“If one looks at the glacier for long enough, words cease to have any meaning on God’s earth.”
~Halldór Laxness
Nothing will ever speak louder of human insignificance than the colossal glaciers on Iceland trips. Ageless, monolithic, they preserve an experience that surpasses any outdoor adventures you’ll ever have. As much as we talk about the ice, Iceland lives in the dichotomy of geography- it has glaciers and volcanoes that make for interesting geological phenomena. The Land of Ice & Fire, as they call it. Perhaps Jónas Hallgrímsson romanticized it the best-
O strange combination of frost and heat,
Mountains and plains of lava and ocean,
How beauteous you are, how awesome, when motion
of fires from glaciers swamps your feet!
The dichotomy is evident. If you find the cold Vatnajökull, you’ll surely find the active, hot volcano, Grímsvötn. If Hvannadalshnjúkur goes 2110m high, the river canyons will go 250 meters deep. The geography is rich, and that axiomatically makes adventures here completely worth it. We have a wholesome Iceland travel itinerary with the best places to visit and things to do around all the nice spots.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Iceland?
You must spend a week in Iceland to truly experience it. Sure, if you are on a stopover or just in for a themed tour, you might do it for 3 days. But Iceland is huge, and sometimes even 7 days is not enough. We usually endorse a fortnight, but today we will make an Iceland itinerary for 7 days.
However, for a Ring Road traveller, a week will not be enough. The entire road is about 830 miles, and you do not want to be driving for nonstop hours. Plus, the weather is dramatic, so you must keep a few hours extra to save your trip.
For a longer vacation, you can check out best fun activities in Scandinavia.
When Is The Best Time to Visit Iceland?
Most visits to Iceland come during the summer season because of the longer days. Sunny hours can get so long that you can even witness the Midnight Sun on your journey. That doesn’t mean Iceland is deserted the rest of the time. You’ll find tourists like you every time you visit.
Iceland’s weather is more dramatic than any of the stunning photos would let on. Baltasar Kormákur went so far as to say, “In Iceland, the weather is the biggest character you deal with every day.” June through August have longer days, and it is more likely to have pleasant weather.
Mid-October to February has shorter days and longer nights, and it progressively gets colder. The weather may not be as favorable for you to visit. We would suggest May to October as the best time of year to visit Iceland. You’ll still need to choose based on the activities and the scene you’re aiming for.
Day 1- Reykjavík
Stops
- Hallgrímskirkja
October fog rolling in behind the steeple makes for dramatic blog photography. Tower views across the city.
- Old Harbor- Harpa Concert Hall
Geometric glass facade along the harbour. Walk from the church.
- Laugavegur Street
Main strip for cafés, wool shops, and people-watching. Good lunch options here.
- Sun Voyager Sculpture- Aurora Sighting
Return here after 10 pm if the forecast shows KP 3+ for an unobstructed northern sky.
Most of the international flights to Iceland land at Keflavik International Airport just outside of Reykjavík. Because of this, most itineraries in Iceland often start in this capital city. Most trips to Iceland are a road trip after you get off a flight. You can rent a car at one of the rental stations near the airport. The stations are just near the periphery. Tourists usually go with local rentals like Blue or Lotus. They are more adept at the country’s peculiar roads and climate.
If you’re traveling from the US or North America, flights generally land in the morning. Say, you land at 6 am- 9 am, you’d have a few hours to kill before standard checkout time starts at 3 pm. Rooms are often ready by then, unless you’re blessed by the almighty and you somehow get a room before that.
There are two things you can do – mail the hotel that you’d be arriving early, and if rooms are available, you can check in. If not, you can leave your luggage at the hotel and visit a local pool or go to a spa. Be sure to bring your swimsuits before you handover your luggage.
But first, let’s talk about which hotel you’ll love. Of course, the Reykjavík Edition is amazing – but it’s also expensive. In spite of the price, the experience outweighs it. It isn’t the closest hotel to the airport; you’ll have to drive just shy of an hour, but it is closer to many places we’ll visit. Why we love Edition is also because of its spa. There’s nothing better than the Edition one to relax you after achingly long flights to Iceland. Have a light breakfast at the on-site Tides and head to the spa. Go for the Uruz experience. It is this Icelandic hot stone massage with a hammam session.
