Need help to make the most of your 5 days in Iceland?
No worries, I have created 5 epic Iceland itineraries for 5 days that can cover many types of travel and many interests:
- Classic South Coast
- Fast Ring Road
- Reykjavik-based
- Wonders of the West
You will have a blast with any of them!
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching
Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure
My favorite places to stay:
- Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
- Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
- Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal
5 days in Iceland – essentials to know
Are 5 days in Iceland worth it? Is it enough?
I have to be honest. 5 days in Iceland might feel a little bit frustrating.
But you can still get a good overview of the island and what it has to offer.
You have enough time to be blown away with fjords, glaciers, icebergs, back sand beaches, waterfalls, geysirs, volcanoes, lava fields…
How to get around Iceland over 5 days
Best option = renting a car
The best way to explore Iceland and see all the amazing locations included in this article is to rent a car.
This will give you more flexibility to explore all the things you want and make your day as long a you want.
If you follow my itineraries, driving on this itinerary will be very easy. So you can rent any standard cars.
I recommend:
- Comparing car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – it is one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
- Booking early to have a large choice of vehicles (you will not find any last-minute deal, the island is very popular!)
- Reading all my tips about renting a car in Iceland
Group tours
Even if you really don’t want to drive, you can still see a lot of Iceland.
You can book day trips departing from Reykjavik (see my itinerary that is Reykjavik-based).
Or select a group multi-day tours – For example, you can choose a 3 day South coast tour – see itinerary and availability
Bus
I really don’t recommend it. Using public transportation will really limit what you are able to see.
They don’t stop at attractions but in towns.
What can you see with 5 days in Iceland?
It is not a lot of time, but all of Iceland is amazing.
Therefore, you can actually see a lot with 5 days.
You won’t be able to visit the entire country, but you can go on a road trip to cover one region in particular, or drive the Ring Road (but very very fast).
You can see: fjords, glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, lava fields, icebergs, waterfalls, lava cave…
In this article, my best Iceland itineraries 5 days covering :
- South Coast Nature (Classic) – jump to itinerary
- Ring Road 5 day itinerary (a bit crazy) – jump to itinerary
- Reykjavik-based – jump to itinerary
- Wonders of West Iceland – jump to itinerary
Can you drive around Iceland in 5 days?
It is possible to drive around Iceland, on the Ring Road in 5 days.
However, it will require a lot of driving each day, and control over yourself to not stop everywhere.
I have included an example of a 5 day Ring Road itinerary.
This is not the route I recommend the most.
Not for Winter
A quick note. These itineraries are not applicable for Winter, when days are shorter and conditions much more difficult.
If you are looking for Winter itineraries, including 5 days, head to this article.
Essentials for your 5 day trip to Iceland
- Book your accommodations early as well – Iceland is popular and in some area, choice can be limited (although the offering is growing) – see the wide offering on Booking.com
- Learn more in my article about where to stay in Iceland
- Don’t plan too much every day – you will get frustrated not to be able to stop as much since it is stunning everywhere
- As you are approaching your Iceland road trip, stop watching the weather forecast. It will change every day and during the day, so just go with the flow of your planned itinerary.
Add or change
The following itineraries include all the main stop.
If you want to add some, get more practical details or change to fit your expectations, check out my eBooks:
Plan your dream trip to Iceland with my guides!
- 8 easy-to-plan maps
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 130+ large photos
- 2 easy-to-plan maps
- 30 stops, 10 detours
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 70+ large photos
Self-drive packages
If you don’t want to choose each accommodation and book everything separately, you can book a self-drive package which includes car, accommodations and activities, such as:
- 5 days South Coast – Best of South + Golden Circle – Check out program and latest prices
- 5 days West Iceland – check out program and options
Those are not my itineraries, but they are similar.
#1 – Iceland itinerary 5 days – South Coast Nature (Classic)
Introduction
When you have a limited timeframe, one of the most popular itinerary to enjoy is the South Coast combined with the Golden Circle.
This allow you to see the magnificent icebergs on the lagoon and Diamond Beach. This is often the highlight for many people.
Summary
- Day 1 – Golden circle
- Day 2 – Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach
- Day 3 – Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach
- Day 4 – Above and under glaciers
- Day 5 – Lava Cave and Blue Lagoon
You need to rent a car for this itinerary. Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – it is one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
Below is a map of where you are going around the Ring Road:
Day 1 – The famous Golden Circle
Driving time = 2h45 drive
Itinerary:
- Driving time from Keflavik airport = 1h15
- Stop 1 – Thingvellir National Park
The National park is where you can see the huge fissures created by the movements of the tectonic plates.
