Planning your dream adventure? This 5 days in Iceland itinerary is your ultimate guide to exploring the Land of Fire and Ice in just under a week. From breathtaking waterfalls and black sand beaches to geothermal hot springs and glacier lagoons, this 5 days in Iceland itinerary covers all the must-see highlights. Perfect for first-time visitors, it includes top destinations like Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, and the stunning South Coast.
Whether you're visiting in summer or winter, this 5 days in Iceland itinerary helps you make the most of your trip with daily plans, travel tips, and must-know FAQs. No matter the season, this 5 days in Iceland itinerary offers unforgettable experiences for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. Follow this 5 days in Iceland itinerary to discover Iceland’s unique beauty and create memories that last a lifetime.
I have a reputation as an obsessive planner when it comes to family vacations. But planning a trip to Iceland has come in handy. Since spending five days in Iceland, I’ve spent over 20 hours researching guidebooks, maps, and blogging to create our 5-day Iceland itinerary. It’s been a lot of work to plan a vacation, but it’s been worth it.
5 days in iceland itinerary
Since our first trip to Iceland, I’ve been back twice, once in the winter months and again in early fall to visit Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords. I’ve also become a certified Iceland travel planner, helping over 20 families plan their Iceland trips. With all of this experience, I’ve updated this post since I first wrote it to include what I’ve learned and some new attractions that have recently opened.
This Iceland itinerary involves a 5-day trip during the summer months when you can take advantage of the long days and plenty of sunshine. I’ll be providing a daily itinerary for an Iceland road trip from Reykjavik to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon along the south coast of Iceland. This self-drive trip includes the famous Golden Circle, beautiful waterfalls, and other natural wonders along the main roads.
You can follow this 5-day itinerary any time of year, but you’ll need to take extra precautions if you’re driving in the winter. You won’t have the same long days that time of year, but you’ll have the chance to visit ice caves near Vatnajökull National Park and even see the Aurora Borealis.
How to Plan a Trip to Iceland: Know Before You Go
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Is 5 days in Iceland enough?
If you’re hoping to see the entire country on the Ring Road, then no, 5 days in Iceland is not enough. For your first time in Iceland, you don’t need to visit the entire island. You can choose different parts of the country to get a taste of the Icelandic magic. Most first-time visitors to Iceland will choose to visit Reykjavik, the capital region, and the south coast of Iceland, as outlined in this itinerary.
How much does a trip to Iceland cost?
Before you go, it’s important to realize that even if you can find cheap airfare, Iceland is an expensive country to visit. I’ve put together this Iceland budget guide to help families and others understand how much a trip to Iceland costs, depending on your budget and interests.
Keep in mind that when you travel can have a huge impact on costs, with the most expensive times being between June and August and during the festival season. To keep costs down, plan to stay in guesthouses and vacation rentals in the countryside and limit your time in Reykjavik.
You can also focus on free activities like hiking and cut back on paid tours and excursions. It's hard to avoid the high prices of food in Iceland, but you can reduce your food budget by planning regular meals and preparing your own meals.
When to go to Iceland
Trying to travel to Iceland in 5 days will be a busy one, so it’s best to go in the summer when the days are longer. I’ve also visited Iceland in the winter, but I still prefer the summer when there’s more daylight to explore.
Keep in mind that traveling to Iceland means long days, lots of driving, and frequent hotel changes. Even with only five days in Iceland, it’s not possible to do a couple of day trips if you want to cut down on driving. It’s possible to stay in Reykjavík and do day trips, but you’ll be driving more (or spending time on tour buses.)
Due to limited time, you’ll probably want to focus your attention on the south coast for your first trip to Iceland. This will help you see Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and even glacial lagoons.
If you want to drive the entire Ring Road and get to more remote areas like the Westfjords, you’ll need at least 10-14 days.
Getting to Iceland
Iceland Air (which codeshares with JetBlue) operates the primary flights to Iceland, with direct flights from New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, and Orlando. Newly launched Play Airlines offers great budget fares (replacing the now-defunct WOW Airlines), and United and Delta also offer a few direct flights from the U.S.
On our first trip, we flew from Boston to Keflavik on IcelandAir, arriving at 11:40 p.m. during the summer sunset, just in time to experience the full impact of the midnight sun. These days, flights usually arrive in the early morning, which leaves you wondering what to do until your accommodations are ready to check in.
