Visiting Iceland in summer is like stepping into a living postcard—except the sky barely darkens, waterfalls roar louder, and the land seems alive with color and light. From the golden hour that lasts for hours to steaming geothermal hot springs tucked in volcanic landscapes, Iceland in the summer is an unforgettable blend of fire and ice, made accessible by long daylight hours and clear roads.
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Iceland in Summer – Things to do in Iceland in Summer – Iceland Summer Vacation
Planning a 7-day Iceland itinerary summer lets you loop around the best of the country using the iconic Ring Road, covering glaciers, black sand beaches, stunning waterfalls, charming fishing villages, and volcanic fields. Here’s your complete day-by-day summer travel guide through Iceland.
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Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik – Explore the Colorful Capital
Iceland’s capital is quirky, compact, and full of character. Reykjavik is the perfect introduction to Icelandic culture before you embark on your scenic road trip.
Things to do in Reykjavik in summer:
Wander around the harbor, check out the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, and stroll through Laugavegur Street for local boutiques and cafes.
The Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture look especially stunning in the golden evening light.
Overnight Stay: Stay at Reykjavik Lights Hotel by Keahotels – a mid-budget hotel with a stylish Nordic design, a hearty breakfast buffet, and easy parking.
Tours to Book: For your arrival day, consider a Reykjavik walking food tour or a Northern Lights boat cruise if you’re visiting in late August, when the auroras might start making an appearance again.
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Day 2: Reykjavik to Vik via Golden Circle – Þingvellir, Geysir & Gullfoss
Distance: 280 km (approx. 4 hours driving, excluding stops)
The Golden Circle is one of the best introductions to Iceland’s geological wonders and historical roots.
Your first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site where you can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It’s also the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament.
Then, head to Geysir Geothermal Area, where the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes. Finish at Gullfoss, a powerful two-tiered waterfall that is simply breathtaking.
From here, drive to Vík, a small coastal village surrounded by black sand beaches and sea cliffs.
Overnight Stay: Hotel Vík í Mýrdal – cozy, clean, and within walking distance from the Reynisfjara Beach.
Tour to Book: If you’re feeling adventurous, book a snowmobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier or an ice cave tour, both available in summer.
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Day 3: Vík to Höfn – Glaciers, Black Sand Beaches & Jokulsárlón Lagoon
Distance: 270 km (approx. 3.5 to 4 hours drive)
This road trip to Iceland summer travel is complete with natural landscapes that feel out of this world—shimmering ice lagoons, moss-covered lava fields, and mirror-like glacier lakes.
Start your day early with a visit to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, home to hexagonal basalt columns and towering sea stacks. Drive east, stopping at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a dreamy green gorge that’s easily walkable and a photographer’s favorite.
As you near Vatnajökull National Park, you’ll encounter Skaftafell, which offers easy summer hikes like the one to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by dark lava columns.
The highlight is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive blue icebergs float in a peaceful glacial lake, and the nearby Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice glitter on the shore.
Overnight Stay: Hotel Höfn, a comfortable seaside hotel with views of the Vatnajökull glacier and one of the best lobster dinners in Iceland.
Tour to Book: Amphibian boat tour on Jökulsárlón Lagoon – it gets you close to the icebergs and is available only in summer.
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Day 4: Höfn to Egilsstaðir – The Remote East Fjords
Distance: 260 km (approx. 4–5 hours drive)
Why it’s worth the detour: The East Fjords are among Iceland’s least visited regions and a hidden gem during Iceland summer vacations. This road trip passes through scenic roads that curve dramatically around deep fjords.
Drive past Djúpivogur, a slow-paced fishing village with lovely coastal walks. Stop at Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður if you’re into crystals and minerals. As you approach Egilsstaðir, look for reindeer grazing in the wild—only the East Fjords have them.
Overnight Stay: Icelandair Hotel Herad in Egilsstaðir – great food, friendly staff, and centrally located to explore the area.
Tour to Book: A local super jeep tour to Hengifoss Waterfall or Vök Baths, the only floating geothermal spa in East Iceland.
Day 5: Egilsstaðir to Mývatn – Lava Fields & Geothermal Marvels
Distance: 165 km (approx. 2.5–3 hours)
The Mývatn area in North Iceland is a geothermal wonderland with volcanic craters, steaming vents, and boiling mud pools. The summer months make everything more accessible and vibrant.
