| Day | Base | Main stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reykjavík | Perlan, city centre, Sky Lagoon | Perlan exhibitions 9:00 to 21:00; Sky Lagoon 10:00 to 21:00 in winter |
| 2 | Reykjavík | Golden Circle: Gullfoss, Geysir | Parking ISK 1,080 per car at each |
| 3 | Vík | Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss | Skógafoss parking ISK 1,000 |
| 4 | Vík | Reynisfjara, Lava Show, Vík | Reynisfjara parking ISK 1,000 per 4 hours |
| 5 | South-east | Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach | One fee, ISK 1,110, covers the lagoon and beaches |
| 6 | Return | Back on Route 1 | Long driving day; or fly north |
| 7 | Reykjavík | Blue Lagoon or departure | Blue Lagoon is 21 km from the airport |
Day 1: Reykjavík
Start at Perlan, whose exhibitions run 9:00 to 21:00 and whose observation deck is included in every ticket, then keep the evening for Sky Lagoon, nine minutes away by car. If the weather is poor, the museum is the indoor choice. The Reykjavik City Card only pays on a heavy museum day. For six days, see the 6-day Iceland itinerary.
Day 2: the Golden Circle
Take the Golden Circle full-day tour with Kerid Crater, 4.7 out of 5 from 27,992 reviews, from €70 on 6 November 2026, or drive it. It combines the Golden Circle with Kerid crater, which is why it anchors this day; the sights are Gullfoss and Geysir, among others. Compare the options in Golden Circle tours compared.
Days 3 and 4: the South Coast
Seljalandsfoss is 30 km west of Skógafoss; Vík is 58 minutes from Hvolsvöllur, so sleeping there splits the coast into two easy days. Day 4 adds Reynisfjara, where the waves are deceptive and have killed visitors, and the Lava Show at Víkurbraut 5, about 11 minutes away (see Vík). Without a car, use the South Coast day tours.
Day 5: the south-east
Skaftafell is on Route 1, about 70 km east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and 130 km west of Höfn; its Svartifoss loop is 5.8 km and about 2 hours (see Skaftafell). Then reach Jökulsárlón and the Diamond Beach. Boats there run from May, and the amphibian tour costs ISK 7,100 for adults.
Days 6 and 7: return and Blue Lagoon
Day 6 is the return along Route 1. Day 7 can be the Blue Lagoon, 21 km and 15 minutes by car from Keflavík Airport, with luggage storage by the car park. Comfort admission starts at EUR 95 and pre-booking is essential.
An alternative: fly north
Akureyri is about 40 minutes by plane from Reykjavík, against 4.5 to 6 hours by road. A flight on day 6 trades the long drive for whale watching in Eyjafjörður or at Húsavík; see Akureyri.
Mistakes to avoid
- Planning long drives in winter without checking daylight, about 4 hours around the solstice: see Iceland in winter.
- Forgetting that each stop charges parking separately.
- Paying the wrong Parka class: choose the seat count registered for the vehicle.
- Turning your back to the sea at Reynisfjara.
FAQ
Is 7 days enough for the Ring Road?
This plan covers the south and south-east; the full Ring Road passes through the North and East, which this plan reaches by flight instead.
Do I need a car?
A car is the flexible option; tours cover the Golden Circle and South Coast. See Iceland car rental.
What does the itinerary cost in parking?
Parking at the sights is ISK 1,000 to 1,110 per car at Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Gullfoss, Geysir and the lagoon, plus an 89 ISK fee per payment.
When is it best to go?
See the best time to visit Iceland.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