Consider doing the Main Fault walk from parking 1 and the Oxararfoss waterfall walk from Parking 2 (or combined with first walk).
A unique activity to enjoy at Thingvellir is to snorkel in the crystal clear water inside one of the fissure – See availability and book your experience.
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 50min drive
- Stop 2 – Haukadalur geothermal area (and geyser)
Admire the intense geothermal activity in this small area: mud pools, boiling water..
The most famous geyser is Geysir but it does not erupt at the moment.
However, the Strokkur geyser is erupting every 5 to 8 minutes.
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 10min
- Stop 3 – Gullfoss waterfall
The impressive Gullfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland.
It falls are over 2 steps with an impressive surround-sound.
Learn more in my article - Driving time to accommodation in Fludir = 30min
Where to stay?
Choose accommodation on the Golden Circle such as near Haukadalur – check out options
Or head to Fludir to be able to enjoy a relaxing time at the Secret Lagoon hot spring – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Tips
To pay in your own currency and avoid extra charges, prepay your entry to the Secret Lagoon.
Day 2 – South Coast waterfalls and black sand beach
Driving time = 2h10
Itinerary:
- Driving time = 1h05
- Stop 1 – Seljalandsfoss
You must have seen pictures of it! Walk behind this famous 60m high waterfall.
And don’t miss the nearby Gljufrabui falls hidden in the cliffs.
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 25min
- Stop 2 – Skogafoss
This other 60m high waterfall is wide and looks like a shower curtain. Sometimes the sun creates a rainbow over it!
Take the time to get up close at the bottom and to climb the 370 stairs to the upper viewing platform.
And if you started the day early and like walking, you can keep hiking along the river at the top.
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 30min
- Stop 3 – Reynisfjara beach
Walk on one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland.
The sand is very dark and the cliffs have basalt columns.
But be careful as the waves can suddenly get much higher!
Learn more in my article - Drive time to accommodation in Vik = 10min
Where to stay?
Vik is a really central town on the South Coast and a great place to stay – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Tips
Once in Vik, if you want a short stroll at the end of the day, head to the church on top of the hill for a view of town, beach and cliffs.
Day 3 – South Coast glacier lagoons
Driving time = 3h to 4h
- Stop 1 – Fjallsarlon
Fjallsarlon is the lesser known of the 2 glacial lagoons.
Water does not flow to the ocean but the glacier tongue is closer and the views more impressive in my opinion (with a clear weather).
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 15 minutes
- Stop 2 – Jokulsarlon
Jokulsarlon is the famous glacial lagoon.
Here you can see icebergs detach from the glacier and float towards the sea.
You could spend hours just watching the shapes and colors.
Or you can book a boat tour to get closer to the glacier – book here
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 0
- Stop 3 – Diamond beach
Walk or drive 2 minutes to the other side of the road, to the beach.
Admire the icebergs on the black sand beach. The sight is so unique!
Some icebergs are white, others are blue or have black stripes
Learn more in my article - (Drive time to accommodation = 1h)
Where to stay?
You can find a few hotels or guesthouses in the area of the lagoons, and these will allow you to get there for sunset, sunrise or the northern lights faster – See options
I stayed at the Hotel Smurlabjorg, 30 min drive East of Jokulsarlon. It was clean and practical – Check out photos and availability
More driving
Otherwise, 1 h from Jokulsarlon, Höfn is a great place to stay between the South Coast and the East Fjords – Check out the best-rated accommodations.
This way you can head to the beautiful mountain of Vestrahorn (learn more). Höfn is a charming seaside town.
Day 4 – Above and under glaciers
Driving time = 3 to 4h
Itinerary:
- Driving time = 40min
- Stop 1 – Skaftafell National Park
If you want to hike, head the South side of the Skaftafell National Park. Otherwise, skip this stop.
Activities to consider: hike to Svartifoss or walk to the tongue of the glacier, or guided hike on the glacier.
Book an unforgettable glacier hike – check details and availability
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 1h
- Stop 2 – Fjadrargljufur canyon
The feather Canyon is a great place to go for a walk and admire the tortuous structure created by the water. Waterfall at the end.
