The Ultimate Iceland 6-Day Itinerary
Iceland is one of the most beautiful places on earth! Its scenery makes you feel like you are on another planet in the best way. It has waterfalls, black sand beaches, multi-colored mountains, and moss-covered canyons. Once you visit, you will quickly see why it is the favorite country of many people!
Although you can spend months, if not years, exploring everything Iceland offers, you can see many must-see attractions in less than a week. This itinerary explores some of the best places to visit in Iceland along the south coast, including waterfalls, highlands, canyons, and beaches. This guide has everything you need to know about planning the best Iceland 6-day itinerary!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, my blog may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
Tips for Planning an Iceland 6-Day Itinerary
You should know a few things before planning your Iceland 6-day itinerary. Here are a few more resources that may be helping in planning your trip, too: Things to Know Before You Go to Iceland and Tips and Tricks for Your Trip to Iceland.
Research the time of year you want to visit because the sunlight varies. When you plan your six days in Iceland, it is crucial to research the sunlight during the year. Iceland has about 21 hours of sunlight in June and July but only about five hours 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. Summer has high tourism, and many must-see sights will have crowds, but the weather is much better.
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. I include some great places to stay near each destination!
Some parking lots require a parking fee. Some trailheads have kiosks, while others use an app called Parka. I recommend downloading it in advance and inputting your car information so it is easy to pay once you arrive at the trailhead.
Rent a 4x4 so you can drive on F roads. F roads will be your best and worst friends in Iceland. F roads are unmaintained mountain roads with anything from rocks to river crossings. Although you can stay on the Ring Road to see many of the must-see sights, F roads bring you to some of the most beautiful areas in Iceland. If you are up for driving on F roads, you must rent a 4x4 vehicle.
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. As I mentioned above, F roads are crazy, so it is nice to have car insurance.
Cook your food. Is Iceland expensive? The short answer is yes, but it does not have to be! There are plenty of ways to save money. One of the best ways to save money is to buy and cook food because eating at restaurants can add up quickly. I recommend enjoying a delicious meal at an Icelandic restaurant, but maybe not every night.
Get a discount gas card. Gas is expensive in Iceland, so I highly recommend getting a discount gas card. Some rental car companies will even provide one to you!
Always remember to leave no trace while exploring.
Where to Fly Into Iceland
The best airport to fly into in Iceland is Keflavík Airport. The airport is about an hour from Reykjavík and has the most flight options. Many rental car companies also will pick you up directly at the airport and bring you to your car!
What to Pack for Iceland
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.
Day 1 of the Iceland 6-Day Itinerary
The first day on your Iceland 6-day itinerary is a little relaxing before making the long drive along the south coast to your next destination. You can explore the beautiful city of Reykjavík and soak in a hot spring. Reykjavík has a beautiful downtown with delicious food to enjoy and beautiful buildings.
Once you explore the city, you can begin the long drive towards your destination for tomorrow. I recommend buying your groceries before you leave the city. Reykjavík will have some of the largest grocery stores, so it is the perfect place to buy the food you need for your road trip. Vik also has a few grocery stores you can stop into before heading to your accommodation. Just make sure to check the times they are open!
Although the drive is pretty straightforward from the city to Vatnajökull National Park along the Ring Road, I recommend giving yourself more time than you think you will need. The drive is about five hours but scenic, and I promise the next destination is worth it!!
Day 1 Itinerary:
Reykjavík has so much to offer, from delicious food to beautiful buildings and stunning 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! As I mentioned above, I highly recommend grocery shopping before you leave the city because it has the largest grocery stores.
Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are the two most popular hot springs, and you must book your tickets far in advance because they sell out quickly. The Blue Lagoon is the most popular of the two for good reason! It is over 2 acres and has bright blue waters. If you want to enjoy a smaller hot spring with fewer crowds, the Sky Lagoon is perfect for you. It is right in the city and offers stunning ocean views. Both are beautiful, and you cannot go wrong with either.
After soaking in a hot spring, it is time to begin the long journey down the south coast. The drive is about five hours, so I recommend leaving enough time for the journey towards Vatnajökull National Park. Although it is a long drive, it is incredibly scenic. And do not worry! You will explore everything you pass on this scenic drive later in the itinerary.
