Welcome to this magnificent 5-day itinerary in Iceland! Here, we’ll guide you through a short but intense journey across this legendary Viking land, now known as the land of fire and ice.

Through this incredible itinerary, we’ll explore much of the south coast, along which you can discover two of the world’s most famous waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, as well as some of Iceland’s most powerful volcanoes and the vast glaciers that conceal them, all dominating the black sand beaches lining the coast.

We haven’t forgotten the famous Golden Circle, the popular tourist route near the capital, which will allow you to visit another spectacular waterfall, Gullfoss, the golden falls, and the most famous geyser on the planet. Let’s get started!

 

BEFORE HEADING TO ICELAND

The best time to take a five-day trip to Iceland is during the summer, between june and september. That said, a typical itinerary like the one we’re about to describe, covering the Golden Circle and the south of the Ring Road, could, in principle and barring any weather surprises, be done at any time of the year.

The advantages of travelling during the summer are that temperatures are much milder, and the chances of encountering a storm are much lower. That said, summer in Iceland does not guarantee good weather, as strong winds and rain are common year-round, and sometimes it can even snow. For this reason, you should always bring winter clothing, walking boots, a jacket and raincoat, as well as lighter clothes for sunny days.

Another advantage of summer travel is that around the solstice, IT NEVER GETS DARK! Conversely, during the winter, in months like December, the average daily sunlight is about four hours, which may limit your time at some of the sites we’re going to describe. Despite this, winter is not a bad season either, as between October and April you have the chance to see the Northern Lights. Another perk is that you can get lost in its snowy landscapes, which is sure to be an extraordinary adventure.

 

The main airport in Iceland is Keflavik International Airport, located about 31 miles southwest of Reykjavik. During the summer, you can find direct flights from the main airports across Europe. The most common airlines are Iberia, Lufthansa, Icelandair, and SAS, with round-trip fares averaging around €200. Outside the peak season, connections are much more limited, and you will probably have to make a stopover at a Central European airport.

 

Although the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid in Iceland, you should know that it does not replace travel insurance. In addition to not covering costs for lost luggage, delays, cancellations, or repatriation, the card only covers medical expenses included in the public healthcare system of the destination country.

We offer a 10% discount when you purchase your travel insurance with us, and if you’re unsure about which plan to choose, we’ll help you pick the one that best suits your needs.

 

Due to the lack of an efficient public transport system, the easiest way to explore Iceland in five days is to have your own car. Renting a motorhome or campervan is a brilliant choice, especially if you love camping, as the island is basically a dream come true for camping enthusiasts.

If you decide to go for this option, I highly recommend renting through Campervan Iceland, a local company run by Alberto and Miguel, two friends based in Reykjavik with whom we have maintained a close collaboration since 2017.

If you prefer camping with your own gear or staying in a proper bed, you can also go for a conventional rental car, which is much more affordable than motorhomes or campervans. Booking a car at a good price in Iceland can be tricky, but if you go down this route, I advise against using the usual franchise companies. The best way to secure a great deal is to contact a local agency, such as Reykjavik Cars, a family-run business where we have consistently found the best offers.

 

THE BEST 5-DAY ITINERARY ARROUND ICELAND

This Iceland trip has been planned to take place over FIVE FULL DAYS, not counting the flights to and from the country, as long as you’re planning to travel between June and September. As I mentioned earlier, if you’re visiting in winter, I’d recommend adding an extra day to your itinerary. In the next post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the different types of roads in Iceland, along with the rules of the road and handy driving tips.

 

 

THE BEST 5-DAY ITINERARY ARROUND ICELAND, DAY 1

On the first day of our five-day Iceland trip, we’ll explore the Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most popular and fascinating routes.

The highlight is Þingvellir National Park, where in 930 the Vikings established the Alþingi, one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world. Throughout the park, there are several points of interest, such as the fissures caused by the separation of tectonic plates, a spot where you can even try snorkelling, and the Öxarárfoss waterfall.