Beware, it can be closed for regeneration.
Learn more in my article - Driving time to Vik = 1h
- Stop 3 – Ice cave Tour from Vik
To have a break: book the Katla Ice Cave at 2pm
Katla is the only ice cave that can be visited all year round.
Check out details and availability - Driving time = 40min
Where to stay?
Staying in Vik once again – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Day 5 – Lava cave and Blue Lagoon
Driving time = 3 to 4h
Itinerary:
- Driving time = 2h
- Stop 1 – Raufarhólshellir lava cave
It is one of the most famous lava tunnels / caves in Iceland.
This is really a tube or tunnel (it is called the Lava tunnel) more than a cave. And it has 3 holes in its ceiling, which means you can enjoy natural light pouring in making it easier to see the lava and its colors.
Book your spot to visit the cave - Driving time = 35min
- Stop 2 – Seltun Geothermal Area
Fascinating multicolor geothermal area in Krysuvik. It is home to fumaroles and mud pools. But the main interests are the intense colors surrounding them: red, brown, silver, blue, yellow, white… - Driving time = 30min
- Stop 3 – Blue Lagoon
Go for a relaxing time at the famous blue lagoon with really hot waters from the geothermal activity.
Pre-book your entrance in your own currency - Driving time = 40min
Where to stay?
Staying in Reykjavik to discover the capital – see best rated accommodations
Or stay at Keflavik, near the airport – see best rated accommodations
#2 – Iceland Ring Road 5 days (lot of driving – limited stops)
Introduction
Most people dream of driving around Iceland on the Ring Road.
It is possible to do it. Below is the itinerary.
However, before you choose this itinerary know that there will be a lot of driving everyday and that you have to be very diligent not to stop everywhere!
You have to be specific in what you decide to see.
Summary
- Day 1 – Craters and Akureyri
- Day 2 – Lake Myvatn
- Day 3 – East fjords
- Day 4 – Glacier Lagoons
- Day 5 – South Coast waterfalls
You need to rent a car for this itinerary. Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – it is one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
Below is a map of where you are going around the Ring Road:
Day 1 – Craters and Akureyri
Let’s start with the biggest driving day to get it out of the way. There will be many more places to visit the other days.
- Driving time = 2h
- Stop 1 – Grabrokargigar
Just off the Ring Road, the well-preserved Grabrok craters offer nice walks up to the rim or through the lava field…
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 2h15
- Stop 2 – Glaumbaer
Visit the turf houses and learn more about how people used to live in those typical houses.
If you want less driving and more time at Snaefellsnes, you can skip this detour.
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 1h10
- Stop 2 – Akureyri
Explore the Capital of the North with its quirky styke.
You can book a whale watching tour – see options
Where to stay?
Sleep in Akureyri – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Day 2 – Lake Myvatn
- Driving time = 40min
- Stop 1 – Godafoss
Visit the waterfall of the Gods on both banks – Learn more in my article - Driving time = 30min
- Stop 2 – The Myvatn Pseudocraters (Skutustadir)
Walk around a pond and admire the conical shapes that were not formed by traditional explosions. Some explanations are around the pond and more in the town of Reykjahild.
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 10min
- Stop 3 – Dimmuborgir
Field with giant lava rock formations. This is a great place to look for elves and trolls.
Better early morning before the crowds
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 15min
- Stop 4 – Hverir
See a powerful geothermal area with orange soil, fumaroles and mud pools.
But don’t stay more than one hour!
See my article. - Driving time = 1h
- Stop 5 – Dettifoss
Head to the powerful waterfall of Dettifoss.
They can be observed from the East and the West banks.
Both are worth it, but quite a drive from Myvatn.
Choose which one with my article - Drive to Egilsstadir = 2h10
Where to stay?
Egilsstadir is a great town with lots of accommodations. It makes the connection between the East fjords and North Iceland – Check out the best-rated accommodations.
Day 3 – East Fjords
Driving time = 3h20
Itinerary:
Today you will drive and wind around the East Fjords.
The views will be fascinating and changing at every turns.
Stop by the road on various occasions:
- Don’t take the shortest road, head all the way to Faskrudsfjordur
- Small town of Djupivogur
- Fauskasandur beach
- Hvalnes lighthouse
- Vestrahorn mountain
- …
Where to stay?