Check in, rest, and then drive to Hallgrímskirkja. The Expressionist- style Church has tiered concrete wings that were made to imitate hexagonal basalt columns that you’ll also find near the Svartifoss waterfall. The Leif Eiriksson Statue at the front of the church is a popular photo op space. It was gifted by the USA in 1930 as a celebration of Alþingi’s 1000th anniversary. The most popular spot would be the observation deck for the most stunning views of Reykjavík’s colourful rooftop.
If you have heard of more popular places in Reykjavík, the Internet seems to be affixed with Old Harbor. The waterfront area is historically popular. One look and the entire scene would tell you how deep a bond Icelanders have with the sea. The liveliness of the area is evident in the numerous cruises to Iceland here, specifically the Miðbakki pier. At the legendary Harpa Hall, you can attend symphony concerts or dine at harbor-view restaurants. Our favorite experience has to be the Circuleight exhibit. You’ll find a digital art experience of 20 minutes with videos of lava, glaciers, and flora.
Head on towards the mile of Laugavegur Street. The historic centre has some of the most prominent Nordic architecture you’ll find in the area. The road begins at the Kringlan Shopping Mall in the east and stretches to the Laekjartorg Square in the west. Most Icelanders shop at the iconic 66° North brand store on Laugavegur 17, besides the many boutique stores. Cute little shops along the way also have amazing fridge magnets to take as souvenirs. But we are here for a late lunch. Sumac Grill + Drinks is a great option at 28. Corn ribs, slathered in Aleppo butter and sprinkled with seed dukkah, will sear themselves in your memory; they wake the palate so well.
We’d recommend heading back to the hotel and getting some rest. The next plan is Aurora sighting, but that only works if the forecast shows KP 3+. Have dinner at your hotel. The grilled meats are particularly delectable.
Day 2- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Stops
- Snæfellsjökull Glacier
First autumn snow on the glacier. Guided glacier walk 2 to 3h. Book in advance.
- Arnarstapi & Hellnar Cliffs
Coastal lava arches, sea caves, and the 2.5 km cliff walk between the two villages. October waves are dramatic.
- Kirkjufell Mountain
October can dust the peak with the first snow while the base stays green
- Kirkjufellsfoss
At night, this is one of Iceland’s most-photographed aurora foregrounds
A drive to Snæfellsjökull Glacier will easily take around 2.5-3 hours for its 190km stretch. You might remember the stratovolcano as the entrance to the Earth’s core in Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Jules Verne definitely made it popular, and glacier hiking in Snæfellsjökull Glacier is one of the top outdoor activities in the world. The drive itself is epic. You’ll witness the dying down of the green woolly fringe moss on your way. Our preferred route is towards the South of the Peninsula. You travel through the Gerðuberg Cliffs with hundreds of hexagonal basalt columns to the Ytri Tunga Beach. In contrast to the usual black sand found in the country, the Ytri Tunga has golden sand, on which you can catch seals resting on the shore.
Kirkjufell is one of the first Game of Thrones, Iceland shooting locations we will visit. You’d find it as the Arrowhead Mountain beyond the Wall. One of its prominent glimpses emerges during Bran’s vision of the Children of the Forest creating the first White Walker. Just nearby is the Kirkjufellsfoss, which is the perfect landscape of how frozen North of the Wall truly was. The nearby waterfall is easily one of the best viewing spots of the Kirkjufell mountain.
We also like to visit the Búðakirkja– The Black Church of Búðir, at the junction of Route 54 and Route 574. The pitch-black wooden church feels like an anomalous beauty in the middle of the Búðahraun lava field.
Day 3- Golden Circle
Stops
- Þingvellir National Park
October foliage turns golden here. UNESCO site.
- Geysir Geothermal Area
Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 min. Steam looks extra dramatic in cold October air. Lunch at the Geysir Center.
- Gullfoss Waterfall
October mist and low sun create rainbow conditions. Flow is strong post-summer. ~1h on both platforms.
- Kerið Volcanic Crater
Worthwhile in October, but the crater lake is lower and less vivid than in summer.
Day 3 is dedicated to the famous Golden Circle route. We start at the wondrous Þingvellir National Park. The UNESCO site had been popular long before GoT decided to shoot Season 4 Episode 1. The park is open almost throughout the year and even has its own parking spot. You can also find guided tours to Thingvellir National Park. Inside, the first stop would be the Almannagja Gorge, which acted as the Passage to the Bloody Gate. The Gorge protects the Vale of Arryn; you can see it when Littlefinger brings Sansa Stark to her Aunt.