WHERE TO STAY:
You can stay anywhere between Vik and Vatnajökull National Park. Vik has many accommodations and amenities, but you can always find closer accommodations to Vatnajökull National Park.
Best Hotels:
Day 2 of the Iceland 6-Day Itinerary
The second day on your Iceland 6-day itinerary explores one of the largest ice caps in Europe! Vatnajökull National Park is huge, offering many things to do with something for everyone!
I highly recommend going on a tour to explore the glacier. You can enjoy tours for snowmobiling, exploring ice caves, kayaking on a glacier lagoon, or hiking on the glacier. It will easily become one of your favorite things you did on your trip. And sure to book your tour tickets in advance! These tours are popular, so I recommend buying your tickets in advance.
If you do not want to go on a tour, do not worry! I will include other fun things to do that will not disappoint. The views alone are stunning, and you will fall in love with Vatnajökull National Park.
Day 2 Itinerary:
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 is stunning as it shines on the ice blocks. You can also go on a kayak tour in the glacier lagoon!
Vatnajökull is one of the largest ice-caps in Europe and 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. These tours will easily become one of your favorite things to do on the itinerary!
Múlagljúfur Canyon is probably one of the most beautiful places to visit in this area. The canyon is stunning and offers stunning views of the surrounding area and a waterfall. The 3.6-mile round-trip hike will take your breath away!
Svartifoss is a stunning waterfall surrounded by black basalt columns. There is an easy 2-mile round-trip hike to Svartifoss that will quickly become one of your favorites. Svartifoss is on the way out after you visit the national park, so you can explore it once you are done with your tours if you have time.
If you do not want to hike, I recommend visiting Fjaðrárgljúfur! It is a 330-foot-deep canyon that runs for over a mile. It has a river running through it, is moss-covered, and has many small waterfalls. 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!
WHERE TO STAY:
You can stay in the same accommodation in Vik or near Vatnajökull National Park because the following day explores many must-see attractions near Vik.
Day 3 of the Iceland 6-Day Itinerary
The third day on your Iceland itinerary explores the beautiful south coast. This area is the most popular place to visit, and you will quickly see why. It has everything, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, and mountains, making it one of the most scenic places!
Since most of these attractions are within a short distance from each other, you can visit them in any order that works best for you. Each place is popular, and you will experience crowds, but if you start your day early in the morning, you will avoid the midday crowds.
Day 3 Itinerary:
Reynisfjara is the infamous black sand beach in 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.
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.
Dyrholaey Arch is a beautiful arch along the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. The viewpoint is on a cliff you can drive to and offers stunning views of the arch, beach, and mountains. You can also hike 3 miles round trip to the arch from the beach!
Skógafoss 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. Both offer beautiful views. And if you want to enjoy more waterfalls, there is a 4.1-mile round-trip hike on top of Skogafoss.
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. The 1-mile round trip hike is easy and worth the quick hike to experience this beautiful waterfall.
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, and you can enjoy the 197-foot, picturesque waterfall from the front or walk behind it! The hike behind the Seljalandsfoss closes during certain times of the year, depending on the weather.
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.
WHERE TO STAY:
You can stay in the same accommodation near Vik or stay anywhere between Vik and Selfoss. You can choose between two places to visit the following day, so you can choose where you want to stay based on what you want to do.
Day 4 of the Iceland 6-Day Itinerary
You have two options on what you want to do on your fourth day in Iceland! No matter which you choose, you will explore the beautiful highlands of Iceland. Both areas are stunning, and you really cannot go wrong with either.
I recommend spending the entire day in the highlands because they offer so much to do! It also takes a few hours to get into each, so starting your day early in the morning gives you more time to enjoy the beautiful area.
Also, make sure to pack warm layers and rain gear. The highlands have unpredictable weather that can change in an instant. I recommend packing warm layers and rain gear just in case!