Höfn is a great place to stay between the South Coast and the East Fjords – Check out the best-rated accommodations.
Day 3 – South Coast glacier lagoons
- Driving time = 1h
- Stop 1 – Jokulsarlon
Jokulsarlon is the famous glacial lagoon.
Here you can see icebergs detach from the glacier and float towards the sea.
You could spend hours just watching the shapes and colors.
Or you can book a boat tour to get closer to the glacier – book here
Learn more in my article - Stop 2 – Diamond beach
Walk or drive 2 minutes to the other side of the road, to the beach.
Admire the icebergs on the black sand beach. The sight is so unique!
Some icebergs are white, others are blue or have black stripes
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 50min
- Stop 3 – Skaftafell National Park
If you want to hike, head the South side of the Skaftafell National Park. Otherwise, skip this stop.
Activities to consider: hike to Svartifoss or walk to the tongue of the glacier, or guided hike on the glacier.
Book an unforgettable glacier hike – check details and availability
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 1h
- Stop 4 – Fjadrargljufur canyon
The feather Canyon is a great place to go for a walk and admire the tortuous structure created by the water. Waterfall at the end.
Beware, it can be closed for regeneration.
Learn more in my article - Drive to Vik = 1h
Where to stay?
Vik is a really central town on the South Coast and a great place to stay – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Day 5 – South Coast waterfalls
- Driving time = 10min
- Stop 1 – Reynisfjara beach
Walk on the famous black sand beach. Get closer to its cave and basalt columns.
But be careful as the waves can suddenly get much higher!
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 30min
- Stop 2 – Skogafoss
This other 60m high waterfall is wide and looks like a shower curtain.
Take the time to get up close at the bottom and to climb the 370 stairs to the upper viewing platform.
And if you started the day early and like walking, you can keep hiking along the river at the top.
But don’t forget to stop and turn around, as the trail can continue for days!
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 25min
- Stop 3 – Seljalandsfoss
Walk behind the famous 60m high waterfall.
And walk to the nearby Gljufrabui falls hidden in the cliffs.
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 1h15
- Stop 4 – Raufarhólshellir lava cave
It is one of the most famous lava tunnels / caves in Iceland.
This is really a tube or tunnel (it is called the Lava tunnel) more than a cave. And it has 3 holes in its ceiling, which means you can enjoy natural light pouring in making it easier to see the lava and its colors.
Book your spot to visit the cave - Driving time = 1h
- Stop 5 – Blue Lagoon
Go for a relaxing time at the famous blue lagoon with really hot waters from the geothermal activity.
Pre-book your entrance in your own currency - Driving time = 40min
Where to stay?
Staying in Reykjavik to discover the capital – see best rated accommodations
Or stay at Keflavik, near the airport – see best rated accommodations
#3 – 5 day trip to Iceland – Reykjavik Based (with car or not)
Introduction
Don’t want to change accommodations every night?
I understand. And yes, it is possible to spend 5 awesome days in Iceland based in Reykjavik.
2 options:
- Book day trips with organized group tours – see day trips
- Rent a car to have more freedom and visit earlier or later. Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – it is one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
However, of course, it means spending more time on the road as you have to drive back everyday.
Program:
- Day 1 – Golden Circle
- Day 2 – South Coast
- Day 3 – Landmannalaugar
- Day 4 – Snaefellsnes
- Day 5 – Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon
Mix-up those days to work with the availabilities…
Day 1 – Golden Circle
Head to the famous Golden Circle.
This is one of the most classic tours in Iceland.
You will visit:
- Thingvellir National Park, with the fissure
- Haukadalut national park, with the geyser
- Gullfoss waterfall
By yourself – Driving time = 3h30 – see my article
With a guided tour: check out program and availability
Day 2 – South Coast up to Vik or to Jokulsarlon
Another classic area to explore is the South Coast of Iceland.
On a shorter tour covering up to Vik, you will visit:
- Seljalandsfoss where you can walk behind
- Skogafoss, the 60m curtain shower you can see from the top and the bottom
- The black sand beach of Reynisfjara
Or a very long tour, you could push up to
- Jokulsarlon lagoon with its icebergs
- Diamond beach
By yourself – Driving time = 5 hours if up to Vik, 10 h if up to Jokulsarlon
With a guided tour up to Vik: check out programs and availability
With a guided tour up to Jokulsarlon: check out program and availability (14-hour tour)
Day 3 – Landmannalaugar
Head to to heart of Iceland, in the Central Highlands.