Visit Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and feel the ground shake under your feet. Check out Hverir, a Martian-like landscape with sulfur vents.
Explore Dimmuborgir, a lava fortress full of legends.
Relax your evening away in the Mývatn Nature Baths, often dubbed the North’s answer to the Blue Lagoon—cheaper, less crowded, and surrounded by stunning scenery.
Overnight Stay: Fosshotel Mývatn – modern rooms with lake views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Tour to Book: A guided lava cave exploration at Lofthellir or whale watching tour from nearby Húsavík, which is magical during Iceland’s summer months.
Day 6: Mývatn to Akureyri – The Capital of the North
Distance: 90 km (approx. 1.5 hours)
Akureyri is Iceland’s second-largest town, but it still feels quaint and manageable. Its colorful houses, botanical gardens, and mountain views are extra beautiful under the midnight sun.
Stop at Goðafoss Waterfall on the way—it’s called the “Waterfall of the Gods” for good reason. Once in Akureyri, visit the Akureyri Church, enjoy the scenic harbor, and grab coffee at a local cafe.
Overnight Stay: Hotel Kea by Keahotels – right in the heart of town, with views over the fjord and walking access to most sights.
Tour to Book: Book a midnight sun whale watching tour or take a horseback riding tour through nearby valleys, a truly Icelandic experience.
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Day 7: Akureyri to Reykjavik via Hraunfossar – Scenic Drive Back
Distance: 380 km (approx. 5 hours drive, excluding stops)
Instead of flying back from Akureyri (possible but costly), take the scenic route back to Reykjavik. On the way, stop at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls, where water flows magically from beneath a lava field. Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring.
Stop in Borgarnes for lunch and visit the Settlement Center, which tells the story of Iceland’s early Viking settlers.
Arrive back in Reykjavik in the evening, full of awe and stories from your Iceland summer travel adventure.
Overnight Stay (optional): Storm Hotel by Keahotels – if you’re staying for a departure the next morning.
Valuable Tips for Iceland Summer Vacation
- Rent a 4×4 car even in summer; some inland roads are gravel, and you’ll appreciate the comfort.
- Fuel up frequently. Gas stations can be few and far between in rural areas.
- Pack layers. Even summer temps can drop to 5°C (41°F) at night.
- Bring a sleep mask. The midnight sun can make it tricky to fall asleep.
- Stay on marked roads and paths. Icelandic nature is delicate and easily damaged.
- Book early in summer: July and August are peak months—vehicles and tours fill fast.
- Buy a SIM card or portable WiFi to navigate Google Maps while driving.
- Download the Veður weather app and safetravel.is for live road and weather conditions.
- There are no trains in Iceland. All travel is by road, air, or guided tours.
Vegan and Vegetarian Food Options in Iceland
While Iceland is traditionally known for its seafood and lamb, the country has experienced a growing shift toward plant-based eating in recent years. Today, both vegan and vegetarian travelers will find Iceland surprisingly accommodating—especially in Reykjavik and other tourist-friendly areas. Here’s what to know before your Iceland in summer trip.
🌿 Plant-Based Eating in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the heart of Iceland’s vegan movement. You’ll find everything from vegan fast food joints to high-end dining experiences with dedicated plant-based menus.
- Top Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Reykjavik:
- Gló – One of the oldest health food chains in Iceland. Great vegan bowls, soups, and raw cakes.
- Kaffi Vínyl – A cozy vegan café with a fully plant-based menu including burgers, wraps, cakes, and amazing oat milk lattes.
- Mama Reykjavik – 100% plant-based with globally inspired dishes like vegan sushi, jackfruit tacos, and curry.
- Junkyard – Great for fast-food-style burgers, fries, and shakes—all vegan.
🧀 Vegetarian Comfort in the Icelandic Countryside
In smaller towns or rural areas, purely vegan options may be limited, but vegetarian food is more readily available. Many restaurants offer a variety of dishes, including vegetable soups, salads, pizzas, and pastas, that can be made vegetarian (or even vegan upon request).
- Most gas station cafés offer soup and bread combos, and vegetable soups are often vegan—ask.
