The Best Iceland Itinerary Starting From Konvin Hotel

Mighty waterfalls, sparkling icebergs, and a cool capital city; Iceland is a land of extremes that rewards a well-paced journey. To help you design your dream holiday, we’ve curated an Iceland itinerary that begins at the doorstep of Konvin Hotel. Our guide balances iconic sights with comfort and seamless logistics for a road trip you’ll always remember. Ready to bask in the country’s epic scenery?

A 7-Day Iceland Itinerary

Iceland has enough wonders to fill weeks or even months, but for many first-timers, a well-planned seven days is ideal. A one-week itinerary gives you time to experience the most famous landmarks without trying to do it all at once. By focusing on a handful of key regions, you can enjoy a comfortable, high-impact Iceland road trip at a manageable rhythm.

Day 1: Arrival and Reykjanes Peninsula

Let your Iceland itinerary begin the moment you touch down at Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From here, you may take the pre-booked hotel shuttle to Konvin Hotel, just a five-minute drive away. Here, you can check into your spacious, thoughtfully designed room before heading out to explore. Hotel guests can also rent a car from Konvin Car Rental for easier, more seamless logistics.

Once you have your keys, head straight to one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions: the Blue Lagoon. Located just 20 minutes from Konvin Hotel, these world-famous geothermal springs offer a mineral-rich soak that’s ideal after long flights. Just make sure you book a Blue Lagoon ticket and schedule your visit in advance.

If you have time after you visit the Blue Lagoon, explore more of the Reykjanes Peninsula’s top attractions. A stop at the Bridge Between Continents is a must. Walk across a symbolic footbridge marking the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. 

Day 2: The Golden Circle

After a restful sleep at Konvin, head inland to one of Iceland’s most significant landmarks: Thingvellir National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Thingvellir is famed for both its history and its geology. It’s set within a rift valley on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart.

From Thingvellir (Þingvellir), continue your Iceland road trip to the Geysir Geothermal Area. While Great Geysir is now largely dormant, its neighbor Strokkur erupts like clockwork. It shoots boiling water up to 98 feet (30 meters) into the air every six to 10 minutes. The third jewel of the Golden Circle lies a short drive away: Gullfoss. Known as the “Golden Falls,” this massive waterfall plunges into a canyon, creating a mist that often produces brilliant rainbows.

If you’re only in Iceland for three days, you can loop back from here toward Keflavík or Reykjavík. Otherwise, continue onward as your itinerary turns toward the southern coast. 

Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls

Today, your Iceland itinerary follows Route 1, better known as the Ring Road, as you journey along the South Coast. This drive takes you through classic Icelandic scenery: rolling green farmland set against cliffs and glaciers rising in the distance.

Your first major stop is Seljalandsfoss, a graceful waterfall with a rare feature: a walking path that leads behind the curtain of falling water. Continuing east, you’ll arrive at the mighty Skógafoss. Standing 197 feet (69 meters) tall, it’s one of Iceland’s largest and most photographed waterfalls. A staircase to the right of the falls leads to a viewing platform above.

As you drive, you'll have the Eyjafjallajökull glacier-volcano as your backdrop. Nearby, the Skógar Museum is well worth a stop. It offers a glimpse into traditional Icelandic life, complete with preserved turf houses and historical exhibits.

Day 4: South Coast Black Sand Beaches

The fourth day of your Iceland itinerary is devoted to the moody, monochromatic beauty of Vík and its dramatic coastline.

Begin your morning at Reynisfjara, widely regarded as the most famous of Iceland’s black sand beaches. Here, white Atlantic waves crash against pitch-black volcanic sands, creating a striking contrast. Along the cliffs, admire the Garðar basalt columns: perfectly symmetrical rock formations that resemble a hand-carved pipe organ. Offshore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise defiantly from the surf.

Next, drive up to the Dyrhólaey promontory. This elevated headland is crowned by a massive rock arch and offers sweeping panoramic views of the coastline. During summer, it’s also one of the South Coast’s best spots for puffin watching. To experience these landmarks at their best, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when crowds tend to thin.

If your trip is limited to five days, this marks a natural turning point, allowing for a relaxed drive back toward the Reykjanes Peninsula. Travelers continuing on a full week-long road trip can press eastward, leaving the black sands behind as the landscape shifts toward ice and glacier lagoons.