Landmannalaugar is one of the most famous areas with colorful mountains and hot springs.
It is only accessible with a high clearance 4×4, crossing a pond.
With a guided tour: check out programs and availability
Day 4 – Snaefellsnes Peninsula
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature”.
It is a stunning region with a lot packed in a smaller area: fjord, volcano, glacier, lava field, waterfall…
You will visit:
- Kirkjufell, the famous mountains and its waterfall
- The lava cliffs of Arnarstapi
- and much more… depending on the tour you choose.
By yourself – Driving time = 6h – See my guide to the Snaefellsnes peninsula
With a guided tour: check out programs and availability – and This tour is one of the most popular.
Day 5 – Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon
Finish your trip by a relaxing day exploring Reykjavik.
Consider:
- Sculpture of Sun voyager at sunrise
- Cathedral
- Perlan Museum
- Flyover Iceland fun experience
- Whales of Iceland museum
- and many historical or quirky museums
See all the entrance tickets you can pre-purchase in your own currency.
And you can also:
- Go for a whale watching experience – check out programs and availability
- Visit the Blue Lagoon and soak in the hot waters – check out program and availability (45min drive from Reykjavik)
Where to stay in Reykjavik
Since you are staying in Reykjavik for 4 to 6 nights, it is important to find the ideal accommodation for your needs.
- Midborg (downtown) also known as Reykjavik 101- heart tof the city around the cathedral, filled with restaurants, cafes and bars.
From here, it is very easy to explore the city on foot. - Vesturbær – West of Midborg, getting trendier. It also give easy access to all Reykjavik attractions, while being cheaper.
- Hlidar – Younger area, mostly residential where you can find hostels
- Laugardalur – Residential area, further away from the city center. Preferred area by families
I have stayed at 4 different accommodations in Reykjavik (and I paid entirely for them, they did not know I was a blogger). All were very good.
- For a home feeling and a fantastic location, I really enjoyed my charming B&B called Reykjavik Treasure – check out photos and availability
- For a spacious apartment with cooking facilities in the city center, I had a great time at the Rey Apartments – check out photos and availability
- I also stayed at Castle House Luxury with a spacious room and good price – check out photos and availability
- Another option I experienced in Reykjavik is the hotel of Reykjavik Lights. Great facilities, the location is more for those ready to hit the road, it is not centrally located – see photos and availability
Otherwise, you can consider these options depending on what you are looking for:
- ROMANTIC – Hotel Borg, in Reykjavik, in a 1930 building – see photos and availability
- UNIQUE – Reykjavik Domes for some glamping near Reykjavik – see photos and availability
- LUXURY – Head downtown in large smart apartments at the Black Pearl – check out photos and availability
- DESIGN – If you like modern design, have a look at the 41- a Townhouse hotel! – check out photos and availability
- FAMILY – Have a look at the Old Charm Reykavik Apartments. They have 2 and 3 bedrooms apartments and a decor with a lot of character – Check availability and availability
- HOSTEL – The Reykjavik City Hostel has a good rating inside Reykjavik – check out photos and availability
- But there is a wide range of places to stay in the capital city – Choose among the best rated accommodations in Reykjavik
#4 – Iceland 5 day road trip itinerary – Wonders of the West
Introduction
If you want more variety and are ok with not visiting the glacial lagoon, you can combine all the best of South-West Iceland: Golden Circle, Silver Circle, Snaefellsnes (a.k.a. the Iceland in miniature)…
Summary
- Day 1 – Reykjanes peninsula
- Day 2 – Golden Circle
- Day 3 – Silver circle
- Day 4 – Snaefellsnes peninsula
- Day 5 – Reykjavik
You need to rent a car for this itinerary. Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – it is one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
Below is a map of where you are going around the Ring Road:
Day 1 – Reykjanes peninsula
Driving time = 2h05 to 2h40
Itinerary:
- Driving time from Keflavik airport = 25min
- Stop 1 – Gunnuhver
Gunnuhver, at the end of the Reykjanes peninsula, is a colorful geothermal area. - It displays large mud pools and fumaroles. The area is very active and may be closed because of it.