Move towards the Oxararfoss Trail– it was nearby (Hengill and Nesjavellir Area) that the fight between Brienne & The Hound was filmed. Besides the obvious Game of Thrones symbolism, the trek is truly arduous and makes for one heck of an adventure.
15 minutes down from Hengill, you will find the ethereal Thorufoss Waterfall. In Episode 6 of Season 4, Drogon attacks a gathering of goatherds’ flocks, leading to the mini exile of the dragon brothers. Of course, the scene is quite a bit gruesome (GoT is gruesome, you just get used to it, don’t you?), but the background of the Thorufoss on the Laxa i Kjos River lives in your memory. The waterfall is not far from the road either; you just take a short gravel road off Route 48.
Exit the park and get on your way to visit the Geysir Geothermal Area. This drive takes roughly 50 minutes to get you along Route 37 and Route 35. The namesake Great Geyser has been dormant and might wake during earthquakes, but the Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes. The steaming water can go up as high as 20- 30 meters! You’ll also love the colorful mineral deposits around the area. Along the Geysir Center, get off for some lunch or to use the facilities.
Drive 10 mins up Route 35, and you will find the gorgeous Gullfoss Waterfall next. This is also the furthest you’ll be going on this Golden Circle Loop before coming back to the Kerið Volcanic Crater. The glacier is two-tiered, and we prefer to park at the upper parking level. Just 5 minutes of walking later, you’ll find the best viewing point of the destination. The falls are glorious, and the mist that forms in the Hvítá river gorge is almost sweeping. The lower Canyon Path is more dependent on the weather. If it permits, you can take the rugged trail to the lower end of the falls. If it gets too cold, it’s too much of a safety risk, and no one is permitted to go inside. October can also witness a bit of the waterfall freeze.
Head south on Route 35 towards the town of Selfoss and reach the Kerið Volcanic Crater. If there were a caldera as beautiful as this 6500-year old one, we’d want to make another 7-day itinerary around the same! While we do have deep affections for the area, the visit itself is conditional. You can only visit if the weather has been favorable. Colder days often dull the moss, and you cannot really witness the beauty of the crater.
Since the crater is new- most craters are twice its age- it still hasn’t gone through the geological transformation to become a black crater. The freshness gives it the red colour that it exhibits now. The aquamarine lake in the centre is one of the most beautifully photographed locations via a drone.
Day 4- Chasing Waterfalls in the South Coast
Stops
- Seljalandsfoss
Walk behind the falls and look for rainbow halos. A waterproof jacket is essential.
- Gljúfrabúi (hidden waterfall)
5 min from Seljalandsfoss. Wade through a narrow canyon to find a secret cascade
- Skógafoss
GoT S8
Dragon flight scenes from the final season. Climb 527 steps to the top
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Jon & Dany’s dragon ride canyon. 30 min detour off Ring Road. Easy 2 km rim walk.
Seljalandsfoss is one every itinerary to Iceland you can find on the Internet. For all the right reasons, too; the 360° trail is coveted by every traveler who has ever walked in Iceland. The trail takes you directly behind the 60m water wall. We know it’s silly to say, but don’t forget to look at what appears in front of your eyes. If you did not already think about it, make sure that you have rain clothes on; it won’t take you minutes to get soaking wet. Since you’re traveling in October, it might be more icy, but that itself is a view unlike any. The crowds are fewer, and that makes for a really peaceful retreat.
5 minutes from Seljalandsfoss is the Gljúfrabúi waterfall, which is rarer. The gorge is very narrow, but the views of moss-covered cliffs make for a great visit. Nearer to this waterfall, you can also find hiking and glacier tours in the South Coast.
The next stop on our list is the famous Skógafoss. Easily one of the best locations in Ireland. The first episode of the 8th season of Game of Thrones had the most stunning visuals of Jon and Daenerys on a flight on the latter’s dragons. On sunny days, you find rainbows in the water, and winters come with freezing waterfalls. A great photo-op for the Travelgram! You can also climb atop and look at fans trying to get the exact angle of Jon and Dany’s moment.
Move on towards the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Vik may fall on the route, but we decided to allocate another day to it. The canyon is just past the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. In continuation of John and Dany’s flight at the Skógafoss, Rhaegal and Drogon are piloted through the narrow rock formations of this Canyon. The entirety of it has been formed by glacial movement over the millennia. A lot of people prefer to take the 1.2-mile round-trip hike along the rim to the stunning Mögáfoss waterfall at the gorge’s far end.