Ideally, you'd book for the night before, arranging for an early morning check-in, but that would cost more. Since most flights to Iceland are fairly short, at least from the East Coast of the United States, you’ll be tired and have a hard time getting ready for a busy day.
If you have a hotel, you can at least drop off your bags and walk around to stay awake. If you’re staying at an Airbnb, there’s a luggage storage facility at the main bus station. On my last trip, I hung out at Hlemmur Food Hall until our Airbnb was ready. Many people choose the Blue Lagoon as their first stop, as it’s a great place to relax and spend some time before checking in.
Getting Around Iceland
Unless you’re planning on using a private driver or taking a tour, you’ll need to rent a car in Iceland. If you only want to stay in the city and want to do a day trip from Reykjavik, you can book a Flybus from Keflavik International Airport to the main bus station (where you can transfer to another bus for hotel drop-off.)
I would recommend using Auto Europe to check car rental rates from multiple suppliers. Depending on where you are going, you probably won’t need an SUV, but if you are going to be driving inland on the “F” gravel roads, it is a necessity. We were glad we had a 4×4 just to get to the waterfalls, hikes, and some of the tours that you often drive on dirt roads, especially to get to the parking lots.
When renting a car in Iceland, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The lines at the rental car offices can be quite long, be prepared and be patient.
- Additional insurance (especially gravel and ash) is highly recommended and expensive — include it in your Iceland budget
Keep in mind that you don’t want to rely entirely on Google Maps when driving because from what it says, it seems like the better route can sometimes take you down internal F roads that aren’t even open. Also, your GPS will usually tell you something that will take less time than it actually takes — give yourself plenty of time to drive and stop along the way.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
5 Days in Iceland -- If you visit Reykjavik, you should definitely go inside the Harpa Concert Hall to see the light refracting through the glass walls.
Reykjavik is a small, walkable city. If you stay anywhere in the city center, it won't take more than 20-30 minutes to walk to all the main attractions. The city itself is clean and very safe.
Reykjavik is growing and finding a hotel room is no longer that difficult. (See my list of family-friendly hotels in Reykjavik.) Since hotels are so expensive, VRBO was the best option for our family.
I've stayed in several VRBO apartments in the city center that cost less than $250 per night, which worked out perfectly (except for the late check-in and having to lug luggage upstairs.) Hotel amenities are standard, but apartment rentals are much more budget-friendly. At least now there are some options for those who want to use points, including Canopy by Hilton and Marriott Editions.
Read more: Top 25 Best Things to Do in Manchester 2025
5-Day Iceland Itinerary: Exploring the South Coast
As mentioned earlier, if you only have 5 days in Iceland, a popular option for first-time travelers is to explore Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast. If you’ve already been to Iceland, or if you’re looking to take it a little more off-the-beaten-path, you can also check out my itineraries for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Vestfjord. Together, these are a great option for a five-day Iceland itinerary.
Day 1 – Reykjavik
On your first day in Iceland, if you arrive in the morning, you can plan to stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavik to spend some time before checking out your accommodations. I find the Blue Lagoon to be very touristy (see my Blue Lagoon review here), but I know many people feel that a trip to Iceland is not complete without seeing the Blue Lagoon. At least if you get there early in the morning, the crowds won’t be too bad.
Also, be sure to follow Safe Travel Iceland as a recent volcanic eruption near the town of Grindavík has sometimes affected whether the Blue Lagoon is open or not. Don’t worry, this is not affecting air travel or travel throughout the country, except for a small area on the Reykjavík Peninsula.
Alternatively, you can try the new hot springs at Sky Lagoon, which is close to the city and offers beautiful views of the water.
After settling in, grab lunch (see my recommendations for where to eat in Reykjavík.) Next, walk along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture and visit the stunning Harpa Concert Hall (Þórbakki 2). Be sure to take a look inside to see the light reflecting off the glass and the beautiful architecture.
After Harpa, head to the Old Harbor for a Puffin Express boat tour or an Express Whale Watching Tour. The Puffin tour is only an hour long, giving you plenty of time to explore and also get a glimpse of these beautiful little birds.
