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Earlier than Iceland, street journeys had been simply easy street journeys. Nevertheless, cruising via lava fields, waterfalls, and glacier lagoons in the midst of July? This modified one thing in me. Iceland doesn’t simply invite journey, it calls for it. One second, you might be sipping espresso beside a black sand seashore. The subsequent time you might be watching a geyser explode sky-high.
If you’re planning your first time in Iceland, summer season is your finest good friend. You’ll get open roads and lengthy daylight. Whether or not you’re going with a bunch of pals or flying solo like I did, you possibly can go for a motorhome rental setup to take pleasure in most freedom.
This Iceland street journey itinerary 7 days was the candy spot. It’s lengthy sufficient to do a loop across the nation and brief sufficient to maintain plans versatile. Undergo it to get all the main points and plan your trip correctly.
Why 7 Days Is Sufficient For A Street Journey In Iceland
You is perhaps questioning, “Can I actually see Iceland in only a week?” Completely. You’ll not hike each volcano or soak in each sizzling spring. Nevertheless, you possibly can see the very best of the nation in seven days, as you’ll have lengthy daylight. Additionally, the area has well-maintained roads.
The well-known Iceland ring street itinerary is a full circle (Route 1) that runs about 1,300 kilometers. Should you follow it principally, seven days is a lot to go to main pure wonders and some hidden gems. Simply be prepared for early begins and spontaneous stops as a result of the area calls for it.
A 7 day itinerary Iceland will permit you to discover valleys and chase a number of waterfalls. Moreover this, you’ll nonetheless have time to nap subsequent to a glacier. The perfect half is that you can be transferring each day, however you’ll by no means really feel rushed.
Planning The Journey
Greatest Time To Go to: Why Summer time Wins
Summer time (June to August) is peak street journey season in Iceland for a purpose:
- The roads are snow-free and open, even in distant areas.
- You get 24 hours of daylight almost. Say hiya to Midnight Solar.
- Puffins, wildflowers, and accessible campsites all over the place.
I traveled in July, and I had no points with street closures or darkness. It’s possible you’ll really feel shocked, however I even hiked at 10 p.m. with no headlamp.
Packing Necessities
Packing for Iceland is all about layers and sensible decisions. Listed here are some issues to hold.
- Waterproof jacket & boots (rain is unpredictable)
- Heat layers, like fleece, thermal shirts, and so forth.
- Sleep masks (the solar doesn’t set)
- Energy financial institution & automobile USB charger
- Cooking fundamentals, like a transportable range, utensils, and so forth.
- Reusable grocery luggage
- Offline maps & printed itinerary
Selecting Your Car
One of the crucial vital selections you’ll make to your Iceland street journey itinerary 7 days is the way you’ll journey. There are three major methods to discover the nation by street. Allow us to undergo them.
Campervan
It’s a fashionable alternative amongst budget-conscious vacationers. Campervans are compact and environment friendly. They arrive with a mattress platform and a primary kitchen setup. Additionally, you get cupboard space. Whereas not as spacious as motorhomes, they provide sufficient consolation for {couples} or solo vacationers.
Execs
- Higher gasoline effectivity
- Simpler to park
- Extra reasonably priced
Cons
- Much less insulation from chilly or wind
- Restricted house for standing or cooking indoors
It’s ultimate for versatile vacationers doing an Iceland campervan journey, particularly throughout summer season when campsites and services are absolutely open.
Motorhome
We selected a motorhome for the added consolation, and it made all of the distinction. With built-in beds, a full kitchen, a rest room, and even heating, it felt like a cell cabin. It’s good for unpredictable Icelandic climate.
I discovered an awesome motorhome rental Iceland service that provided insurance coverage and limitless mileage. We rented via Camper Rental Iceland, which manages motorhome and RV leases throughout the nation. The reserving course of was easy and simple. Their route guides and 24/7 roadside help proved invaluable.
Execs
- Spacious
- Heat
- Impartial of campsite facilities
Cons
- Bigger measurement means trickier parking
- Barely increased rental/fuel prices
Common Automotive + Inns/Airbnbs
For individuals who favor to sleep indoors and don’t thoughts pre-booking lodging, a daily automobile works wonderful. You may nonetheless cowl a lot of the Ring Street and benefit from the views.