Day 5: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Today, you will reach the furthest point of your Iceland itinerary as you arrive at the spectacular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, enormous chunks of ice calve from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float slowly toward the sea. The lagoon is a hauntingly beautiful graveyard of glacial ice shimmering in shades of white, turquoise, and deep electric blue. For a closer encounter, travelers can opt for a zodiac boat tour.

Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, where icebergs exiting are sculpted smooth by the Atlantic surf before washing ashore. Scattered across the dark black sand beaches, these translucent ice sculptures glitter like oversized gemstones under the sun.

After taking in the scenery, start your return leg along the Ring Road. Consider the option to overnight in the Skaftafell area, ideally positioned for the drive back west.

Day 6: Reykjavík

Prepare for long driving as you begin the scenic trip back to the capital. Fortunately, the ever-changing views along the South Coast and Ring Road provide a fitting final reward.

Begin your time in Reykjavík at the waterfront, where the striking Harpa Concert Hall rises from the harbor. This glass-clad architectural landmark draws inspiration from Iceland’s basalt formations. A short walk along the shoreline brings you to the Sun Voyager sculpture. The gleaming stainless-steel art piece symbolizes the sun, exploration, and the promise of a new horizon.

From the waterfront, stroll up Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping and cultural artery. Along the way, you’ll find design boutiques, cafés, and vibrant street art, as well as Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s most iconic church. For lunch, dive into Reykjavík’s thriving food scene. If you’re feeling daring, visit the Old Harbour to sample fermented shark (hákarl), a rite of passage for first-time visitors.

Those with time to spare can unwind with a final soak at Sky Lagoon. Finally, make the roughly 45-minute drive back to Konvin Hotel.

Day 7: Keflavík + Departure

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel’s Take Off Bistro, take time to explore some nearby attractions before your flight. A great place to start is Viking World. It’s home to the Íslendingur, a full-scale replica of a Viking ship inspired by 9th-century seafaring vessels. Nearby, you can also visit the whimsical “Giantess in the Cave” (Skessuhellir), or take a short drive to Reykjanesviti Lighthouse.

One of the strengths of this Iceland itinerary is its ease and convenience. When it’s time to leave, simply hop on the pre-booked shuttle back to the airport. While this road trip may be ending, it’s often just the beginning of a lasting love affair with Iceland.

FAQs About Iceland Itinerary

How many days is enough for Iceland?

For first-time visitors, seven days is a popular and well-balanced choice. This timeframe allows you to explore the Golden Circle and South Coast at a comfortable pace, without feeling rushed.

What is a good itinerary for Iceland?

A well-rounded Iceland itinerary focuses on the South Coast and the Golden Circle. Starting from a hub like the Konvin Hotel ensures seamless logistics for exploring these iconic regions.

Is 7 days enough for the Ring Road?

While possible, completing the full Ring Road in seven days requires significant long driving and often feels rushed. For a stress-free experience, it’s better to focus on the South and West rather than racing around the entire island.

What is the best month to go to Iceland?

Visit June through August for the Midnight Sun, greener landscapes, and the most accessible road conditions. If seeing the Northern Lights is a priority, visit between September and March, when darker nights increase your chances of sightings.

Where should I go for the first time in Iceland?

First-time visitors should focus on the South Coast and the Golden Circle, as these regions host the most famous attractions. Staying near Keflavík or Reykjavík provides a seamless base for exploring these areas.

Is Iceland expensive to visit?

Iceland does have a higher cost of living than many destinations, but thoughtful planning can help manage expenses. Choosing well-located accommodations, minimizing extra transfers, and booking key services in advance can all help you get the most value.

What I wish I knew before going to Iceland?

If your hotel offers an airport shuttle and on-site car rentals, it can simplify arrival day and reduce extra costs. Additionally, always be prepared for rapid weather changes.

Is Iceland easy to drive for first-time visitors?

Yes, Iceland is generally easy to drive, especially along the Ring Road and main sightseeing routes. Roads are well-maintained, clearly signposted, and suitable for travelers with standard driving experience.

Do I need a car for this Iceland itinerary?

Yes, renting a car makes this Iceland itinerary much easier and more flexible. It allows you to explore the South Coast, Golden Circle, and glacier lagoons at your own pace without relying on fixed tour schedules.

Is the Ring Road fully paved?

Yes, Iceland’s Ring Road is fully paved and suitable for standard vehicles. This itinerary avoids highland roads, so a four-wheel-drive vehicle is not required under normal conditions.