1 Week in Iceland - 5 Winter Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Snæfellsnes, Golden Circle & Reykjanes Peninsula

Discover highlights of the Golden Circle, drive around Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and make your way to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on this seven-day itinerary perfect for first-time travelers to Iceland. Enjoy the ideal mix of winter adventures and relaxation as you take in the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Víðgelmir, embark on a private Jeep tour chasing the northern lights, and soak in natural hot pools.

Welcome to Iceland! Pick up your rental car from Keflavík Airport and begin your journey to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where you'll explore the epic lava formations of Lóndrangar and stroll along the black-sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur. Next, start your drive around the famous Golden Circle, stopping for a snorkel tour of Silfra fissure, a history lesson at Law Rock, and a relaxing evening in the hot springs at Kúalaug.

Continuing along Iceland's South Coast, you'll stop at numerous waterfalls, including Urriðafoss, Seljarlandsfoss, and Skógafoss, before arriving in Vík for a private Jeep tour chasing the aurora borealis. Another scenic drive brings you past Skaftafell to Diamond Beach, where you can take an evening tour of a colorful icy world. You'll then head back along Ring Road, ticking off any highlights you missed around Reykjanes Peninsula until it's time to return to Keflavík Airport. Learn more

Itinerary #2: In the Footsteps of Vikings

Explore Iceland's frozen landscapes on this history-rich sightseeing trip. From the tiny villages on Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the friendly small town of Akureyri, each day promises a blend of jaw-dropping scenery and intriguing history. Mix in ice-covered waterfalls and a whale watching tour, and you have a trip perfect for those looking to take in Iceland's scenery without breaking a sweat.

After arriving at Keflavík Airport, you'll immediately begin your journey north, passing through Reykjavík, hiking up the 1,820-foot (555-m) Akrafjall before spending the night near the Borgarfjörður fjord in Borgarnes. Continue north to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where you'll learn about Icelandic history at the Shark Museum, and stop at the historic villages of Búðardalur, Borðeyri, and Hvammstangi to learn about Iceland's early days. 

Next, you'll begin your tour of Diamond Circle on Iceland's north coast. Spend an evening relaxing at the Mývatn Nature Baths, then drive to Húsavík, the whale watching capital of Iceland, to spot humpback and sperm whales and check out the Whale Museum. Another short drive to Akureyri allows plenty of time to shop at boutique stores and relax in the town baths before hopping on a small plane back to Reykjavík. Spend your last day checking out one or more of Reykjavík's 60 museums until it's time for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Glaciers, Caves & Waterfalls

Travel by car, snowmobile, super Jeep, and quad bike on this immersive seven-day winter Iceland trip. Take your time exploring the highlights of Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Golden Circle, and Skaftafell Glacier before chasing the aurora borealis on Reykjanes Peninsula. Whether it's your first or tenth visit to Iceland, you'll find this itinerary packed full of new and unique experiences.

Start your Iceland adventure driving north from Keflavík Airport to Borgarfjörður, where you'll get your first taste of the country's wild beauty on a 3.5-hour glacier tour of Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier. Take time to wander Vatnshellir Cave, an 8,000-year-old lava tube, and explore Kirkjufellsfoss' three waterfalls, before tackling the Golden Circle. Bundle up for an afternoon of snowmobiling Langjökull and take a Super Jeep 4WD tour to a hidden ice cave in Vík.

Continuing east along Ring Road, you'll soon reach the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Meet your glacier guide and head out on a four-hour hike on Vatnajökull outlet glacier, then discover the beauty of iceberg fragments at Diamond Beach. Spend your last full day checking off Reykjanes Peninsula highlights on a quad tour and chasing the aurora borealis once night settles in. Then, make time for one more stop at the otherworldly Gunnuhver Hot Springs on your way back to Keflavík Airport. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Relax & Reconnect

Soak in seven hot pools and take in the dramatic landscapes along Iceland's west and north coasts on this relaxing seven-day itinerary. In between natural hot pools, discover the small villages on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, drive Diamond Circle, and cool off near frosted waterfalls. Each day promises the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation as you journey from Reykjavík to Akureyri and back.

Your Iceland adventure starts as soon as you land at Keflavík Airport, where you'll pick up your rental car and make your way north to Borgarfjörður fjord. Spend your first evening indulging in ultimate relaxation at Krauma Spa, then continue north to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where more natural hot pools in Stykkishólmur are waiting. Rejuvenated, you'll make your way to Saxhóll crater for a rim walk, offering stunning views of Mount Kirkjufell. As you continue northeast along the Ring Road to Diamond Circle, you'll soon come upon the otherwordly Lake Mývatn, surrounded by impressive geothermal sites.

Take a dip in the Mývatn Nature Baths and head out for a 4WD adventure to a lava cave at the base of Mount Hvannfell before making your way to Húsavík—the oldest settlement and bathing mecca of Iceland. Ponder the expanse of Skjálfandi Bay while soaking in GeoSea, and finish your day in Akureyri. After flying back to Reykjavík, spend your afternoon soaking at Sky Lagoon and your evening chasing the aurora borealis by boat, then squeeze in a dip at the famous Blue Lagoon on your way to Keflavík Airport. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Winter Tour of Iceland: Golden Circle, East Fjords & Diamond Circle

Explore deep in Iceland's remote backcountry, from the remote Streiti coastline in the East Fjords to the silent Mount Herðubreið, on this adventure-filled Iceland itinerary. Perfect for those who want to get well off the beaten path and don't mind bundling up, this trip is all about snow-covered mountains and geothermal landscapes.

After arriving at Keflavík Airport, you'll immediately hit the road and make your way to Hella, stopping for a snorkel tour at Silfra fissure and a hike to Gullfoss. Bundle up and get your first taste of rural Iceland with a horseback tour of Hveragerði, then continue along the south coast to Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Along the way, take in the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara and discover Iceland's tundra and frosted waterfalls on an ATV ride between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull. The next day, continue east to Austurland and embark on a guided Jeep tour, spotting wild reindeer before arriving in the East Fjords.

Another scenic drive brings you to Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the east, where you can hop into a 4WD and explore the unforgiving Streiti coastline. Next, head to the geothermal wonderland surrounding Lake Mývatn to explore snow-covered volcanic craters and soak in the blue waters of Mývatn Nature Baths. Your last full day brings you around Diamond Circle to Akureyri, where you'll settle in for an aurora borealis cruise on Torfunefsbryggja harbor before flying back to Reykjavík the following day. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Iceland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Iceland? Check out these other seven-day Iceland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.