Day 5- Vík & Surroundings
Stops
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. October brings powerful Atlantic swells
- Dyrhólaey Arch & Lighthouse
Rock arch and lighthouse.
- Vík Village
The southernmost village in Iceland. Lunch, lopapeysa wool sweaters, and views of Mýrdalsjökull glacier to the north.
- Mýrdalsjökull Glacier (roadside views)
Pull over on Route 1 for a close-up glacier vista with no hiking needed. October snow line is descending
While traveling to the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, you must have crossed Vik. We didn’t stop only because the place deserves a day to itself. Perhaps why it became so famous was because of the hotels in Vik, Iceland. It is supremely popular for visitors who want to self-cater in Iceland. While we are staying only a day here, you could extend your trip and indulge in a 2-day itinerary in Vik. The black sand beaches and glacier sights give a great juxtaposition of the dichotomy of Icelandic geography.
The first stop would be the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. You have two reasons to visit- Reynisfjara probably has one of the clearest views of the Northern Lights; it is also the shooting location of Game of Thrones as Eastwatch by the Sea. Jon Snow, Tormund Giantsbane, and others journey beyond the Wall to bring proof of a Wight in front of Daenerys Targaryen. Any fan would instantly notice the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks along the icy shore. As much as we love the location, it is also notoriously unpredictable. Powerful sneaker waves come in, and it is nearly impossible to save yourself. Thus, while we are visiting in the morning, when you come back for the Aurora sighting, you must steer clear of the water. At the entry itself, you’ll find the traffic light that predicts the weather.
- Green means low risk, and you can travel inside
- Yellow is moderate to elevated risk. You can still go in, but extreme caution is necessary
- Red means you go back. Do not try; the weather can get violent.
The beach is also your best bet. The beach stretches into the unknown of Atlantic and gives a bigger, open structure for the photons to dance around. The cliff is behind, and there’s almost no pollution to deter your view.
Once done, drive to the Dyrhólaey Arch & Lighthouse. It wouldn’t take you more than 20 minutes, but the winding, steep switchbacks will make your ride exciting. While looking at a map, you’d instinctively think, what about a boat to cross? Unfortunately, no commercial boats operate in the area. The waters are unruly, and the cliffs are dangerous. The Lighthouse itself sits atop the cliffs, and the view stretches beyond what your eyes can see.
You’re visiting in October, but if it were between May and August, you’d have watched puffins nesting in the cliffs at Dyrhólaey. These birds look so much like Squawkabilly and Piplup, we almost installed Pokémon Go. You would definitely want to visit the Dyrhólaey Arch Viewpoint. Dyrhólaey means the hill island with the door hole. The name was given because of the natural arch in the Peninsula.
After the coastal visit, we will hit the Vík Village. The idyllic village is probably one of the most congenial places we have been to. People are nice, friendly, but also taciturn. They are particularly welcoming to the LGBTQ+ population; you’d just know what a normal, nice place feels like. Kit Harrington (Jon Snow) himself said, “Iceland, I’m in love with that country, the people are incredible.” You can also catch a hearty meal at the Smiðjan brugghús or the Soup Company.
Every photo you will ever see of Vik has one sight in common- the red-roof church in the midst of quaint houses and open spaces. Víkurkirkja is one of the best places to get married, but that’s a process of its own. The church does not easily give permission to tourists to visit; you will have to make your arrangements prior to visiting. The Lava Show is definitely worth a visit. The show usually lasts around 45-55 minutes throughout the year. You will need to book tickets before visiting- Adult tickets cost 6,590 ISK, and tickets for children below the age of 13 cost 3,590 ISK.
You’re already in the area, might as well visit the iconic Skool Beans cafe. The entire cafe is housed in a renovated old school American school bus. The Dragon’s Breath is a creative white hot chocolate with dragon fruit and cayenne pepper. You can also pet the famous Sir Jeffrey the Cat, the three-legged ginger cat, who has been a favorite of everyone who ever pet him.
From here, make a 30-35 minutes drive to the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. You don’t exactly get to the glacier, but to the car park at Solheimajokull. Many people attempt self-guided tours, but we recommend booking a guided tour to keep your adventure safe. Glacier Hike and Horseback Riding Tours and South Coast, Waterfalls & Glacier Hike are particularly impressive.
Day 6- Diamond Beach & Glacier Lagoon
Stops
- Svínafellsjökull Glacier
Walk right up to the glacier tongue.
