The Ultimate Iceland 5-Day Itinerary: Best Stops & Travel Tips
Iceland is one of the most beautiful places in the world! The diverse landscapes are unlike anything I have ever seen with lush canyons, black sand beaches, huge waterfalls, and glaciers all within one small country. It is truly a magical place!
I have visited Iceland multiple times and will never get over the views. I honestly feel like I could travel to Iceland yearly and not get bored. It is one of my favorite places in the world!
Although you can spend weeks exploring the country, you can see most must-see attractions within a week. This guide has everything you need to know about creating an incredible 5-day itinerary!
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Best Time to Visit Iceland
Although most people visit Iceland in summer, it is a perfect year-round destination! Iceland has fun activities no matter what season you visit, so you will never have a shortage of things to do.
Summer is the most popular time to visit because it has the most daylight and most roads are open. If you did not know, Iceland receives almost 24 hours of sunlight in June and July, and it is called the Midnight Sun.
If you plan to visit the highlands, summer will be the best option to visit because the roads and facilities are open. The weather also tends to be better in the summer, although Iceland weather is unpredictable year-round.
Winter is the best time to visit if you want to experience the northern lights! Iceland has about 5 hours of daylight in December and January, allowing you to have the best opportunity to see the northern lights.
The Ring Road is open year-round, so you can visit the popular waterfalls, beaches, and other attractions in the winter. Winter is also a great time to visit glaciers and ice caves! The only downside is the weather because winters in Iceland are brutal. You need to make sure to pack warm clothes and prepare for unpredictable weather.
Late spring and early fall are also great times to visit Iceland! It tends to have fewer visitors and most of the roads are still open. We traveled to Iceland in September for the first time, and we loved exploring the attractions with fewer crowds!
How to Get to Iceland
The best airport to fly into in Iceland is Keflavík Airport. This is the largest airport with the most flight options. It is about an hour west from Reykjavík which is the starting point for this road trip itinerary.
I recommend picking up your rental car as soon as you arrive. Iceland is pretty difficult to get around without a car if you are not on a tour, so it will be the best option for your road trip. Many rental car companies also will pick you up directly at the airport and bring you to your car!
How to Get Around Iceland
You have a few ways to get around Iceland, depending on what you want to do. I recommend renting a car because it gives you the flexibility to do what you want when you want. If you would rather have someone else bring you around the country, you can choose from plenty of tour companies that have awesome itineraries!
If you want to rent a car, you need to figure out what you want to do in Iceland, so you can plan what type of vehicle you need to rent. If you plan to stay on the Ring Road, you can rent any type of car. But if you want to explore the highlands and drive on F roads, you need to rent a 4x4 to drive on F roads.
F roads are unmaintained mountain roads that have anything from rocks to river crossings. Although you can stay on the Ring Road to see many must-see attractions, F roads bring you to some of the most beautiful areas in Iceland.
Everything in this Iceland itinerary is off the Ring Road, so you do not need a 4x4. But if you were to swap a day out and go into the highlands, you need one! We have visited many areas in the highlands, so I can confidently say, they are some of the most beautiful areas in the country and worth renting a 4x4 for!
Here are a few things you should also get with your car rental:
Get all of the car rental insurance. I cannot stress enough how important insurance is when you rent a car in Iceland, especially if you will be driving on F roads. We always pay the extra amount to get the full insurance since we drive on F roads when we visit Iceland.
Ask if they have a discount gas card. Gas is expensive in Iceland, so if you have a car rental, I highly recommend getting a discount gas card. Some rental car companies will even provide one!
Consider renting a portable wifi device. Most rental car companies offer this as an add-on to your rental. It was one of the best things we had because it allowed us to use our navigation and research on the go without getting an international phone plan. If you do not want to rent one, I recommend downloading an offline map on Google Maps, so you can navigate without service.
Download the Parka app because some parking lots require a parking fee. Most trailheads and parking lots have kiosks, but I found it easier to use the app. I recommend downloading it in advance and inputting your car information so it is easy to pay once you arrive at the trailhead. We got wifi with our car rental which made it easy to pay using the app.
What to Pack for Iceland
The weather in Iceland is unpredictable no matter what season you visit. I have visited twice and both times the weather changed quickly from a clear-sky day to a crazy wind or rain storm. We learned from our mistake of not packing an insulated jacket the first time we visited and were much more prepared the second time!
