7 or 10 days in Iceland: Which duration should you choose for your road trip?

Dreaming of exploring the lunar landscapes of Iceland, but unsure about the ideal duration? With majestic waterfalls, ancient glaciers, and steaming hot springs, the island of fire and ice offers so much to discover that it's completely reasonable to wonder how long to stay. The question keeps coming up: is it better to opt for a week in Iceland or extend the adventure to 10 days?

The answer depends on your pace, your priorities, and what you really want to experience. Whether you're considering a 7-day road trip focused on the essentials or a more in-depth 10-day itinerary, each option has its advantages. Let's explore both to help you make the best choice.

An effective and comprehensive itinerary

A one-week tour in Iceland allows you to discover an impressive amount of sites without sacrificing the experience. The spectacular South features the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the Sólheimajökull glacier, the black sand beach of Vík, the breathtaking Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, and the famous Diamond Beach where ice blocks sparkle on volcanic sand.

The North is no less impressive: Lake Mývatn with its unique geothermal landscapes, the fumaroles of Hverir that resemble another planet, and Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of the world. The tour concludes with the legendary Golden Circle — the Strokkur geyser that erupts every few minutes, the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, and the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, where you literally walk between two continents.

For those who travel in a 4x4, the adventure intensifies with the F35 road that traverses the Icelandic highlands and the colorful Kerlingarfjöll massif. A well-planned 7-day road trip is already an extremely rich journey.

A steady but manageable pace

This duration involves full days, with stages of about 440–445 km. Specifically, you will drive between 5 to 6 hours on certain days, which leaves less room for spontaneous detours or lingering at a site that captivates you.

If a waterfall amazes you, you might have to resist the temptation to stay longer to stick to your schedule. Photographers in search of perfect light or hiking enthusiasts might feel a bit frustrated. The Sólheimasandur plane wreck, for example, requires a round-trip walk of about 45 minutes: you can see it in 7 days, but you will have less time to linger during sunset.

The Icelandic weather, unpredictable and capricious, can also complicate a tight itinerary. That said, this intensity creates a dynamic of continuous adventure that many energetic travelers enjoy.

Three days that can make a difference

A 10-day trip radically transforms the experience, not by adding a bunch of extra sites, but by giving you the luxury of time. The itinerary covers essentially the same areas as the 7-day circuit, but with a welcome breather between each stop.

The biggest difference? The stops are more spaced out. While the week-long journey has you covering 440 km from Vík to Fossardalur in a single day, the 10-day circuit splits this route in two: first from Vík to Skaftafell, then from Skaftafell to Fossardalur. This breakdown radically changes the travel experience.

You’ll have time to hike in Skaftafell National Park, maybe even join a guided glacier tour. Instead of just admiring Jökulsárlón from the parking lot, you can sit on the beach, watch the seals swimming among the icebergs, and truly soak in the magic of the place. The East Fjords reveal their charms: you explore Seyðisfjörður with its colorful houses and blue church, then spend a quiet evening in Reyðarfjörður, facing the sea.

More immersive experiences

This duration also allows for adding extra gems without rushing the overall experience. The Dettifoss and Selfoss waterfalls, among the most powerful in Europe, fit naturally into the itinerary. Their deafening roar and the mist that rises create a primal atmosphere that should be experienced without haste.

The great bonus of the 10 days: the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Nicknamed “Iceland in miniature,” this region packs an incredible diversity of landscapes into a small area. You’ll explore the authentic fishing villages of Arnarstapi, the cliffs sculpted by waves, and the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier that crowns the peninsula. It’s like discovering a condensed version of Iceland before heading to Reykjavik.

The luxury of the unexpected

With 10 days, you can embrace spontaneity. Spot a hot spring along the way? You have time. A local recommends an off-the-beaten-path viewpoint? You can take the detour. Want to spend an extra hour watching puffins on the cliffs? No problem.

This format also allows you to better adapt to the Icelandic climate. If fog wraps around Diamond Beach in the morning, you can return in the afternoon. If the northern lights are forecasted, you don’t have to sacrifice your sleep while needing to drive for 6 hours the next day.

Evenings become more enjoyable. Instead of arriving exhausted at the campsite after a long day on the road, you have the energy to cook a nice meal, chat with other travelers, or simply enjoy the Icelandic silence while taking in the view from your rooftop tent.

The 7-day option is perfect if...

• You have strict time constraints and really can't be away for more than a week.
• You're a dynamic traveler who enjoys a fast pace and doesn't need a lot of downtime.
• Or you already know you'll be coming back; this first trip will be a great introduction that will make you want to explore other areas.

This duration is particularly suitable for physically fit people who can handle long driving days well. If you're traveling in summer with its long hours of daylight (up to 24 hours of light), you can optimize each day, and the pace will feel less intense.

The 10-day option is ideal if...

• You can arrange to be away a bit longer and prioritize quality over quantity.
• You like to take the time to soak in the places rather than just ticking off a list of sights to see.
• You're traveling with family and kids who need more frequent breaks and a more relaxed pace.

This is also the perfect choice for those discovering travel by van or rooftop tent. These extra three days allow you to get acquainted with this nomadic travel style without constant pressure. You'll have the time to find your rhythm and truly savor this freedom.

Photographers, hiking enthusiasts, and anyone who loves observing nature—birds, whales, landscapes—will particularly appreciate this option. You can wait for the right light, revisit a site at different times of the day, or simply sit in front of a glacier for as long as it takes to really feel it.

The cost difference between 7 and 10 days is not proportional. The biggest expenses — the international flight and vehicle rental — remain relatively similar. The three extra days mainly increase fuel, food, and accommodation costs.

Traveling by van or with a rooftop tent allows you to manage these costs. By cooking for yourself and sleeping in your vehicle at Icelandic campgrounds (often €15–25 per person), you avoid the hefty prices of restaurants and hotels. A meal at a restaurant easily costs €25–40 per person, whereas a meal prepared yourself only sets you back €5–8.

Paradoxically, the 10-day itinerary can offer better value for money. With less pressure to “make the most” of each day, you’ll be less tempted to cram in paid activities to optimize your time. You can choose two or three truly meaningful experiences instead of trying to do everything out of fear of missing out.

The season also influences the choice of duration. In summer (June-August), the endless days allow you to fully enjoy even with a 7-day itinerary. You can easily drive and visit until 10 PM or 11 PM. All roads are accessible, including the F roads in the highlands for 4x4s.

Our season runs from May to September, and each month has its own personality:

• In May-June, snow still covers the peaks, vegetation starts to come back, and the highland roads gradually begin to open. It’s a quieter time, with fewer tourists and soft light that delights photographers.
• July-August is peak summer: the days are endless (up to 24 hours of light in June), all roads are accessible, and the atmosphere is at its height.
• September marks the return of the first northern lights, the autumn colors on the moors, and a calmness returning to the campgrounds.

If we were to give just one piece of advice: both itineraries will help you discover the essentials of Iceland, but the 10-day option will allow you to experience it rather than just see it. Those extra three days aren't just a quantitative bonus — they qualitatively transform your experience by giving you what Iceland has most precious: the time to reflect, to feel, and to be surprised.

That said, a 7-day road trip is still an amazing adventure if that's all the time you have. The key is to adjust your expectations to your duration. It's better to fully enjoy what you see, even at a fast pace, than to regret not having more time.

And let's be honest: no matter the duration, you will want to come back. Iceland has this unique ability to leave a deep mark on you and call you back again.