Day 4 Itinerary:
Option 1: Thorsmork is a beautiful valley and mountain range between three glaciers - Tindfjallajokull, Myrdalsjokull, and Eyjafjallajokull. The F road to Thorsmork is incredibly bumpy and difficult to drive with deep river crossings. I highly recommend booking a ticket on a mountain bus that can easily take you into and out of Thorsmork. You can also take a Super Jeep Tour into Thorsmork with a guide! Once in Thorsmork, you have many hikes to enjoy:
Valahnukur - 1.5 miles round trip
Langidalur - Valahukur Loop - 2.7 miles round trip
Thorsmork Loop - 6.2 miles round trip
Básar - Móði Loop - 9.5 miles round trip
Option 2: Landmannalaugar, also known as the People’s Pool, is the land of multi-colored mountains, lava fields, and volcanoes. It is a popular area for hiking and offers natural hot springs. This beauty is, however, difficult to get to. The best way to get to Landmannalaugar is taking F208 from the north, which leads you in without any river crossings. I believe all other roads require river crossings, some of which are very deep. Once in Landmannalaugar, you can enjoy many fun hiking trails:
Laugavegur Circle - 3 miles round trip
Brennisteinsalda Volcano - 5.4 miles round trip
Mt Bláhnjúkur - 3.8 miles round trip
WHERE TO STAY:
You can stay near Selfoss or the campgrounds in Landmannalaugar or Thorsmork. Selfoss is an adorable town with many restaurants and the perfect basecamp for your next few days in Iceland!
Best Hotels:
Day 5 of the Iceland 6-Day Itinerary
Your second to last day on this fun Iceland 5-day itinerary explores beautiful waterfalls and more highlands! If you do not want to make the drive into the highlands, I recommend spending more time exploring the waterfalls nearby.
Make sure to start your day early. A few of these waterfalls are popular and have crowds all day. I recommend visiting them in the morning to avoid most of the midday crowds.
Day 5 itinerary:
Gullfoss is the largest volume waterfall in Europe, fed by the second-largest glacier in Iceland, Langjökull. It has a 36-foot and 69-foot section that flows into the Hvítá River in a 1.6-mile-long canyon. It requires an easy 1.1-mile round-trip hike from the parking lot to the rim above the waterfall, and it will take your breath away!
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 is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland, so it will likely be very crowded.
If you do not want to go into the highlands:
Brúarfoss is one of the bluest waterfalls you will see in Iceland! It has a bright blue color because it is glacier-fed, and yes, the water is THAT blue! The 4.1-mile round-trip hike to Brúarfoss is worth the effort once you see the bright-blue waterfall!
It is time to soak in some hot springs! The Secret Lagoon, also known as Galma Laugin, is a beautiful hot spring. Although it is 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 a small geyser is nearby, erupting every few minutes.
If you want to explore the highlands:
Kerlingarfjöll is a breathtaking and remote mountain range in the highlands of Iceland. It is one of the lesser-known highland areas but does not lack beautiful views! Kerlingarfjöll has beautiful multi-colored mountains, a small hot spring, and the Hveradalir Geothermal Area. The Hveradalir Geothermal Area was my favorite place because the views were unmatched. You can explore both areas from various overlooks or hike on its many trails, including the beautiful 7.8-mile round trip hike from the Kerlingarfjöll resort to the Hveradalir Geothermal Area.
Tip: Give yourself plenty of time to drive to the highlands. If you want to explore the highlands, I recommend giving yourself plenty of time to drive on the F roads. It is about 1.5 hours from Gullfoss to Kerlingarfjöll.
WHERE TO STAY:
You can continue staying in your accommodation in Selfoss since it is a great central location and has everything you need for your trip.
Day 6 of the Iceland 6-Day Itinerary
Your final day on your Iceland 6-day itinerary explores the beautiful Thingvellir National Park and maybe even snorkeling in tectonic plates. You can enjoy the stunning views, hiking on trails, and exploring waterfalls in the park. It is a great way to spend your final day in Iceland!
Make sure to start your day early. Another day, another early start! Thingvellir National Park is popular and has crowds even in the morning. I recommend starting your day early to find parking before the crowds arrive.
Day 6 Itinerary:
Snorkeling through tectonic plates 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.
Tip: If you want to snorkel, make a reservation for the first time slot. When we went snorkeling, we reserved the first time slot in the morning, and it paid off! The line for waiting to get into the water was shorter, and we had the water to ourselves and one other tour.
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.
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 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!
WHERE TO STAY:
If you have another night to stay before your flight, I recommend staying in Reykjavík or near the airport.
Best Hotels:
If you want to spend six days in Iceland, you are in the right place. This guide has everything you need to know about planning the best Iceland 6-day itinerary!
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!
Pin it for later!