The next stop is the geothermal area of Haukadalur, undoubtedly one of the highlights of our route, where among the steaming vents rises the famous Strokkur geyser. On the way, we recommend making a brief stop at Brúarfoss waterfall to admire its stunning sky-blue waters.

Continuing along the same road, you’ll reach Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall. Its double cascade drops a total of 32 metres, making it one of Iceland’s national symbols. Before the day ends, if time allows, you can also stop by Kerið, a beautiful reddish volcanic crater.

 

THE BEST 5-DAY ITINERARY ARROUND ICELAND, DAY 2

On the second day of our Iceland trip, we’ll travel along the Ring Road down the south coast to the village of Vik. This famous road is the busiest in the country, as it circles the entire island. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see four of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Just a few kilometres from Selfoss, you can stop to see the rapids at Urriðafoss — they’re not huge, but if you have time, it’s worth a quick visit.

The first major stop of the day will be the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the curtain of water, and Gljúfrabúi, tucked away inside a cave.

The other two waterfalls are Skógafoss, Iceland’s most famous, and another located very close by, Kvernufoss. In between, I recommend taking a dip in the Seljavallalaug thermal pools, nestled on the slopes of Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that in 2010 brought much of European airspace to a standstill for weeks. Overnight in the small village of Vik!

 

THE BEST 5-DAY ITINERARY ARROUND ICELAND, DAY 3

On the third day of our trip, we continue along the Ring Road heading east, making two brief but worthwhile stops. The first is to explore the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, and the second, near the Foss á Síðu waterfall.

A visit to Skaftafell National Park is a must. The most popular hike leads to the famous Svartifoss waterfall, a photo you simply can’t miss in your Iceland travel album. The trail from the park car park is short, about 5 kilometres round trip.

Afterwards, we continue along the Ring Road under the southern edge of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. First, we come across Fjallsárlón, a small glacial lagoon where chunks of ice from the Fjallsjökull glacier tongue float. Just a few metres away is Jökulsárlón, unbelievably beautiful, another glacial lagoon with incredible ice formations.

Very close by is Diamond Beach, a black sand beach where icebergs from Jökulsárlón wash up. After that, we return along the Ring Road back to the village of Vik for the night.

 

THE BEST 5-DAY ITINERARY ARROUND ICELAND, DAY 4

On the fourth day of our trip, we’ll explore the surroundings of the small village of Vik and then make our way back along the Ring Road to Reykjavik.

Reynisfjara, decorated with a cliff of basalt columns and the Reynisdrangur sea stacks, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Across from it lies the Dyrhólaey rock formation and Kirkjufjara Beach, shaped by lava caves that are home to an important puffin colony.

Nearby is the car park for Sólheimasandur Beach. If you have enough time, you can stop to see the remains of the famous DC3 plane wreck. The walk from the car park, now clearly signposted, takes about 2 hours round trip. You can also book a spot on the shuttle bus, which takes roughly 15 minutes.

On the way back to Reykjavik, it’s worth stopping at the base of the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue, which descends from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, hiding one of Iceland’s most dangerous volcanoes, Katla. I recommend stopping to relax in the Reykjadalur hot river, one of the best geothermal baths in Iceland.

 

THE BEST 5-DAY ITINERARY ARROUND ICELAND, DAY 5

On the final day of our Iceland trip, we visit the capital, Reykjavik. The city has plenty of attractions to easily fill a full day. Highlights include the Sólfar monument, Hallgrímskirkja Church, the Parliament building, the viewing platform at the Perlan Museum, and the area around Tjörnin Lake. You can also choose some alternative ways to explore the city.

If you want to visit the Blue Lagoon, it’s best to do so after touring the city. It wasn’t one of our favourite pools, as the prices are very high and it’s extremely touristy. However, I admit it’s hard to leave Iceland without experiencing it. It’s located about 50 miles (80 kilometres) south of the city. You can book tickets in advance here.