If also offers quite a contrast with the peaceful lighthouse further along the road. - Driving time = 40min
- Stop 2 – Seltun Geothermal Area
Fascinating multicolor geothermal area in Krysuvik. It is home to fumaroles and mud pools. But the main interests are the intense colors surrounding them: red, brown, silver, blue, yellow, white… - Driving time = 35min
- Stop 3 – Raufarholshellir Lava tubes
This is really a tube or tunnel (it is called the Lava tunnel) more than a cave. And it has 3 holes in its ceiling, which means you can enjoy natural light pouring in making it easier to see the lava and its colors.
Some photographers are really good at capturing this one, which is another reason why it has become one of the most popular.
It is 5000 years old.
Book your visit in your own currency - Drive time to accommodation = 25min to Selfoss or 1h to Fludir
Where to stay?
Plan 2 nights in the same accommodation either in Selfoss along Road 1 or in Fludir, to have the Secret lagoon to relax at the end of the day (To pay in your own currency and avoid extra charges, prepay your entry to the Secret Lagoon)
Check out the best-rated accommodations in Selfoss
Check out the best rated accommodations in Fludir
Day 2 – The Golden Circle
Driving time = 2h45 drive
Itinerary:
- Drive from Fludir = 30min
- Stop 1 – Gullfoss waterfall
Gullfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland.
The impressive falls are over 2 steps with an impressive surround sound.
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 10min
- Stop 2 – Haukadalur geothermal area (and geyser)
Admire the intense geothermal activity in this small area: mud pools, boiling water.. The Strokkur geyser erupting every 5 to 8 minutes.
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 35min
- Stop 3 – Kerid Crater
Beautiful crater lake displaying great contrasting colors with the red volcanic rock. It is believed not to have been formed by an explosion but when le magma chamber of the cone volcano emptied, and the top collapsed. - Driving time = 40min
- Stop 4 – Thingvellir National Park
Plan half a day to explore the National park. It is home to huge fissures created by the movements of the tectonic plates.
Consider doing the Main Fault walk from parking 1 and the Oxararfoss waterfall walk from Parking 2 (or combined with first walk).
Learn more in my article
A really unique activity to enjoy at Thingvellir is to snorkel in the crystal clear water inside one of the fissure – See availability and book your experience. - Driving time to Borgarnes = 1h
Where to stay?
Accommodation in Borgarnes – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Day 3 – Silver Circle to Snaefellsnes
Driving time = 3h45
Itinerary:
- Driving time = 30min
- Stop 1 – Deildartunguhver
This hot spring is the most powerful geothermal springs in Europe.
It is hard to imagine: It provides 180 l per second of hot water (47.5 gallons per second). The water is at 97°C (200°F) when it exits. - Driving time = 10min
- Stop 2 – Reykholt
A small historical village and an easy stop in the middle of the amazing natural attractions. - Driving time = 15min
- Stop 3 – Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
First you see Hraunfossar, also known as Lava Falls. It is 1km wide and clear water flows from every little crack in the lava. It is quite a unique sight!
Then you walk upstream and discover Barnafoss (also known as Children’s Fall). It is not a waterfall in height but mostly the powerful River Hvita rushing in a narrow gorge in the lava. - Drive time = 20min
- Stop 4 – Vidgelmir lava tunnel
It is a well-preserved lava cave / lava tube. It is located in the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Today you can enjoy a guided visit on a well set up trail to discover the incredible lava formations.
Pre-book and pay in your own currency - or Stop 5 – Ice Tunnel
In Summer, it is not possible to visit natural ice caves, since ice is less stable.
But you can visit this man-made ice tunnel under a glacier.
Book your tour - Learn more in my article about the Silver Circle
- Drive to Grundarfjordur = 2h
Where to stay?
Accommodation in Grundarfjordur – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Day 4 – Explore the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Driving time = 3h30
Explore all around the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
There are many attractions to discover. Below are some of my favorites:
- Kirkjufell and its waterfalls
It is one of the most photographed mountains, with its mesmerizing shape and 2 waterfalls.
It is particularly great under the Iceland Northern Lights… (if visiting in Autumn).
Learn more in my article - Saxholl Crater
A wonderful crater where you can hike to the top and enjoy wonderful views - Londrangar lighthouse and lava field on the other side
You can walk a well-maintained path to platforms with nice views of the cliffs or walk towards the cliffs via the lava field (right from the parking facing the ocean). - Budakirkja
The small black church surrounded by nature - Arnarstapi
Coastal area to explore with interesting lava formation such as the Gatklettur Arch, a bridge and some columns.