Execs
- Nice for luxurious seekers
- Ultimate for off‑season journeys
Cons
- Much less spontaneity
- Reliant on resort examine‑ins
- No likelihood for wild overnights by waterfalls
The 7-Day Itinerary: Day-By-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Reykjavík – Golden Circle – In a single day Close to Selfoss
- Route: Reykjavík – Þingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss – Selfoss
- Drive Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Distance: 200 to 230 km Approx.
We picked up our motorhome early in Reykjavík and hit the Golden Circle. Our first cease was Þingvellir Nationwide Park. Right here, you possibly can stroll between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The subsequent cease was the Geysir geothermal space. It’s dwelling to Strokkur. It erupts each 5–10 minutes, capturing sizzling water meters into the sky. It’s fairly loud. Additionally, you need to convey a rain jacket as you’re going to get sprayed.
We wrapped up at Gullfoss, a roaring two-tier waterfall. It’s wild and windy. We stayed there longer than deliberate, because it’s unforgettable.
Tenting Suggestion
Gesthús Selfoss: It’s nice for showers and laundry. Plus, it’s inside strolling distance of the city.
Day 2: Waterfalls And Black Sand Seashores – Vik
- Route: Selfoss – Seljalandsfoss – Skógafoss – Aircraft Wreck – Reynisfjara – Vik
- Drive Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Distance: 150 to 190 km Approx.
At the present time was all about Iceland’s most dramatic surroundings.
Seljalandsfoss was our first waterfall. You may stroll behind it, which sounds dreamy till you might be soaking moist. Only a few minutes down the street is Skógafoss, which is certainly one of Iceland’s largest falls. Simply climb the five hundred+ stairs to the highest. I imply it, you’ll benefit from the view on the high as it’s definitely worth the bother.
We hiked out to the Sólheimasandur Aircraft Wreck, which sits on a black-sand plain. The stroll felt lengthy however was flat and quiet.
We ended the day at Reynisfjara. It’s the most well-known black sand seashore of Iceland. There are towering basalt stacks and highly effective waves that make this spot really feel otherworldly.
Tenting Suggestion
Vik Tenting: It’s cozy and clear. Additionally, it’s inside strolling distance of outlets.
Hidden Gem
Go to the lesser-known Gljúfrabúi waterfall proper subsequent to Seljalandsfoss. It’s a must to stroll via a stream to succeed in it inside a cave.
Day 3: Jökulsárlón & Glacier Lagoon
- Route: Vik – Fjaðrárgljúfur – Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Höfn
- Drive Time: 4 to five hours
- Distance: 270 to 290 km Approx.
This was certainly one of my favourite days on the street.
We began early to go east. We stopped at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon first. It’s a mossy canyon that looks like a fairytale. We entered Vatnajökull Nationwide Park after the canyon. You may witness the most important glacier in Europe and really feel its presence within the air.
We hiked the path to Svartifoss. It’s a waterfall framed by putting black basalt columns. We got here to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon after the hike. It was the spotlight of the day. There have been big glaciers floating within the water. Additionally, you possibly can see Diamond Seaside proper throughout the street with crystal-like ice on black sand.
Tenting Suggestion
Höfn Tenting: It’s proper by the ocean. You may take pleasure in stunning dawn views. On high of this, you get good native eating choices.
Day 4: East Fjords Drive
- Route: Höfn – Djúpivogur – Breiðdalsvík – Seyðisfjörður
- Drive Time: 4 to five hours
- Distance: 270 to 280 km Approx.
This was probably the most peaceable leg of our Iceland street journey itinerary. We drove alongside the shoreline. There have been fewer vacationers within the East Fjords. So, our journey was fairly quiet.
Listed here are the main points of our stops.
- Djúpivogur: You may cease for espresso. Additionally, you possibly can take pleasure in a coastal stroll.
- Breiðdalsvík: It’s a peaceable place with artwork galleries and mountain views.
- Seyðisfjörður: It’s well-known for a rainbow-painted street and colourful houses. Take your time right here as a result of it’s magical.
Day 5: Mývatn & Dettifoss
- Route: Seyðisfjörður – Dettifoss – Hverir – Lake Mývatn – Mývatn Nature Baths
- Drive Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Distance: 250 km Approx.
