1-week roadtrip in Iceland

⏳ You have a week of vacation to plan ? You like going on adventures as well as laying on a beach ? You love running, biking and so on ?
Stop looking ! We have the perfect road trip for you ! Explore Iceland’s capital and its surroundings in a few days to get an idea of what life in Iceland is like and why not make you want to come back. 😍

Itinerary of this one week road trip in Iceland

Reykjavik > Gullfoss > Vík > Eyrarbakki > Gunnuhver

🚗 We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

📗 You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

🗺 Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Reykjavik ?

Iceland’s capital, you can not miss out on Reykjavik. Everyone will love this exciting and always busy city. Don’t worry you’ll be back in the city at the end of your trip. 

• Discover Iceland’s independence symbol in the heart of the city, Domkirkjan church.
• Relax in Laugardalur Park for a moment and enjoy the surrounding nature.
• Visit Reykjavik’s concert hall, an architectural marvel, especially when the sun hits its windows.
• Eat one of the best hot-dogs in the city at Ingolfstorg square.
• Look for the perfect gift to bring your family / friends back at the Flea Market.
• Enjoy whale or shrimp skewers at Sea Baron (Saegreifinn).
• Warm up in a jacuzzi on Nauthólsvik beach.
• Want to learn more about the country ? Go to Iceland’s National Museum !
• At night, go on a bar crawl.
• Want to come home with sweater from Iceland ? Do not miss the Handknitting Association of Iceland. It will take you for ever to choose from the huge variety of sweaters !
• Go for a run along Lake Tjörnin, say hi to the many ducks swimming on the lake.
• If you are looking for a pool to relax at with friends, you need to know something. You have to take a naked shower before getting in the water.
• Go up Hallgrímskirkja church‘s steeple and appreciate the view over the city’s roofs, maybe you’ll even get a glimpse of the mountains.
• Admire the metal statue near the sea called “The Sun Voyager“.
• Warning : we promise we are not crazy and this really exists … In Reykjavik, you’ll find one the oddest museum ever … The Icelandic Phallological Museum where you’ll find a large collection of Icelandic mammals’ genitalia. Gentlemen, beware !
• Do not leave without going to Blue Lagoon, it’s only a 30min-drive away. It’s kind of pricey but it is really worth it ! You will get the chance to swim in a 39°C / 102°F water in a unique setting.

What to do in Gullfoss ?

Heaven on Earth or edge of the world, Gullfoss is the waterfall step of the itinerary.

• Admire Gullfoss waterfall sustained by the glacier’s melting ice, its flow creating a small canyon.
• Take a hike or  go on a horse ride across Gullfoss and appreciate the stunning scenery before your eyes. You’ll be surprised by the never-ending beautiful sceneries !
• I dare you to take a pic near the waterfall without getting wet ! We’ll be waiting for you !

On the way from Gullfoss to Vík :

• Stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall and enjoy a unique experience : walking behind the falls ! A pathway was built to allow people to live this amazing experience !

What to do in Vík ?

Vík is a village built between a volcano hidden by a glacier and black-sand beaches at the South of the island. 

• When you hear beach, you immediately think of sunbathing don’t you ? Well this step will let you enjoy a relaxing moment on the beach and maybe you’ll get to tan up a little. That’s right, it is not always snowing in Iceland !
• Step in the church overlooking the village and get a stunning view.
• Go meet the puffins, admire these cute birds : symbol of Iceland.
• Nearby, discover Dyrhólaey’s arch, created by the ocean’s flow. Beautiful pictures to be taken !

What to do in Eyrarbakki ?

Eyrarbakki is a fishermen village, it has been the most important fishing port of the South of the Island for centuries. 

• Stroll around the small village and discover the different traditional buildings like Iceland’s oldest school.
• Admire the horses having fun in the fields, enjoying the freedom !
• Stop in the best restaurant of South Iceland, Rauda Husid : spiny lobsters and even horse meat are on the menu. I have to say it is kind of weird to pet the horses and eat them afterwards .. !
• Take a picture of the unusal wooden church and go explore the inside.

What to do in Gunnuhver ?

Need a little bit of warmth ? Will 300°C / 575°F do ? Head to Gunnuhver !

• Discover Gunnuhver hot springs where a geyser-like water stream spurs out of the ground.
• Carry on this expedition by going to Reykjanes lighthouse, a short away drive from Gunnuhver.
• Admire Iceland’s black cliffs and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks.
• Watch the beautiful sun setting behind the cliffs.

To learning more…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment at the bottom of the page! The whole team will be happy to hear from you !