Day 1
Arrive in Reykjavik
- I eased into the trip with coffee, a downtown walk, Hallgrimskirkja, Laugavegur, Harpa and the Old Harbor.
- Sky Lagoon was the right first-day reset before dinner downtown.
Travel Notes
Seven days through Iceland's South Coast
This is the Iceland route I planned and loved: Reykjavik to Vik, Glacier Lagoon and back, with dramatic landscapes, geothermal water, good hotels and enough breathing room to actually enjoy the trip.
7-day South Coast routeReykjavik to Glacier LagoonGlacier tour recommended
The Shape
A route that keeps moving without feeling frantic
My favorite part of this itinerary is the shape of it: start in Reykjavik, drive the Golden Circle into the South Coast, slow down around Vik, push east for Glacier Lagoon, then return to Reykjavik before flying home.
I would keep a few details flexible: book the hotels early, protect time for the glacier day and leave room for weather, roadside stops and unplanned views.
I went in early June and recommend it. It rained often, but the tradeoff was daylight for nearly 24 hours a day—ideal for staying flexible and seeing more without racing sunset.
Route Overview
One loop, split across the outbound and return drives
- StartKEF Airport
- Days 1–2Reykjavík + Sky Lagoon
- Day 3 outboundPartial Golden Circle
- Days 3–4Vík + South Coast
- Day 5Glacier Lagoon
- Day 6 returnRemaining Golden Circle
- Day 7Reykjavík → Blue Lagoon → KEF
The Golden Circle is intentionally divided: cover one side on the drive toward Vík, then use the westbound return to pick up what you skipped. Sky Lagoon sits by Reykjavík; Blue Lagoon is the natural stop on the Reykjanes Peninsula before the airport.
Itinerary
The plan
Day 2
Reykjavik and puffins
- I kept the morning simple with brunch and shops before a puffin boat tour from the harbor.
- The afternoon is perfect for Perlan, FlyOver Iceland, harbor time or a local geothermal pool.
Day 3
Golden Circle to Vik
- Pick up the car early and follow the Golden Circle only as far as makes sense for the day. See Thingvellir and the Geysir–Strokkur area, then peel southeast rather than forcing the entire loop.
- Continue toward Vík via Route 1, leaving the remaining Golden Circle stops for the return. Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui and Skogafoss make the South Coast drive part of the day.
Day 4
Vik and the South Coast
- This was the day I wanted to slow down: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Dyrholaey, the Vik church viewpoint and a real lunch.
- Heading east, Laufskalavarda, Eldhraun and Fjadrargljufur Canyon made the drive feel like part of the experience.
Day 5
Glacier Lagoon
- This is the day I would protect most: Skaftafellsjokull, Fjallsarlon, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
- If there is one splurge to prioritize, I would make it a glacier or lagoon tour.
Day 6
Finish the loop and return to Reykjavik
- Drive west without overpacking the day, catch any missed waterfalls and use the return leg to complete the Golden Circle stops skipped on the way out.
- Return to Reykjavík for the final night, with the airport and Blue Lagoon saved for Day 7.
Day 7
Blue Lagoon and the airport
- Leave Reykjavík for the Reykjanes Peninsula and make Blue Lagoon the final planned stop of the trip.
- From Blue Lagoon, continue directly to Keflavík Airport with enough time for the rental-car return and check-in.
Recommendations
What I would prioritize
Hotels worth recommending
The Reykjavik EDITION, Hotel Jokulsarlon and Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel are the stays I would put at the top of the list.
Make the glacier day count
A glacier or lagoon tour is a must. Iceland is beautiful from the road, but the glacier landscapes are what make the trip feel unforgettable.
Do less, better
The best days leave space for weather, roadside stops, hot tubs and the kind of view that makes you stop talking for a minute.
Leave room for the food
Try Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the famous Reykjavik hot dog stand, say yes to lamb and make time for seafood. Arctic char was my favorite, with cod close behind.
Photos
Favorite moments
