Welcome to Iceland Roadbook! I’m Holly, found and creator of Iceland Roadbook, a brand-new concept that provides expert digital itineraries for independent self-drivers who want to experience the real Iceland at their own pace.
Planning your trip? Make sure to scroll to the end of this guide to grab an exclusive discount code for our upcoming 7-Day South Coast Roadbook launch!“
Planning a trip to Iceland can feel overwhelming with so many waterfalls, beaches, volcanos, lava fields, and glacier lagoons scattered across the island. If you have a week to explore, focusing on the South Coast, Reykjanes Peninsula, and Golden Circle gives you the perfect balance of famous landmarks, raw geological power, and unforgettable landscapes, without spending too much of your precious vacation time driving. Note, for the famous Icelandic Ring Road, I recommend 10 days or more. More to come on this topic in a future post!
As a geologist and local guide with 10 years of experience guiding in Iceland, I’ve led countless trips along these exact routes. I built this 7-day breakdown to help you navigate the stops smoothly and see experience as many sites as possible without making the itinerary rushed. Iceland is such a unique and special place that it is important to travel at a pace that lets you truly soak it all in.
Here is your ideal 7-day self-drive route structure!
Day 1: Arrival in Iceland & Reykjavík City
Arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), pick up your rental vehicle, and make the short drive through the ancient Reykjanes lava fields into Reykjavík—the world’s northernmost capital city. Spend the day strolling past the colorful houses of downtown, visiting the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, or exploring the striking glass-paneled Harpa Concert Hall along the waterfront.
- Guide Tip: Use this day to get comfortable with your rental car, buy some groceries (e.g. at Bónus or Krónan) for road-trip snacks, and rest up after your flight.
- Overnight: Reykjavík area
Day 2: Reykjanes Volcanic Peninsula
Kick off your road trip by exploring the rugged, otherworldly landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Home to newly formed lava fields, steaming mud pools, and sulfur vents, this region showcases Iceland’s dynamic earth in full force. Walk across the Bridge Between Continents—where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart—and view the brand-new lava fields from the recent volcanic eruption series.
- Geologist’s Insight: The Reykjanes Peninsula is currently going through a major new volcanic cycle, with eruptions beginning again in 2021. Visiting these freshly-erupted lava fields offers a rare front-row seat to planet Earth actively creating new land.
- Optional Add-Ons: Underground exploration of a lava tunnel or an exciting local ATV tour.
- Overnight: Reykjavík area
Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches
Head east along the famous South Coast, home to some of Iceland’s most recognizable landmarks. Stop first at Seljalandsfoss, where a walking path takes you directly behind the falling curtain of water, then head down the road to the roaring, 60-meter-tall Skógafoss. Continue east to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara near Vík, famous for its towering basalt columns, sea stacks, and nesting puffins along the coastal cliffs.
- Guide tip: There are plenty of other gems to explore in this region, a more complete list can be found in our roadbooks!
- Overnight: South East / Kirkjubæjarklaustur region
Day 4: Glaciers, Glacier Lagoons & Diamond Beach
Journey deeper east toward Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. The highlight of the day is the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where giant blue icebergs break off from an outlet glacier and float out toward the Atlantic Ocean. Just across the highway lies Diamond Beach, where glinting ice fragments wash up on jet-black sand like glistening jewels.
- Optional Add-Ons: Hop on a boat tour to float alongside the icebergs, or join a certified guide for an unforgettable glacier hike across the ice.
- Overnight: South East or Kirkjubæjarklaustur region
Day 5: Skaftafell National Park & Further South Coast Exploration
Spend the morning exploring Skaftafell, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts inside Vatnajökull National Park. Choose from a variety of scenic hiking trails, including the path to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by dark hexagonal basalt columns. In the afternoon, drive back along the South Coast, stopping at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and some other of our favourite lesser-visited sites in the area.
- Geologist’s insight: The impact of glaciers are everywhere in Iceland! The spectacular Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon was formed roughly 9,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age, carved out by massive amounts of glacial meltwater ripping through a much older layer of volcanic bedrock.
- Overnight: Hella or Hvolsvöllur region
Day 6: The Classic Golden Circle
Head inland to navigate the world-famous Golden Circle route. Stand in awe as the Strokkur geyser blasts scalding water 30 meters into the air every few minutes at the Geysir Geothermal Area. Marvel at the sheer power of Gullfoss (“The Golden Waterfall”), and walk through the historic rift valley at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the world’s oldest known parliament was founded in 930 AD.
- Optional Add-Ons: Snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier, snorkeling between two continental plates in Silfra Fissure, or taking a riding tour on the unique, smooth-ambling Icelandic horse.
- Overnight: Reykjavík area
Day 7: Departure & Blue Lagoon
Conclude your adventure with a visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon (optional add-on). Submerge yourself in warm, mineral-rich, milky-blue geothermal water surrounded by mossy lava fields, the ultimate Icelandic unwinding ritual before heading back to Keflavík Airport to drop off your rental car and board your flight home.
🚀 LAUNCHING SOON: The Complete 7-Day South Coast Digital Roadbook!
Take the Stress Out of Planning Your Trip!
I am currently putting the final touches on our signature 7-Day South Coast Digital Roadbook. Created specifically for budget-conscious self-drive travelers, this digital guide includes:
- Turn-by-Turn Google Maps Routes: Pinpointed GPS links for every site.
- Day-by-Day Realistic Timing Schedules: Never worry about rushing, losing daylight, or driving endlessly.
- Detailed Notes & Safety Tips: Real local guide insights on each location as well as where to check the all-important road and weather conditions like a local.
- Searchable Map: Get exclusive access via your roadbook to our searchable map that shows additional & hidden sites that you can add to your trip, as well as restaurant, café and museum options. The map is constantly being added to as we find or test new places!
Want to be the first to know when it goes live? Enter your email in the subscription box below to join our VIP launch list and receive an exclusive 20% discount code and an email reminder to your inbox on launch day!
