljúfur and Vatnajökull are so popular – they’re some of the most amazing
sites, carved by years of intense weather and volcanic activity.

 * Fjaðrárgljúfur is somewhat hard to explain, simply because it’s so vast it’s
   difficult to put into words. Essentially, it’s an ancient river canyon,
   dating back over two million years. The site has aged like a fine wine,
   getting better and better with time. Creeping moss covers the edges of the
   canyon that drops down dramatically into a blue and winding river that flows
   into the ocean. Waterfalls are dotted throughout the rock walls, making it a
   magical place to sit down and relax for a while. Be prepared for a bit of a
   hike – it’s by no means a long, maybe 15 minutes, but going up is steep, so
   take your time and bring good shoes
 * Vatnajökull National Park is one of Iceland’s three national parks, covering
   over 14,000 square kilometers. By far one of the most diverse areas in
   Iceland, this is one place where you can see glacial ice and volcanic
   geothermal activity at the same time. While this park is technically creeping
   into the Eastern region of Iceland, it’s still on the Southern coast, so it
   must be part of your travels. Two of my favourite sites in this park included
   Svartifossl and Jökulsárlón.
   * Svartifoss is by far the most unique waterfall in Iceland, and when you
     visit you’ll see why. Water tumbles over ancient black basalt columns,
     making it look like a viking carved out a space just for the falls. Located
     in the Skaftafell wilderness area of the park, the waterfall is very easy
     to get to, but does involve about an hour of hiking.
   * Jökulsárlón is on the other end of the park, about half an hour drive from
     Svartifoss. Honestly, this is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of
     iceland. This glacier lagoon is a beautifully bright blue bay of icebergs
     and glacial water flowing from the monstrous Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. As
     one of the natural wonders of Iceland, this site is almost haunting, as the
     luminous icebergs float quietly and unmoving. If you’re lucky, you’ll even
     spot a few seals playing amongst the ice.

Dramatic icebergs and stark beaches are par for the course here | Courtesy of
Jesse Warner


DAY SIX: SÓLHEIMASANDUR AND ELDHRAUN LAVA FIELD

As you drive along the Southern coast of Iceland, you’ll notice one amazing
natural beauty that’s slowly but surely taken over the landscape: moss! Along
with a hike to a photogenic plane wreck, this day is filled with underrated
Icelandic beauty.

 * Sólheimasandur is one of the most famous site sites in all of Southern
   Iceland. In fact, if you’re researching or just looking at pictures of
   Iceland, you’ve probably already seen this landmark a dozen times. This epic
   plane wreck sits abandoned on the black sand beaches of the South coast. In
   1973, the United States Navy DC plan ran out of fuel, forcing it to crash
   onto the beach. Fortunately, everyone survived, and it’s now the perfect
   place for photos with a sci-fi feel. Just as a heads up, the hike to this
   site is a bit of a trek, at just over an hour in each direction.
 * The Eldhraun Lava Field is less so a single destination, and more so a
   stretch of land spanning out towards the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. So
   the good news is, you can’t miss it. This field is the largest lava flow in
   the world, created during the Laki eruption of the 1700s. The site is over
   565 square kilometres, and the eruption itself had devastating effects on the
   wildlife of Iceland. Today, the craters are covered by Woolly Fringe Moss,
   making the landscape otherworldly and almost alien. Believe it or not, this
   is where the Apollo 11 crew came to train for their moonwalk, so it’s safe to
   say it’s pretty magical. Just be respectful when visiting this area as the
   moss is very sensitive. Once walked on, it takes decades to heal, so be
   careful not to destroy it.

There’s another incredible view everywhere you look in Southern Iceland |
Courtesy of Jesse Warner


DAY SEVEN: REYKJAVIK

Because there’s so much to see and do in the capital, you’ll appreciate having a
second day here for tours. From whale watching to horseback riding, there are
hundreds of amazing tours and day trips offered from the capital, so it’s just a
matter of choosing which one’s right for you.

 * Whale Watching – Whales are all over Iceland, including the bays right
   outside of Reykjavik. Humpbacks, minke whales, and even dolphins are
   regularly seen on these tours, and trust me, there is nothing more amazing
   than getting up close and personal with these gentle giants.  
 * Horseback Riding – Icelandic horses are like undoubtedly beautiful, so
   getting up close and personal with one is a memorable experience. A horseback
   riding tour really lets you connect with nature and the traditional way of
   old Icelanders.  
 * Northern Lights Cruise – If you’re in Iceland, especially during the winter
   months, you’re going to want to try and chase the Northern Lights. The waters
   of Faxafloi Bay are perfect for chasing the dancing sky and tours leave right
   from the city making it really convenient for travellers.
 * Ice Cave Expedition – Day trips to Iceland’s ice caves are definitely worth
   while for one of your days in the capital. The scenery is very dramatic and
   showcases the natural wonder of Iceland’s strange combination of what happens
   when fire and ice collide.
 * Snowmobile Adventures – For the thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies in
   Iceland, a snowmobiling tour should definitely be on your list. There are
   tons of snowy destinations perfect for exploring on a snowmobile, such as the
   Langjökull glacier or in Snæfellsjökull National Park.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See Also: Camping in Iceland: Rules, Packing Tips and Everything You Need to
Know

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SOUTH ICELAND TOURS

If you’re ready to make Southern Iceland your new obsession, one of the easiest
ways to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the must-see spots is by joining
a group tour. You’ll be able to check everything off your list, and you won’t
have to stress about organizing all your accommodation and meals!

