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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Tips for Spending 5 Days in Iceland

When I first decided to visit Iceland, I was intimated because I felt like there were so many things I needed to know. I will be honest, I made some mistakes the first time I went, but hey, that is how you learn!

I learned a lot through research and visiting twice, so I can provide you with the best tips! These will help you plan the best trip to Iceland.

When should you visit Iceland?

The amount of daylight hours varies drastically throughout the year.** In June and July, Iceland has about 21 hours of sunlight, but it only has about five hours of sunlight in December and January.

As you can imagine, winter brings less tourism because of the sunlight and cold weather, which means attractions will be less crowded, but winters in Iceland are harsh. On the flip side, summer has high tourism, and many must-see sights will have crowds, but the weather is much better.

Most people visit in the summer because the attractions and F roads are open and the days have more sunlight. But if your goal is to see the northern lights, winter will be the best time to visit!

What should you pack?

The weather is unpredictable. I have visited twice and both times the weather changed quickly. We learned from our mistake of not packing a jacket the first time we visited and were much more prepared the second time.

I recommend packing a rain jacket and insulated jacket. You should also supportive shoes with good traction, like hiking boots. And last but certainly not least, make sure to pack a backpack with water and snacks for your hikes.

Of course, if you visit in the winter, you will need warm clothes and more layers. The winters are harsh in Iceland!

What type of car should you 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.

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.
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.

Always remember to leave no trace.

It is more important than ever to make sure we understand how to leave no trace while we travel. We want to make sure we are doing our part to protect these beautiful places!

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.

Also, do not step on fragile vegetation, and stay on designated paths when hiking. Many areas in Iceland have sensitive plant species that can take years to regrow.

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!

Where to Stay During Your Iceland Road Trip

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 Ultimate 5-Day Iceland Road Trip 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!

Day 1 in Iceland: 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 in Iceland: Beautiful Waterfalls

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.

the best waterfalls near vik

Day 3 in Iceland: 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!

best things to do in vik, iceland

Day 4 in Iceland: 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 in Iceland: 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!

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.