If it’s too cold to get out on the water, another great option is to visit the Perlan. This glass dome-shaped building features an ice cave and a planetarium show that gives you the feeling of being under the Northern Lights. This is a great option for those who have limited time in Iceland but still want to experience some of its magic.
Or, take a trip to Flyover Iceland. If you’ve ever ridden the Soarin at Disney, this is the same technology. The ride vehicle gives you the multi-sensory feeling of flying over some of Iceland’s most beautiful scenery, projected onto a large screen. It’s a great way to “see” more of the country if you’re only in Iceland for five days.
Another option, especially for those who miss the whale watching tour, is to visit the Iceland Whale Center. If you’re traveling to Iceland with kids, they’ll especially love the 23 life-size whale replicas and interactive exhibits.
After your afternoon activities, take some time to wander and shop along Laugavegur, the main shopping street in the city center, and finish by riding the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja Church (Hallgrímstorg 1) for a great view of the city.
Get a good night’s sleep on your first night because you’ll be tired and need your energy for the day tomorrow.
Day 2 – Golden Circle
Start your second day with a hearty breakfast at Sandholt Bakery (Laugavegur 36) or at your hotel/apartment.
I recommend spending the second day on a self-guided Golden Circle tour and making Reykjavik your home base, so you don’t have to change hotels every night.
If you want to avoid the big tour buses at each attraction, plan to walk the Golden Circle counterclockwise, starting at the 6,500-year-old Kerid Crater for a quick walk around the caldera. After that, you can plan to stop at Secret Lagoon for a more rural and natural hot spring experience.
Another popular stop on the Golden Circle route is Fridheimar, a restaurant and tomato farm that uses geothermal energy to heat its greenhouses, the source of the fresh salads found in Iceland. If you want to have lunch, be sure to book a table in advance.
Your next destination will be the impressive Golfos waterfall. Give yourself plenty of time to walk to the various viewpoints and see the double rainbow that is often seen above the falls. Many consider it the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland, but you will see my favorite tomorrow. There is also a small café in the visitor center if you get hungry.
Keep in mind that at Golfos and other natural attractions, you now have to pay for parking. This is usually done at a self-service parking machine and you can use your credit card.
After finishing Golfos, just a ten-minute drive down the road will bring you to the Geysir visitor center. In Geysir you will find a hotel and restaurant, a café and soup shop, as well as a gift shop selling Icelandic souvenirs. Then it’s a short walk across the road from the parking area to see the reliable Strokkur Geyser erupt.
While it’s not as tall and impressive as Old Faithful in Yellowstone, I still love that you can get up close to it (and you don’t have to wait as long for it to erupt.) Just before an eruption, a giant blue bubble forms that explodes upward in a spray of steam and water. You can spend time walking through the geothermal area, but generally, this stop shouldn’t take up too much time.
If you have time during the day, add a stop at the Lagarvatn Fontana Spa to take a dip in their pool and tour their thermal bakery (they bake bread on the ground, but reservations are required).
You can also have a late lunch there, or you can stop at Efstidalur II, a farm hotel and restaurant located at Blaskogabygd 801, which has great homemade ice cream.
The last stop of the day is Thingvellir National Park, the site of the country’s first parliament and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a filming location for Game of Thrones and a place where you can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian continents (and even snorkel between tectonic plates!).
To be honest, the views here aren’t that spectacular, but it’s a good place to go if you want to do some hiking. Usually, by the end of the day, you’re tired of getting in and out of the car and just want a quick stop.
You can either head back to Reykjavík for dinner, or stop at Lindin on Linderbrauten 2 in Lógvátn. Linden specializes in seafood (including whale and puffin) and game (such as reindeer burgers) and is not suitable for most kids but was just right for our food-loving family.
Day 3 – South Coast
On day three, you’ll want to check out of your hotel early and book a hotel room for the next night or two in the town of Vik, or ideally near the glacier lagoon. This will be a long and busy day to explore some of the beautiful places on the south coast. Stock up on food before you head out.
To make the most of your day, leave Reykjavik early and drive east on Rt 1 (also known as the Ring Road) for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall on Rt 249. You’ll see the waterfall as you drive up to it, and don’t be surprised to see several tour buses.
