Duplicate and make it yours
Iceland TripBeta

A Relaxed Week in South Iceland, With a Detour Into the Highlands

Two slow days around Reykjavik, a 4x4 day among Landmannalaugar's rhyolite hills, a glacier hike and icebergs at Jökulsárlón.

Editor's pick 7 days · September Couples & solo Relaxed pace Self-drive · 4x4

This week-long plan starts slowly on purpose. Arrival day goes to the Blue Lagoon and the Reykjanes geothermal fields, and day two stays in Reykjavik for Hallgrímskirkja, the National Museum and Perlan. Two nights in Hella follow: the Golden Circle on the way in, then a full 4x4 day in the Highlands for Hjálparfoss, Sigöldugljúfur's waterfalls and the colored ridges of Landmannalaugar.

The South Coast comes next, with Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and a guided Sólheimajökull glacier hike before a night in Vík. Day six walks Reynisfjara and Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, reaches Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach in the afternoon, and sleeps in Kirkjubæjarklaustur on the way back west.

It is a smart shape for a September week: city time first while jet lag fades, the Highlands while the F-roads are still open, and quiet country hotels for the second half, with dark skies for aurora watching.

Why we picked it: Few one-week plans fit Landmannalaugar, a glacier hike and Jökulsárlón without rushing. This one manages it at a relaxed pace, with two-night stays in Reykjavik and Hella.

Trip highlights

  • Landmannalaugar
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
  • Sigöldugljúfur
  • Diamond Beach
  • Blue Lagoon

Tips before you go

  • Highland F-roads usually close at some point in September, depending on weather. Check road.is the evening before day 4; if Landmannalaugar is cut off, spend the day on a slower South Coast.
  • Day 6 is an out-and-back to Jökulsárlón, close to two hours each way from Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Leave Vík early, and check autumn schedules if you want a lagoon boat tour.
  • Day 7 involves about four and a half hours of driving to Keflavik. Book an afternoon or evening flight, or move the last night closer to the airport.
  • Clear September nights bring the first real chance of northern lights. Hella and Kirkjubæjarklaustur have little light pollution, so check the aurora forecast on vedur.is after dinner.

Your route across Iceland

The journey, day by day

Open any day for the full plan — stops, drives, and where to stay.

  1. Arrival and Geothermal RelaxationDAY 1

    Arrival and Geothermal Relaxation

    4 stops1 hour 10 minsReykjavik
  2. Reykjavik City ExplorationDAY 2

    Reykjavik City Exploration

    5 stops0 hours 50 minsReykjavik
  3. Golden Circle WondersDAY 3

    Golden Circle Wonders

    4 stops3 hours 30 minsHella
  4. Landmannalaugar's Rainbow MountainsDAY 4

    Landmannalaugar's Rainbow Mountains

    4 stops4 hours 50 minsHella
  5. South Coast Waterfalls and Glacier HikeDAY 5

    South Coast Waterfalls and Glacier Hike

    4 stops2 hours 50 minsVík
  6. Black Sands and Floating IcebergsDAY 6

    Black Sands and Floating Icebergs

    5 stops3 hours 10 minsKirkjubæjarklaustur
  7. Coastal Views and DepartureDAY 7

    Coastal Views and Departure

    3 stops4 hours 30 minsKeflavik

Questions about this itinerary

Can you visit Landmannalaugar in September?

Usually, especially in the first half of the month. The F-roads into the Highlands open in early summer and often close during September, sooner if snow arrives. This plan uses the northern approach past Hjálparfoss and Sigöldugljúfur, which avoids the deep river crossings of the southern routes, but a 4x4 is still mandatory on F-roads. Check road.is before setting out.

Is 7 days enough for Iceland's South Coast and the Glacier Lagoon?

Yes, for the southern half of the country. This plan spends two days in and around Reykjavik, one on the Golden Circle and one in the Highlands, which leaves three for the South Coast and Jökulsárlón. The cost is a long final day of about four and a half hours. Couples who skip Landmannalaugar could use that day for a second night near the lagoon.

Is this a good Iceland itinerary for couples?

It suits couples who like comfort mixed with adventure. The Blue Lagoon on arrival, an unhurried city day and country hotels in Hella and Kirkjubæjarklaustur balance the active days. Shared highlights include walking behind Seljalandsfoss, strapping on crampons for the Sólheimajökull glacier hike and soaking in the Landmannalaugar hot spring, plus dark September skies for aurora hunting.

More itineraries like this

See all →

Make this trip yours

Duplicate this itinerary, tell us your dates and travel style — we'll save a personalized version to your account that you can edit freely.

Duplicate and make it yoursPlan from scratch