No matter what season you visit, I recommend packing a rain jacket and insulated jacket. You should also supportive shoes with good traction, like hiking boots, especially if you plan to hike. And last but certainly not least, make sure to pack a backpack with water and snacks for your hikes.
If you visit in the winter, it is crucial to pack warm and waterproof layers and jackets. The wind is brutal year-round, but it is especially crazy in the winter. Iceland also gets a lot of snow, so you should have waterproof and insulated shoes to help keep you want.
Where to Stay in Iceland
You have a few options depending on how you want to plan your trip! And I know it may be tempting to stay in Reykjavík, but I do not recommend it because it is a long drive to many places on this itinerary.
I recommend either making one place your basecamp for the entire road trip, or moving around to a few different accommodations to be closer to the attractions. I have done both options, so I can give you the pros and cons of each!
The first time we visited Iceland, we changed accommodations almost daily to be close to the attractions on our itinerary. This saved some driving time in the morning, which allowed us more time to explore the area during the day. But not being able to unpack and settle into one place was not the best experience.
The second time we visited Iceland, we stayed in Selfoss for the entire week. I loved making it our basecamp because we were able to settle in and feel comfortable. The only downside was having a bit of a longer drive to certain places, but honestly it was not too bad! We woke up early to accommodate the longer drives.
After doing both options, I recommend finding one place to be your basecamp for your adventures or at most two places for your week in Iceland. If you want two places, I recommend starting in Selfoss and moving to Vik during the second half of your week.
Best Selfoss Hotels:
Best Vik Hotels:
The Best Iceland 5-Day Itinerary
One of the best things about this Iceland itinerary is its flexibility! You can switch around the days or swap them out easily if you want to include something else.
But if you are looking for a great place to start planning your trip, this itinerary is perfect because it has the must-see attractions in Iceland!
Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they do not have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
Day 1: Reykjavík and Hot Springs
The day has come to begin your epic 5 days in Iceland! The first day will be more laid-back than the other days because you will probably be jet-lagged and need a slow day to get into the swing of things.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is your first stop!
The city has so much to offer, from delicious food to beautiful views. I recommend enjoying a meal at one of the many great restaurants and visiting Hallgrimskirkja.
Hallgrimskirkja is an iconic church that you probably have seen in photos. It is the tallest church in Iceland and beautiful! You can explore the inside for free and go to the top for a small fee.
If you plan to check into your accommodation right after you leave the city, I highly recommend grocery shopping because it has the largest grocery stores nearby.
Sky Lagoon
If you want to soak in a hot spring on your first day in Iceland, I highly recommend visiting the Sky Lagoon. Although the Blue Lagoon is the most popular hot spring, Sky Lagoon is a great alternative and is close to the city!
We went to the Sky Lagoon twice during our one week in Iceland because it was that amazing! The hot spring is not as large as the Blue Lagoon, but we did not mind, and it was never too crowded when we visited. We went during sunset (which was amazing!) the first time and then midday the second time.
Kerid Crater
If you have time and want to explore, you can begin your drive south and explore some nearby attractions!
Kerid Crater is a beautiful volcanic crater with a small lake in the middle that you can hike around the rim or lake for a small fee. The entrance fee helps preserve this beautiful area!
We hiked to the top of the crater to enjoy the beautiful views of the lake below and the surrounding landscape. The first section to get to the rim is steep, but once you are up top, it is gradual along the rest of the loop. If you want to avoid any elevation gain, you can hike around the lake which is just as beautiful.
Urridafoss
Urridafoss will be your first waterfall during your trip, and although it is smaller than the others you will visit tomorrow, it is beautiful!
It is along the longest river in Iceland, Þjórsá River, and is the most voluminous waterfall in the country! It is a quick roadside attraction, making it an easy place to add to your first day!
Day 2: The GOlden Circle
Are you ready to explore stunning waterfalls and soak in beautiful hot springs?! Do not forget to pack your bathing suits!
Brúarfoss
Brúarfoss is one of the bluest waterfalls we have seen in Iceland! The waterfall is a bright blue color because it is glacier-fed, and yes, the water is THAT blue!