This is a popular spot for a few reasons. First, it’s one of the few waterfalls where you can walk behind the falls, which is a great experience. Plus, it’s been featured in many shows and videos, such as Justin Bieber and The Amazing Race.
Hopefully, you can get there in the middle of a bus tour and enjoy the falls without the crowds, but keep in mind that while Iceland is crowded, it’s nothing like the crowds you’ll find at somewhere like Niagara Falls.
Be sure to wear good non-slip, waterproof shoes and a raincoat and rain pants because even getting close to the falls will get you wet in the mist – see my Iceland packing list for more advice!
I wouldn’t even recommend trying to walk behind the falls in the winter as the area around the falls is pure ice and you’ll need crampons or microspikes to get close (see my Iceland winter packing list.)
After walking behind the falls, follow the path a few hundred meters to the Gljufurarbui waterfall. To find this hidden waterfall you’ll need to enter a crevice in the mountain and walk through a small stream. Many people overlook this hidden gem on bus tours but it was a highlight of our trip! You’ll need some good waterproof hiking shoes to get there, unless you don’t mind cold, wet feet for the rest of the day.
If you’re hungry, there’s usually a food truck or fish and chips stand set up at Seljalandsfoss. There are also some bathrooms near the parking lot. I always recommend using the facilities in Iceland if you can find them because they can be few and far between.
After a full meal at Seljalandsfoss, head on Rt 1 for another 30 minutes to Skogafoss Waterfall in Skógar. You can walk to the base of the waterfall and climb the stairs to see the waterfall from above. I think this is the most beautiful waterfall on this 5-day Iceland itinerary. Leave plenty of time to enjoy the waterfall! You might think these are just going to be short photo stops, but the falls are so impressive that you’ll want to take your time to enjoy the views from every vantage point.
Once you’re done, take Rt 1 to Rt 218 to Dyrhólaey (35 minutes), a rocky sea arch where puffins nest. You’ll have to drive down a steep, narrow dirt road to reach Dyrhólaey. Just keep in mind that the area is closed during the puffin nesting season in late May and early June.
Watching puffins at Dyrhólaey Standing on the sea arch and watching the green grass contrast with the black sand below
We were lucky because it was open when we visited and by leaning slightly over the cliff we got some close-up views of these beautiful little puffins. Be very careful here as there are no railings on the cliff and the winds can be quite strong. There is also a beautiful lighthouse on the promontory.
Next, head back to Rt 1 and head to Rt 215 to Reynisfjara Beach (30 minutes), a black sand beach with amazing basalt columns, caves and sea stacks. This is an iconic spot in Iceland that you won’t want to miss, although it can get quite crowded! Remember not to get too close to the sea when visiting this area, as it is known for its extremely strong waves, and pay attention to the signs if there are areas to avoid due to rockfalls.
If you haven’t eaten yet, stop for lunch in Vik and walk along the black sand beach to see the famous Reynisdrangur rock formation. I would recommend watching the new Icelandic Lava Show to experience the “fire” part of the Land of Ice and Fire.
You may decide to stay two or three nights in this general area of the south coast to minimize the amount of travel. Some options include:
- Hotel Vik and Myrdal
- Volcano Hotel
- Hotel Ranga
- Midgard Base Camp
If you’re traveling to the glacier lagoon today, it’s a long drive and you can stop for dinner at Systrakaffi at Klausturvegi 13, 880 Kirkjubæjarklaustri. This nice café serves simple dishes like pizza and hamburgers as well as more fancy dishes like well-prepared Arctic char. If you can’t find accommodations near the glacier or in Vik, this is a good place to look for VRBO.
Day 4 – Iceberg and Glacier Hike
If you’re on the south coast, start by driving east to the Jokulsarlon Lagoon. You can see the icebergs from the beach, but I recommend a boat trip to get up close to them. If you don’t have small children, the Zodiac boat tour will take you up close to a variety of icebergs and you can even get up close to the mouth of the glacier.
If you cross the bridge between the lagoon and the sea, you’ll reach Diamond Beach. It’s named for the large chunks of ice that have washed up on the shore, which sparkle like diamonds on the black sand beach.