- Skyr, the Icelandic yogurt, is typically dairy-based, but some brands now offer plant-based alternatives.
- Grocery stores like Bónus, Krónan, and Hagkaup carry:
- Vegan milk (oat, soy, almond)
- Tofu, lentils, and beans
- Vegan cheeses, sausages, and faux meats
- Plant-based chocolate and snacks
Commuting in Iceland – Iceland Summer Travel
🚗 Renting a Car – Best Way to Travel in Iceland in Summer
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace—especially the Ring Road and off-the-beaten-path spots. During summer, roads are clear of snow, and daylight lasts almost 24 hours, making road trips a dream.
🚘 Things to Know:
- 4×4 vs. 2WD: A 2WD is sufficient for the Ring Road in summer. Rent a 4×4 if you plan to drive on F-roads (mountain roads only open in summer).
- Fueling: Gas stations can be far apart in remote regions. Always top up your tank when you can.
- Driving laws: Headlights must be on at all times. Speed limits are strictly followed via speed cameras.
- Rental companies: Check Blue Car Rental, Go Car Rental, or Lotus Car Rental for tourist-friendly services.
Best for: Full Ring Road tours, Golden Circle trips, and nature-based itineraries.
🚌 Bus Travel in Iceland – Affordable but Limited
If you’re on a budget or prefer not to drive, buses can get you to major destinations like Reykjavik, Vik, Akureyri, and Höfn.
🗺️ Bus Providers:
- Strætó: The national public bus system. Limited routes and schedules—mainly connects towns.
- Reykjavik Excursions (Kynnisferðir) and Gray Line: Offer hop-on-hop-off and guided bus tours of the Golden Circle, South Coast, and West Iceland.
- BSÍ Terminal in Reykjavik is the main bus hub.
Downsides:
- Buses don’t run as frequently.
- It is not ideal for exploring rural waterfalls, geothermal areas, or mountain roads.
Best for: Budget travelers who stick to popular routes or prefer organized bus tours.
🚐 Guided Tours – No Stress, Just Views
During the high season, Iceland offers a wide range of day tours and multi-day guided excursions—perfect if you don’t want to plan or drive.
🌟 Popular Summer Tour Options:
- Golden Circle full-day tour
- South Coast waterfalls and glacier tour
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula adventure
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach overnight tour
✈️ Domestic Flights – Quick but Pricey
Iceland is big, and flights can save time—especially between Reykjavik (Domestic Airport) and Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, or Ísafjörður.
You can fly by domestic airline like Icelandair (formerly Air Iceland Connect).
Helpful Tip: Domestic flights depart from Reykjavik Domestic Airport, NOT Keflavik International Airport.
Best for: Business travelers, those on tight itineraries, or travelers skipping the Ring Road drive.
🚐 Campervans – Road Trip + Accommodation in One
Traveling by campervan in summer is hugely popular in Iceland. It offers flexibility and cost savings on hotels and brings you closer to nature.
🛻 Key Benefits:
- You can sleep near waterfalls, lagoons, and fjords.
- Fully equipped vans (bed, small kitchen, heater).
- Tons of campgrounds throughout the country.
Top Companies: Happy Campers, Kuku Campers, Campervan Iceland
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, and friends seeking adventure + flexibility.
🛳️ Ferries – For Visiting Remote Islands
Iceland has scenic islands ,such asVestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands), which can be best reached by ferry in the summer.
🚢 Options:
- Herjólfur Ferry from Landeyjahöfn to Heimaey (Westman Islands)
- Great for puffin spotting and off-the-beaten-path experiences
🚖 Taxis and Rideshares – Limited Use
- Taxis are expensive and rarely used for intercity travel.
- No Uber or Lyft in Iceland.
- Great for short hops in Reykjavik but impractical elsewhere.
This 7-day Iceland itinerary for summer is more than a checklist of places. It’s a deep immersion into nature that surprises you at every turn. From lava fields to icy lagoons and black beaches to bubbling geothermal baths, a summer vacation in Iceland gives you front-row seats to Earth’s rawest forces—tempered by colorful villages, kind locals, and endless daylight.
If you’re dreaming of road-tripping under the midnight sun, chasing waterfalls, and dipping into hot springs surrounded by silence, now is the time to pack your bags and let Iceland’s summer magic unfold.
Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro
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