South Iceland is a land of dramatic landscapes, from glaciers and volcanoes to black sand beaches and stunning waterfalls. This 7-day road trip itinerary provides a comprehensive guide to exploring the region’s highlights — with some honest, firsthand advice to help you make the most of it.

🏁 Introduction

This itinerary focuses on the southern coast of Iceland, easily accessible from Reykjavík. It balances popular attractions with opportunities for off-the-beaten-path exploration. The best time to undertake this trip is during the summer months (June–August) for optimal weather and daylight hours, or in winter (November–March) for northern lights and unique ice cave adventures.

🚗 Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík & Golden Circle

• Morning: Arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), pick up your rental car (4×4 recommended, especially in winter), and drive to Reykjavík (approx. 45 minutes).

• Afternoon: Explore Reykjavík. Visit Hallgrímskirkja for panoramic views, wander along the harbor, and enjoy lunch at a cozy local café.

• Late Afternoon/Evening: Start the Golden Circle:

  • Þingvellir National Park – Stand between two tectonic plates.

  • Geysir geothermal area – Watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes.

  • Gullfoss waterfall – One of Iceland’s most iconic cascades.

• Accommodation: Selfoss area.

🌊 Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach

• Morning: Visit Seljalandsfoss (walk behind it!) and then Skógafoss.

  💬 I personally love the hike behind Skógafoss — it leads to several hidden waterfalls and epic views. If you have 2–3 hours to spare, it’s 100% worth it.

• Afternoon: Explore Sólheimajökull glacier (consider a guided glacier walk). Continue to Dyrhólaey arch and Reynisfjara black sand beach with its iconic basalt columns.

  ⚠️ Be careful — sneaker waves here are dangerous!

• Evening: Drive to the charming village of Vík í Mýrdal.

• Accommodation: Vík í Mýrdal.

❄️ Day 3: Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

• Morning: Drive east to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Take a boat tour among the floating icebergs.

• Afternoon: Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks rest on black volcanic sand.

• Evening: Visit Fjallsárlón — a quieter glacier lagoon nearby.

• Accommodation: Höfn area.

⛰ Day 4: Eastern Fjords Scenic Drive (Optional)

• Option 1 (Shorter): Stay around Höfn. Enjoy the harbor and take a scenic drive to Vestrahorn mountain (Stokksnes) — otherworldly and photogenic.

• Option 2 (Longer): Venture into the Eastern Fjords. Explore coastal roads, dramatic cliffs, and small villages like Djúpivogur.

• Accommodation: Höfn area.

🧊 Day 5: Return Journey & Ice Cave (Winter Only)

• Morning: Begin driving west.

• Winter Only: Book a guided ice cave tour (from Jökulsárlón or Vík).

  These tours are only available in winter and are an unforgettable experience inside blue crystal-like caves.

• Afternoon: Stop at any spots you missed on Day 2–3.

• Accommodation: Vík í Mýrdal area.

🌋 Day 6: Lava Fields, Waterfalls & Blue Lagoon

• Morning: Drive through the moss-covered Eldhraun lava field.

• Midday Option: Instead of visiting Krauma (which many recommend but I found underwhelming), consider a stop at Barnafossar, a uniquely shaped waterfall near Hraunfossar.

  💬 My wife and I visited Krauma in February — we paid 16,000 ISK but left after 45 minutes. The water had floating debris (even nails), and it just didn’t feel clean or worth the price. A lot of people may enjoy it, but for us, it didn’t compare to Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.

• Afternoon: Head to the Reykjanes Peninsula and relax at the Blue Lagoon (advance booking recommended).

• Evening: Stay near the airport for a stress-free departure.

  💡 We recommend Grindavík Cottages — peaceful, great views, and close to KEF.

✈️ Day 7: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight, squeeze in a visit to Perlan Museum or enjoy breakfast in Reykjavík.

• Afternoon: Return your car and depart from Keflavík International Airport (KEF).

🧳 Conclusion

This 7-day South Iceland road trip offers a stunning mix of dramatic natural landscapes and cozy local charm. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, walking on glaciers, or soaking in hot springs, you’ll experience the best of Iceland — without rushing.

Plan ahead (especially accommodations and tours), watch the weather, and always drive safely. And don’t be afraid to skip what others hype — it’s your trip. Iceland is full of surprises.