The 4-mile hike is not overly strenuous and will bring you to a bridge overlooking Brúarfoss. We stayed at the viewpoint for a while because the waterfall was stunning.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is the largest volume waterfall in Europe and is fed by the second-largest glacier in Iceland, Langjökull. It has a 36-foot tall section and a 69-foot tall section of Gullfoss that flows into the Hvítá River in a 1.6-mile-long canyon.
It requires a short walk from the parking lot to the rim above the waterfall, and it will take your breath away! The two popular viewpoints are at the end of the trail, but the entire hike is beautiful.
Stokkur
The Great Geysir, also known as Stokkur, is across the street from Gullfoss and is easily accessible. It erupts every 6-10 minutes and hits over 50 feet high!
Strokkur and Gullfoss are some of the most popular attractions in Iceland, and they will likely be very crowded. If you do not have time or it is very crowded, feel free to skip Strokkur. We stopped here on our first trip to Iceland but skipped it during our second time.
Galma Laugin
If you want to soak in another hot spring, you are in luck! The Secret Lagoon, also known as Galma Laugin, is a beautiful hot spring.
Although it is in a man-made pool, it is fed by a natural hot spring and is the perfect place to relax. Beautiful mossy lava fields surround it, and it has a small geyser nearby, erupting every few minutes.
Day 3: South Coast
It is time to drive south and see some of the most iconic places in Iceland, including the most beautiful waterfalls.
It is a big day of driving and exploring, so I recommend getting up as early as you can so you do not have to rush through your day.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is an iconic waterfall in Iceland that you have probably seen in many photos.
It is a short walk from the parking lot to the base of Seljalandsfoss, allowing everyone to enjoy the stunning waterfall. You can enjoy this 197-foot, picturesque waterfall from the front or walk behind it!
I highly recommend hiking behind the waterfall because it is such a fun experience! But make sure to bring a rain jacket because the mist will soak you quickly.
Also, make sure to hike to the waterfall next to Sljalandsfoss! Gljufrafoss is a 131-foot waterfall hidden behind a cliff next to Seljalandsfoss, making it difficult to see from the road. You can reach this waterfall by hiking an easy 1.2-mile round-trip hike from Seljalandsfoss.
Skógafoss
Skógafoss is another iconic Iceland waterfall not too far from Seljalandsfoss. It is 82 feet wide and 200 feet tall and is EPIC!
You can walk up to the base of the falls or hike to the top! I highly recommend walking to the top because the views are stunning.
No matter what way you want to experience Skógafoss, you will not be disappointed.
Kvernufoss
Although Kvernufoss is next to Skógafoss, many people often do not know it exists.
The 98-foot waterfall is in a beautiful moss-covered canyon that will take your breath away from its beauty. And the best part? It only requires an easy 1-mile round trip hike.
Trust me, you will not want to skip this waterfall!
Dyrholaey Arch
Dyrholaey Arch is a beautiful arch along the black sand beach of Reynisfjara and offers stunning views of the arch, beach, and mountains. Our favorite view is from the cliff looking north towards the mountains!
Although it is close to many popular attractions, it has not had many crowds each time we have visited. It is a nice change of pace since most attractions in South Iceland are incredibly crowded!
Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara is the infamous black sand beach in South Iceland. The black sand is from eroded volcanic rock and is beautiful!
Reynisfjara is home to the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks, Hálsanefshellir Sea Cave, and Gardar Cliff. You can easily see everything on a quick walk around the beach.
This area is incredibly popular, and parking can be difficult to find at midday. If you cannot find parking, I recommend coming back here later in the day.
Note: The waves on Reynisfjara are known for being dangerous because they can sneak up on you in a matter of seconds, so please be careful and stay aware.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
If you have time, I highly recommend visiting a beautiful canyon, Fjaðrárgljúfur.
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a 330-foot-deep canyon that runs for over a mile. It is breathtaking with a moss-covered landscape and has many waterfalls throughout.
The viewpoint of this gorgeous canyon only requires a short walk from the parking lot. Fjaðrárgljúfur is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset as well!
Day 4: Glacier tour
Ready to explore the largest national park in Iceland?!
Vatnajökull National Park is the only national park on earth that offers a diverse landscape, including mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, and geothermal energy, and you will explore every bit of it. This day may be your favorite day in Iceland!