Plus, it offers wonderful views of the Arnarstpi mountain. - Learn more in my article about the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Where to stay?
And drive to Reykjavik – Check out best rated accommodations
Day 5 – Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon
And explore the beautiful capital city: Reykjavik.
Consider:
- Sculpture of Sun voyager at sunrise
- Cathedral
- Perlan Museum
- Flyover Iceland fun experience
- Whales of Iceland museum
- and many historical or quirky museums
See all the entrance tickets you can pre-purchase in your own currency.
And you can also:
- Go for a whale watching experience – check out programs and availability
- Visit the Blue Lagoon and soak in the hot waters – check out program and availability (45min drive from Reykjavik)
Getting Ready for a 5-day trip to Iceland
Getting to Iceland + Visa
The airport is not based in Reykjavik, but in Keflavik, which is the place to stay if your flight arrives late in the evening.
Refrain from heading Reykjavik just for the night.
The airport is a 45min drive from Reykjavik.
Iceland is included in the Schengen Visa Agreement. Therefore, many Europeans don’t need to obtain a visa.
Check here to see whether you require a visa.
Get ready to drive
Driving in Iceland is relatively easy.
Towns are small, the roads are overall in good condition.
The main dangers are some farm animals in a few areas, wind gust and looking at the scenery…
Check out all my tips and my video about driving in Iceland.
Good to know
- Phone signal – no problem along Route 1
- Wifi – often available for free in gas stations.All the accommodations where I stayed had wifi at least in the common areas.
- Showers: hot water can smell like sulfur. Don’t worry, it’s just from the heating system. No danger.
- Don’t forget to have insurance!
What to pack
You need layers.
You can have 4 seasons in one day.
So have:
- Something for when it is warm
- a layer for when it gets chilly
- a layer for when it gets rainy
- a layer for when it is windy
And check out my detailed checklists both for Summer and Winter – HERE
And keep track of your own trip!
FAQs
7 days, 10 days or 2 weeks Iceland itinerary
In 10 days or 2 weeks you can cover a lot more of Iceland. It is a very comfortable timeframe to cover the Ring Road and many detours.
- Check out my suggestions for 7 days in Iceland
- Check out my suggestions for 10-day Iceland itineraries
- Check out my suggestion for a 14 day Iceland itinerary.
5 days in Iceland: Cost
It is very difficult to give you an idea of what it would look like because it depends on a lot of factors (type of accommodation, type of cars, number of travelers…).
Just know that Iceland is quite expensive.
For a couple:
- an economic tour (shared bathrooms, no tours, cheap small car rental) – 1500 to 2200 USD, depending on month
- a comfort tour (private bathrooms, medium range accommodation, budget car) – around 1700 to 3000 USD, depending on month
- a quality tour (higher range accommodation, comfort 4WD car) – around 3000 to 4000 USD, depending on month
Best time to visit Iceland for 5 days
June-August – peak season
- Advantages – Long daylight hours, green scenery
- You can see – lupine fields (June-July), midnight sun in June, whales, Puffins (May to mid-July)
- However you get higher prices, more tourists
- and no chances of seeing aurora borealis (not enough dark hours)
May and September-beginning October
- My favorite time
- Advantages – Still enough daylight hours, spring and autumn colors, roads still in good condition
- You can see – aurora borealis, Whales between May and September (Killer whales in May), Puffins in May
- BUT colder weather than Summer
Winter
- Advantages – Not too many tourists, stunning landscapes with snow, interesting low light for photography, good prices
- You can see – aurora borealis, winter wonders such as the blue caves, frozen waterfalls,
- BUT Difficult driving conditions, many roads closed, not many hours of light
- If you are planning a road trip in Winter – head to this article instead
Learn more on my article about the best time to visit Iceland.
Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?
- 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures – read article
- The best stops on the Ring Road – read article
- The best locations off the beaten path around Iceland – read article
- 21 Most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland – read article
- Top 5 places to see around Myvatn – read article
- 5 best Lava Fields in Iceland – read article
- The 10 best lava caves in Iceland – read article
- The 5 most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland – read article
Planning a trip to Iceland?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 130+ original photos to help you choose
Want to see more of ICELAND?
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Iceland itinerary 7 days (5 options)
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