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7 days in Iceland
Golden circle, SoutCoast and Reykjavik

​This post breaks down  what we did, and what worked best, so you can plan your own trip with confidence.

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Day 1, 2 & 3 : Blue Lagoon & Silica Hotel (2 nights)

We started the trip slow to recover from long flights and ease into Iceland. 

Day 1

Arrival in Iceland + Blue Lagoon (Silica Hotel)

  • Arrive in Iceland

  • Transfer directly to the Blue Lagoon

  • Check in: Silica Hotel (around 2pm)

  • Afternoon/evening at the Blue Lagoon

  • Easy evening at the hotel to recover from travel

 

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Day 2

Blue Lagoon + Rest Day

  • Morning at leisure

  • Day at Silical lagoon

  • (If wanted)Additional time at the Blue Lagoon

  • Relax, adjust to time zone, explore hotel surroundings​

  • Dinner at blue lagoon restaurant

Day 3

Leave Silica to explore Reykjavik

  • Check-out: around 11am

  • Short transfer back to the Blue Lagoon area

  • Free afternoon and evening at Reykjavik (see what to do in Reykjavik here )

Why stay at the Silica Hotel

  • Immediate access to the Blue Lagoon

  • Calm, luxurious start before touring

  • Great base for relaxation

What worked

  • Staying on-site meant visiting the lagoon during quiet hours- like 9pm onwards. Plus it is walking distance through stunning landscape​

  • Perks of staying at Silica: Daily breakfast, Welcome drink, Premium admission to the Blue Lagoon for each guest, Unlimited use of Silica Lagoon 

    • ​We actually had more fun in the hotel Silica lagoon than the blue lagoon. There were not many (or any) people in the hotel lagoon. Although smaller, it was like having your own private lagoon! I'd go back to just enjoy Silica Hotel!

Silica Hotel​

Just look at the hotel and the views surrounding it!

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Silica Hotel Lagoon​

And that is the private Silica Lagoon! We were there ALL THE TIME!

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Address: Norðurljósavegur 9 240 Grindavík

Check them out here: https://www.bluelagoon.com/accommodation

Take a bus back to Reykavik (about and hour).

Book them here : https://destinationbluelagoon.is/transport/

Day 4 , 5 & 6:  Iceland South Coast and Golden Circle

We joined a 3-day guided Golden Circle and South Coast tour, which covered huge distances efficiently.

Why we chose a guided tour

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  • No driving stress in unpredictable weather 

  • Local insight into landscapes and history

  • Very efficient way to see Iceland’s highlights

  • Can have cheeky wine and champagne whenever we wanted!

Key sights covered

South Coast:

  • South Coast waterfalls

  • Black sand beach

  • Glaciers and scenic viewpoints

 Golden circle:

  • Thingvellir National Park

  • Geysir geothermal area

  • Gullfoss waterfall

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Just to give you an idea of the distances covered ​

 What we selected: 

https://adventures.is/iceland/multiday-tours/golden-circle-south-coast-ice-cave-three-day-tour/

Other tour groups:

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Highlights include:

  • Seljalandsfoss waterfall
  • Skógafoss waterfall
  • Black sand beach​

Day 4

South Coast Tour (day 1)

  • Early start from Reykjavík

  • Full day travelling along the South Coast

  • Multiple stops with time to walk, explore and take photos

  • Overnight stay included as part of the guided tour​

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Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

  • One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls

  • You can walk behind the falls, which is unforgettable

  • Waterproof layers are essential — you will get wet

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Skógafoss Waterfall

  • Wide, powerful and incredibly photogenic (you will get wet!)

  • Often rainbows appear on sunny days

  • Easy access, but worth taking time to walk closer

  • Walk up to the top!

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Black Sand Beach

  • Stark contrast between black sand, white waves and green cliffs

  • Feels raw and dramatic

  • Important to respect safety warnings — waves can be unpredictable

  • Puffins everywhere!

Day two took us deeper along the South Coast and into Iceland’s glacial landscapes. This was one of the most visually striking days of the trip, with constant scenery changes

Highlights include:

  • Diamond Beach
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Vatnajökull National Park
  • Ice cave hike!!!

Day 5

  • Early start from overnight accommodation

  • Longer driving stretches balanced with key stops

  • Glacier-focused landscapes

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Diamond Beach

  • Just across from the lagoon

  • Ice chunks scattered across black sand

  • One of the most photogenic locations of the trip

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Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

  • Icebergs drifting slowly through the lagoon

  • Colours ranged from white to deep blue depending on the light

  • Surprisingly calm and quiet compared to other stops

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Mýrdalsjökull Glacier (Ice Cave Experience)

  • Walking directly onto the glacier was a standout experience

  • Ice formations 

  • Safety equipment and guidance provided throughout

  • A rare opportunity to experience Iceland’s ice landscapes up close

It was then back to Reykjavik city for an overnight accomodation. 

Day six shifted the pace slightly, combining some of Iceland’s most well-known landmarks with a slower, more relaxing finish. After two full days on the South Coast, this felt like a well-balanced way to wrap up the guided tour.

Highlights include:

  • Þingvellir National Park
  • Geysir Geothermal Area
  • Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Secret Lagoon

Day 6

  • Morning departure from overnight accommodation

  • Golden Circle sightseeing throughout the day

  • Afternoon soak at the Secret Lagoon

  • Return to Reykjavík in the evening

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Thingvellir National Park

  • A UNESCO World Heritage site

  • Where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet

  • Wide, open landscapes with historical significance

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Geysir Geothermal Area

  • Active geothermal field with frequent eruptions

  • Easy boardwalks and viewing areas

  • A good example of Iceland’s volcanic activity

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Gullfoss Waterfall

  • One of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls

  • Multiple viewing platforms offering different perspectives

  • Often misty, with rainbows appearing in good weather

Secret Lagoon

  • ​The Secret Lagoon, known locally as Gamla Laugin, is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland

  • A quieter, more natural alternative to the Blue Lagoon

  • Warm geothermal water surrounded by steam

  • A relaxing way to end a busy touring schedule

Check them out here: https://secretlagoon.is/

It was then back to Reykjavik city for an overnight accomodation. 

Day 7 

The last day arrived far too quickly, as it always does

What the day looked like

  • Slow morning in ReykjavíkFinal coffee stop (or two)

  • Packing bags that somehow weighed more than when we arrived

  • Hotel check-out

  • Airport run

The emotional reality

  • Mild denial during packing

  • “Should we move here?” conversations

  • One last look out the window, just in case something dramatic happened

  • And yes… a quiet cry on the way to the airport

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