- Vatnajökull Ice Cave Tour
Crystal blue ice caves inside the glacier.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Peak iceberg density as summer melt pushes more ice through. Zodiac boat tours run until late October
- Diamond Beach
Black sand + translucent icebergs. October light is golden and low all day. One of Iceland’s top aurora foregrounds at night
Day 6 is centred on southeastern Iceland with Europe’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull. On this day, we truly venture Beyond the Wall. Travel to the Svínafellsjökull Glacier, which served as the backdrop for all the expeditions beyond the Wall in seasons 2 and 7. This rugged, deep terrain is also where Jon captured Ygritte, and the rest is history. Svínafellsjökull is infamous for the patience with which you approach it. A short, rocky trail from the parking area leads right up to the edge of the glacier tongue and its surrounding terminal lagoon.
For this trip, too, we recommend a guided tour. It’s a glacier, after all, and it is never wise to traverse the loose terrains unsupervised. Iceland’s Civil Protection Agency has also warned to exercise caution against landslides and walking on unmarked grounds lest you fall into a crevasse.
Next stop would be the Vatnajökull Ice Cave Tour. We looked for a lot of ice cave tours online before settling for Melrakki Adventure. The tour guides are really friendly and definitely know the lay of the land. Since you are visiting in October, you might see the start of the Ice Cave season.
Coming back to Game of Thrones, our next stop on the list is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This lagoon is especially famous in Hollywood movies and series. In A View To Kill, Jökulsárlón is Siberia where James Bond Destriys a helicopter after him. In Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, it’s still Siberia, and Angeline Jolie used an amphibious vehicle and a dogsled to reach the meteor crater. You can check Guide to Iceland’s tour to visit the stunning lagoon. Make sure that you try one of the famous Zodiac Boat Tours. These are heavy-duty and rigid hull inflatable boats known as Zodiacs that are more stable than traditional boats in an ice-covered sea.
If you’re on the way to Jökulsárlón, which is easily one of the best locations in Iceland, you might as well visit the final halt for the day- the Diamond Beach. The black sand beach sits beautifully in contrast to the fresh blue water that comes out of the Jökulsárlón. We chose to keep it toward the end of the day to photograph the Aurora Borealis. It is absolutely one of the best times to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. The light reflects on the floating bricks of ice and it feels like even the sea is part of the Green.
Day 7- Return to Reykjavík
Walking + car for airport transfer
Stops
- Stuff to do in Reykjavik, Iceland you didn’t manage to on Day 1
- Kolaportið Flea Market
Weekends only
Local finds, Icelandic wool, and hákarl (fermented shark) if you’re feeling brave. Open Saturdays and Sundays only.
It has been one epic adventure, and you have traveled to ends and beyond. Day 7 is simply for rest and chill. Check into your hotel and rest, maybe go for a spa to relieve the travel stress. Maybe visit the Kolaportið Flea Market if you’re in on a weekend and shop for souvenirs.
What More Things To Do In Iceland?
A few Iceland attractions that didn’t make it to our list but are worth a visit nonetheless.
- Grjótagjá– The caves of Grjótagjá appeared in Season 3, Episode 5, Kissed by Fire, when Jon Snow and Ygritte engaged in some lovemaking. This geothermal spring is located near Lake Mývatn. While the cave does appear, the shooting was not done in the actual cave. It is too hot for a bathing sequence, and thus, the shoot was done in a tub at a secondary location. The spring is still worth a visit.
- Háifoss Twin Waterfalls in the Þjórsárdalur Valley- The Twin Waterfalls appear in the last scene of Stranger Things when Mike imagines that Eleven is alive somewhere. The rough canyon has a vertical drop of around 122 meters. This creates one of the tallest Iceland waterfalls.
- Blue Lagoon- The milky water of one of the most famous Icelandic hot springs is exceptionally amazing. Even the spa here is on par with the Edition one.
Conclusion
One week in Iceland and you will return home a transformed person. Perhaps it is how the land engages your senses that it becomes a Zen experience. I have fantasies of going to Iceland, never to return. Said Edward Gorey, and we cannot help but agree. The land is different, and the culture will feel disparate too, but one thing remains constant: how human lives learn to exist on the same trajectory. The joys of life are the same everywhere- in people around you, in the food you eat, and in the places you visit. We hope your travel leads you to memories you’d cherish forever.
For more travel insights, visit Travel Scout.