After you are done exploring for the day, you can either stay in Vik again or make some of the drive north and stay closer to the city.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is filled with icebergs and is just as stunning as it sounds. Across the street is Diamond Beach, which has large ice blocks that look like diamonds in the sun.
I highly recommend visiting the area during sunrise or sunset because the golden light here is STUNNING!
Vatnajökull
Vatnajökull is one of the largest ice-caps in Europe, and it is one of the best places for glacier hikes and ice cave tours.
You can take a guided tour to the top of Vatnajökull, which is a fun experience! If you visit in the winter, you can take a guided tour of the ice caves below Vatnajökull.
You will need at least half a day for these tours, but they are worth it!
Svartifoss
If you have time after your tour, you can explore another waterfall!
Svartifoss is a stunning waterfall surrounded by black basalt columns. It has an easy 1-mile hike from the Visitor Center, or if you are up for a longer trail, you can hike 2 miles to Svartifoss and a 360-degree viewpoint of glaciers at Sjónarsker.
Day 5: Thingvellir National Park
It is your final day in Iceland, which is sad, but you are not done exploring yet!
Your final day drives back up the coast toward the city. You can stop at any iconic waterfalls for more photos or head straight to the next attraction for more exploring.
Thingvellir National Park is a historical place in Iceland because it was home to their first parliament in 930 AD. The national park is stunning and offers many things to do, including waterfalls, churches, and hiking trails.
Silfra
If you have time, I highly recommend snorkeling through tectonic plates. It is easily one of the coolest experiences in Thingvellir National Park! We spent an hour snorkeling through the clearest waters we had ever seen.
Silfra has some of the clearest water on earth, allowing you to see up to 390 feet! Many companies offer this experience, but I highly recommend DIVE.IS. We had an incredible time with their guides.
Öxarárfoss
Öxarárfoss is a 44-foot waterfall in Þingvellir National Park and drops over the Almannagjá Gorge.
Although it is not as tall as other nearby waterfalls, it is incredibly picturesque! The 2.7-mile round-trip hike is beautiful, bringing you to the waterfall viewpoint.
Thingvellir Loop
If you are up for a longer hike, I recommend the Thingvellir Loop. It is one of the best ways to explore everything the national park offers!
The 6.5-mile round trip hike brings you to basalt columns, Öxarárfoss, and many beautiful viewpoints in the park. It is a fantastic way to experience Thingvellir National Park!
Extra Tips for Visiting Iceland
Check for road closures. Iceland has a great resource for all road closures and important traffic information. We checked this even when we were in Iceland to make sure we could get to all the places on our itinerary.
Get gas whenever you see a gas station. Even along the Ring Road, gas stations can be few and far between. I recommend filling up your gas tank whenever you can just to be safe, especially if you are driving into the highlands.
Be careful with car doors when it is windy. I am not joking when I say the wind is no joke in Iceland. The first time we visited, the wind almost ripped the door off our car, and most car insurance does not cover wind damage. If it is windy, use caution when opening your doors.
Do not stay in the city during your road trip. It may be tempting to stay in the city during your entire trip, but I do not recommend it. It is a long drive to many places on this Iceland itinerary, and you do not want to waste time driving.
Iceland FAQs
Is 5 days enough to see Iceland? Yes! Although you could spend months exploring everything the country offers, you can see most must-see sights within a week. If you can stay a few extra days, you can visit even more places!
What is the best time to visit Iceland? One of the best things about Iceland is it is a year-round destination! You can visit any season and have many things to do. Summer is the most popular time to visit because it has the most daylight, and most roads are open. Winter is a popular time to visit if you want to experience the northern lights.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland? Late fall to early spring gives you the best opportunity to see the northern lights because it has the least amount of daylight. In the summer, Iceland has the midnight sun which means it has about 21 hours of daylight, making it the worst time to see the northern lights.
Should I rent a car in Iceland? Although you can take a tour around Iceland with a company, I recommend renting a car for flexibility. If you plan to explore attractions in the highlands, you must rent a 4x4 to drive on F roads. We always rent a 4x4 when we visit Iceland just in case!
If you are looking for a fun Iceland 5-day itinerary, this guide is the perfect place to start planning your trip! If you have extra time, you can extend it to a 7-day road trip and add even more beautiful and fun things to do.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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