If you’re traveling in winter, you can tour an ice cave instead. Although I wouldn’t recommend driving here alone in the winter unless you’re very comfortable driving in the winter (be sure to check out my tips for traveling to Iceland in the winter.)
In the afternoon, I recommend glacier hiking. Near the glacial lagoons, you can hike to a glacier in Skaftafell National Park. On our trip, we did a three-hour glacier hike with Arcanum Tours on the Solheimajokull glacier.
Day 5 – South Coast / Reykjanes Peninsula
If you have five full days in Iceland, you have one more day of adventure before you head home. However, if you are flying out late on your fifth day, you should start your journey towards Keflavik before heading to the airport.
If you have kids, they will enjoy visiting the Viking World Museum near Keflavik Airport where you can see a full-scale replica of a Viking ship that sailed from Iceland to Canada and the United States. You can learn about Viking history and Norse mythology. There is a small petting zoo and playground outside.
However, if you don’t fly until your sixth day, take another day to enjoy some more adventurous activities along the south coast. Some of the things I recommend include:
- A superjeep tour of the Thorsmjörk valley
- Horseback riding on the black sand beaches of Vik
- ATV on the black sand beaches
I hope you leave Iceland in love with this magical country as much as we did — exhausted, exhilarated, and enchanted.
5 Days in Iceland Itinerary – FAQ
1. Is 5 days enough to see Iceland?
Five days is a great amount of time to see some of Iceland’s highlights, especially along the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Reykjavík. You won’t be able to do the full Ring Road, but you can experience waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and maybe even the Northern Lights (in winter).
2. What is the best time to visit Iceland for 5 days?
It depends on what you want to see:
- Summer (June–August): Midnight sun, green landscapes, easier travel conditions.
- Winter (October–March): Northern Lights, ice caves, snowy landscapes.
- Shoulder seasons (May & September): Fewer tourists, mild weather, and a mix of summer and winter vibes.
3. Do I need a 4x4 vehicle for this itinerary?
Not necessarily. If you’re sticking to main roads (Golden Circle & South Coast), a regular car is fine in summer. In winter, a 4x4 is highly recommended due to icy roads and unpredictable weather.
4. What are the must-see places in 5 days?
A typical 5-day Iceland itinerary might include:
- Day 1: Reykjavík & Blue Lagoon
- Day 2: Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss)
- Day 3: South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara)
- Day 4: Vík to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
- Day 5: Return drive to Reykjavík with stops
5. Can I see the Northern Lights in 5 days?
Yes, if you’re visiting between October and March, and conditions are right (dark skies and clear weather). Try to stay in less light-polluted areas, and consider joining a guided tour for better chances.
6. Is it safe to drive in Iceland in winter?
Yes, but with caution. Check weather and road conditions daily at road.is and vedur.is. Roads can be icy, and sudden snowstorms are common. If you're not confident, consider booking guided tours.
7. How expensive is a 5-day trip to Iceland?
Iceland is pricey. A budget trip (self-driving, guesthouses, cooking meals) might cost $1,000–$1,500 USD per person, while a mid-range trip with hotels and restaurants may cost $2,000–$3,000+.
8. Do I need to book everything in advance?
In high season (summer and holidays), yes. Book accommodation, car rentals, and popular tours (like glacier hikes or ice cave tours) ahead of time. In low season, you’ll have more flexibility.
9. Is the Blue Lagoon worth visiting?
Yes, it's a relaxing geothermal spa close to the airport—perfect for your arrival or departure day. However, there are other great (and sometimes cheaper) options like Sky Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, or Mývatn Nature Baths.
10. What should I pack for 5 days in Iceland?
- Layered clothing (base, insulation, waterproof)
- Waterproof jacket & pants
- Sturdy waterproof boots
- Swimsuit & towel (for hot springs)
- Camera & power bank
- Snacks & water bottle
- Driving license & travel insurance
Conclusion
A 5-day trip to Iceland is the perfect way to experience the country’s stunning natural wonders without feeling rushed. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, relaxing in hot springs, or exploring dramatic coastlines, Iceland offers unforgettable memories in every season. With the right planning—especially around transportation, accommodation, and weather—you can make the most of your short adventure. Don’t forget to pack smart, stay safe, and leave room for spontaneity. Iceland has a way of surprising travelers in the best possible way!