When you cross North Iceland, all the pieces will change. You’ll witness a volcanic terrain that can really feel like a sci-fi film. Our first cease was Dettifoss. It’s the strongest waterfall in Europe. From there, we drove to Hverir. It’s a geothermal hotspot full of effervescent mud pots and steam vents. The sulfur scent hits exhausting, however the view is great.
Then we reached Lake Mývatn. It’s recognized for its unusual lava formations and mossy craters. Additionally, you’ll discover a variety of birdlife. We spent the afternoon strolling round Dimmuborgir, a lava discipline that appears like historical ruins.
We ended the day soaking within the Mývatn Nature Baths. It’s a geothermal spa with clear waters.
Camped Suggestion
Vogar Campground: It’s a family-run place with an awesome kitchen. On high of this, it’s near the character baths.
Day 6: Akureyri & Whale Watching (Elective: Húsavík)
- Route: Mývatn – Goðafoss – Akureyri – Húsavík (elective)
- Drive Time: 2–3 hours
- Distance: 160 to 220 km Approx. with detour
We started the day at Goðafoss, a dramatic waterfall tied to Iceland’s pagan historical past. It’s broad and delightful. Additionally, it’s near the Ring Street.
Then we arrived in Akureyri. It’s the second-largest metropolis of Iceland. It felt like a metropolis after days of waterfalls and sheep.
Within the afternoon, we took a detour to Húsavík. It’s the whale watching capital of Europe. You’ll take pleasure in a number of issues, like:
- Wood boats
- Puffin sightings
- Humpback whales, and so forth.
Professional Tip
Ebook your whale excursions prematurely in the event you’re touring in July/August.
Tenting Suggestion
Hamrar Campsite: It’s fairly spacious and scenic. Additionally, it’s near city with strolling trails and sizzling showers.
Day 7: Again To Reykjavík (Through Hraunfossar Or Inland)
- Route: Akureyri – Grábrók Crater – Hraunfossar – Reykjavík
- Drive Time: 5 to six hours
- Distance: 400 km Approx.
We began early for the lengthy drive again to Reykjavík. We averted the tunnel and went the scenic inland route. Our first leg introduced us to Grábrók Crater. It’s a brief hike that’s definitely worth the views of lava fields.
Subsequent, we visited Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. The sequence of waterfalls emerges from beneath a lava discipline. It is without doubt one of the most original waterfalls I’ve ever seen. The water doesn’t fall from cliffs. It seeps out from the lava.
After this, we stopped at Deildartunguhver. It’s a sizzling spring the place you possibly can bathe and chill out. There’s a spa close by. We ended our journey and rolled into Reykjavík, drained however grateful.
Sensible Suggestions for the Street
Tenting Legal guidelines In Iceland
Wild tenting is now not authorized except you may have written permission. So, it’s best to stay to marked campsites. There are tons of of them, and plenty of have wonderful services.
Gasoline And Driving Situations
Fuel stations are plentiful alongside the Ring Street, however much less so within the East. At all times high off your tank at 50%. Look ahead to sheep close to the street, and keep away from gravel shortcuts except your car permits it.
Showers, Cooking, And Water
- Showers: Present in nearly all campsites. Additionally out there on the town swimming swimming pools.
- Cooking: Many campers embrace stoves. Campsites usually have shared kitchens.
- Water: Fully protected from faucets and most rivers. Deliver refillable bottles.
Native Etiquette
- Don’t step on moss because it takes 100+ years to develop.
- Depart no trash behind.
- Respect bathing guidelines: bathe earlier than getting into swimming pools.
- Be aware of drone use because it’s restricted in lots of areas.
Last Ideas: Would I Do It Once more?
Completely, I’ll go for it for sure.
In a heartbeat. Iceland is wild, sincere, and delightful. Doing it by camper made all of the distinction. There have been no inflexible resort check-ins, and no strict timelines. You may take pleasure in nature in your phrases.
This Iceland street journey itinerary gave me the flexibleness to chase sunsets and nap beside waterfalls. Should you’re dreaming of freedom on the street, Iceland in summer season is looking. Undergo the 7-day journey to be able to create your personal model in keeping with your personal wants.