Taking a break in Iceland | Courtesy of Jesse Warner


ICELAND WINTER

Glacier hiking, chasing waterfalls, and spotting the Northern Lights? Iceland in
winter is incredible, and this tour from G Adventures will let you experience
every little bit of it. With included excursions to the Geysir Hot Spring and
Thingvellir National Park, as well as two full free days to explore Reykjavik
yourself!


7 DAY REYKJAVIK & LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

Get ready to be blown away by Iceland’s Golden Circle! This tour from Saga
Travel offers seven days of breathtaking views of Gullfoss Waterfall and
Iceland’s south coast’s stunning natural beauty. Visitors in the winter are
treated to a chance to view the Northern Lights, while summertime travellers are
treated to whale watching.


TREKKING IN ICELAND – THE LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL

For the more athletically-inclined travellers, this tour from G Adventures
offers seven days of hiking the Laugavegur Trail, one of Iceland’s most famous
hiking routes. Camping amongst hot springs and waterfalls? There’s no better way
to discover the best Iceland has to offer.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See Also: Where to Take the Best Photos in Iceland: As Told By a Photography
Expert

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After spending time in Iceland, exploring everything the country has to offer, I
can confidently say it’s one of the most welcoming, beautiful, and inspiration
countries in the world. Nowhere else will provide you with such a variety of
experiences, otherworldly landscapes, and natural wonders of awe than this
enchanting country. I’m already counting down the days until I get back on the
plane and land in what’s now one of my favourite destinations in the world.



 * Europe
 * Lifestyle

Iceland
View all posts by

JESSE WARNER

Jesse is a blogger and content creator who loves travel, the outdoors, and her
dog, Molly. When she isn't planning her next trip, she can be found watching
Netflix documentaries, enjoying time by the water, or eating soft-serve ice
cream. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or check out her blog.

Read more by Jesse Warner →

« The Most Futuristic Places You Can Travel To The Best Travel Yoga Mats »


RELATED ARTICLES

 * Culture
 * Destinations
 * Europe
 * Food & Drink

WHAT TO DO IN PORTUGAL: TOP 10 FROM NORTH TO SOUTH

View all posts by Felipe Rosen Mosquera
Posted on Published November 8, 2022October 24, 2022 11 min read

We assume Portugal is on your to-do list (because it should...

 * Destinations
 * Europe
 * Lifestyle

YOUR PERFECT SCANDINAVIA ITINERARY (1 WEEK, 2 WEEKS, OR 3 WEEKS)

View all posts by Ashley Nitransky
Posted on Published October 27, 2022September 26, 2022 7 min read

As far as European travel destinations go, Scandinavia is easily one...

 * Lifestyle
 * Tips & Tricks

A GUIDE TO YOUR FIRST TIME TRAVELLING ALONE IN AN AIRPORT

View all posts by Gemma Music
Posted on Published October 27, 2022September 17, 2022 7 min read

Perhaps you’re one of those travellers that effortlessly breeze through
Heathrow...


Spread the word Tweet Share Post
Up Next:

THE MOST FUTURISTIC PLACES YOU CAN TRAVEL TO

The Most Futuristic Places You Can Travel To


GET UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE WORLD'S BEST TRAVEL STORIES. SUBSCRIBE NOW.

Your nameYour email
Subscribe

By submitting this form, I agree to the TourRadar T&Cs and Privacy policy.





Powered by


FOLLOW

 * Facebook
 * Instagram
 * Twitter
 * YouTube

LEARN

 * Write For Us
 * About us
 * Win a tour
 * Press kit

ADVENTURE AWAITS

 * Europe tours
 * Asia tours
 * Mediterranean tours
 * Africa safaris
 * North America tours
 * South America tours
 * River Cruises in Europe
 * Hiking tours in Nepal

 * Facebook
 * Instagram
 * YouTube
 * pinterest
 * Twitter

Powered by

By clicking “Accept All Cookies” you agree with the use of analytical and
tracking cookies. We use cookies to analyze traffic and provide you with
personalized content and ads. For more information: View Cookie Policy Accept
All
Manage consent
Close

PRIVACY OVERVIEW

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through
the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are
stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic
functionalities of the ...
Necessary
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly.
These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website,
anonymously.

CookieDurationDescriptioncookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is
set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent
for the cookies in the category "Analytics".cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11
monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for
the cookies in the category "Functional".cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11
monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to
store the user consent for the cookies in the category
"Necessary".cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR
Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the
cookies in the category "Other.cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis
cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the
user consent for the cookies in the category
"Performance".viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie
Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use
of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Functional
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the
content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other
third-party features.
Performance
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance
indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for
the visitors.
Analytics
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the
website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of
visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and
marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect
information to provide customized ads.
Others
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been
classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT