This 5-day itinerary for Iceland packs in all the top sights to see in the summer. In a short amount of time, this trip fits in the Southern Coast, Golden Circle, and Reykjavik. This will give you a great taste of all that Iceland offers, especially if it’s a first-time trip. Get ready for a self-drive tour of Iceland as this is the best way to experience the island.
Planning a trip to Iceland can be overwhelming but we try to keep this 5-day itinerary simple with the must-see stops and the best places to stay to make it easy. This itinerary assumes going in the summer months, this is best for a first-time trip to see the most. We recommend two nights in Vík and two nights in Reykjavík. If you have more time stay longer at each stop or add on seeing the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Westman Islands, or the full Ring Road. But don’t try the full ring road in 5 days as you’d see less at the expense of driving more.
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Day 1: Arrival and the South Coast
Arrival in Iceland and Rental Car
- Pick up your rental car after landing at Keflavík International Airport (KEF). This is the most flexible way to get around and driving is quite easy. You want to opt for full insurance (even if you have it through a credit card) as Iceland can be very unpredictable.
- Lotus Car Rental and Blue Car Rental are both very reputable local companies. Recommend reserving a car (4WD is not necessary for the areas in this itinerary) but don’t pre-pay. Check with the other company 1 week before your trip and sometimes you can save by switching.
What to see in Iceland’s South Coast
Iceland’s South Coast offers a realm of raw natural beauty. Here, you’ll witness cascading waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. This stretch of coastline is perfect for first-time visitors seeking to capture Iceland’s iconic landscapes. If you have extra time, walk upon the glistening sands of Sólheimasandur and see the plane wreck or do a glacier tour.
Explore South Coast Waterfalls
Drive east along the Ring Road and see Iceland’s iconic waterfalls.
- Seljalandsfoss – This 200 foot waterfall is not to be missed. Visitors can walk behind the falls into a small cave but a full rain jacket and waterproof pants are recommended otherwise you’ll be soaked the rest of the day.
- Gljúfrabúi (or Canyon Dweller) waterfall is a lesser-known beautiful waterfall located very close to Seljalandsfoss if you have more time.
- Skógafoss – make the climb up 370 steps to the top of the waterfall and you’ll be well rewarded with amazing views. Skógafoss often produces single or double rainbows due to the spray from the falls. But don’t stop there, continue hiking and the path will lead you past 25 waterfalls if you finish the 5-mile (8 km) hike along the Skógá River. This is also the start of the Fimmvorduhals Pass, a popular hiking route.
- Nauthúsagil Ravine – This is one of our absolute favorites but it’s a bit adventurous and takes being physically active. Nauthúsagil is located in South Iceland, not far from Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls. The hike is a short 20 minutes following the ravine stepping on rocks along the ravine side until you come to a small water crossing. There are chains along the rock wall side that are used to climb up the small waterfall. On the other side is an epic waterfall in all its glory to take in the views before returning in the same direction. Recommend Keen hiking sandals the are protective but can get wet and a waterproof phone case. This stop could also be done on the way back if there’s not enough time.
Stay in Vik
Stay for the night in the charming town of Vík. See stay options for Vík here – Farmhouse Lodge is our favorite.
Drive
From the airport to Vik is a 3-hour drive without stops. If this is too much driving consider staying somewhere in between like Hella (see stays here).
Midnight Sun
From May through August the sun never fully sets in Iceland due to a phenomenon known as the midnight sun. The peak of Iceland’s midnight sun, with the longest daylight, is near the summer solstice in June. A visit to Iceland in the summer allows for longer days to maximize sightseeing.
Day 2: Black Sand Beaches in Vík
Vík, is the southernmost village in Iceland and is a great base for exploring the South Coast. It’s renowned for its striking black sand beaches, framed by the Reynisdrangar sea stacks that rise dramatically from the ocean. The powerful waves of the Atlantic add to the picturesque scene, but be cautious – the area is known for its unpredictable ‘sneaker waves’.
What to see near Vík
- Dyrhólaey Arch and Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks: Discover the black sand beaches near Vík, including the Dyrhólaey rock arch and the Reynisdrangar Sea stacks. Puffins can often be spotted here
- Katla Geopark
- There are many great tours and adventures from Vík. Check out Viator Tours.
Stay in Vík
Stay for the night in the charming town of Vík. See stay options for Vík here – Farmhouse Lodge is our favorite.
Day 3: Vík to Golden Circle
Today, get an early start and head north from Vik to see a portion or all of the Golden Circle. With so much natural beauty in Iceland, the challenge will be driving through with as few stops as possible. We’re packing it in for this 5-day itinerary for Iceland.
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route, showcasing the island’s dramatic natural wonders. This loop encompasses Thingvellir (Þingvellir ) National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history and geological wonders. Visitors can also marvel at the explosive Strokkur Geysir within the Great Geysir geothermal area, and witness the cascading majesty of the Gullfoss waterfall, the “Golden Falls.”
Stops on the Golden Circle
This order maximizes time and stops when starting in Vik and ending in Reykjavik.
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Strokkur Geysir
- Thingvellir (Þingvellir ) National Park – do this stop on the way to Reykjavik
If you have more time, stop at one of the area’s many hot springs: the Secret Lagoon, Laugarvatn Fontana Hot Spring Spa, or Hrunalaug Hot Springs. Check out our map of the best hot springs in Iceland.
Stay in Reykjavik
Here are all the best stay options in Reykjavik.
Check parking options through your hotel or Google Maps as street parking is often prevalent.
Day 4: Reykjavík and Hot Springs in Iceland
Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, is a vibrant blend of modern energy and traditional Nordic charm. Known for its colorful buildings, lively arts scene, and buzzing nightlife, the city has so much to offer. Don’t miss the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church or immerse yourself in history at the National Museum of Iceland. This wonderfully walkable city invites you to explore at your own pace. Reward your efforts with a taste of Iceland’s freshest seafood at the harborside restaurants or join tourists and locals alike in line at the iconic Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hotdog stand. Lastly, no trip to Iceland would be complete without a visit to the hot springs.
Best things to do in Reykjavík
- See the Hallgrímskirkja church
- Walk down the rainbow road
- Go shopping on Laugavegur Street and enjoy small bakeries and shops
- Hús máls og menningar is a unique book cafe on Laugavegur Street that’s a coffee shop by day and a bar and live music at night. Don’t miss the block-long hopscotch and track race lines on this pedestrian street with a lively night bar scene.
- See the Sun Voyager sculpture
Hot Springs In Iceland
Iceland is known for the many naturally occurring hot springs that can be found throughout the country. What a great way to end the trip with a relaxing visit to a hot springs. We typically recommend Blue Lagoon for first-time visitors but due to the current volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula things are unpredictable and air quality continues to be a concern. See Things to Know When Planning
Sky Lagoon: is a great option with an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This one is adults only but if you’re traveling with kids check out our full list of the best hot springs in Iceland.
Stay in Reykjavik
There are many great stay options in Reykjavik check out our recommended stay options here.
Day 5: Travel day
This is a travel day to check out of your accommodation, return the rental vehicle, and head to Keflavík Airport.
Travel Planning Tips for a Trip to Iceland
Iceland can be a challenging trip to plan, but we gathered these frequently asked questions to help you plan the perfect 5-day itinerary for Iceland.
What to do in Iceland with 7, 10 or 14 days?
Here are some additional things not to miss in Iceland if you have more than five days. These are some of the favorite things we’ve seen over multiple trips.
- Complete ring road tour
- Take the ferry to Westman Islands
- Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in Skaftafell
- Stuðlagil Canyon
- Seydisfjordur’s rainbow road and charming town for lunch
- Myvatns geothermal area and bakery for “geysir bread”
- Whale watching with North Sailing from Húsavík
- Horseback riding with Polar Hestar
- Laufas Turf Houses
- Vatnajökull national park
- Snæfellsnes peninsula – often called ‘Iceland in Miniature’
- LAVA Centre
- If you want adventure-filled, go on a 4×4 tour of the highlands that includes Landmannalaugar
Should I be concerned about volcanic eruptions in Iceland?
There is currently an active volcanic eruption and the Reykjanes Peninsula and Grindavik are mainly closed to outside visitors. The Blue Lagoon recently reopened (4/6/24) select facilities but most locals agree this isn’t wise so based on current conditions I recommend Sky Lagoon or another hotsprings.
The volcanic site isn’t currently open to visitors but if it’s still active during your visit this site can give you more info on where you can view it safely. It is recommended to follow and/or download apps from these major sites SafeTravel.is, en.Vedur.is and road.is for current conditions as things change frequently in Iceland.
What apps should I download before a visit to Iceland?
Google maps is incredibly helpful. Download the offline map for Iceland and save a shared list of all your stops for easy navigation on the go. Other great apps to download for Iceland are: Vedur (for weather), SafeTravel (real-time updates on weather, road conditions, and Volcanic activity), Parka and EasyPark (both used for paying for parking), and Wolt Food Delivery.
How can I get Wifi in Iceland?
The best option for wifi on the go in Iceland is renting a Trawire Wifi Modem. Since the majority of time in Iceland is spent in a vehicle or exploring the outdoors having a portable wifi device that can help allow seamless GPS mapping, trail routes, etc. Reserve online, pickup at the counter in the TenEleven Store in the Airport (open 24/7) and return in an envelope.
If you’re looking for more ways to save money on a trip to Iceland check out this post. More ways to save money in Iceland
What month is the best to visit Iceland?
For a first time trip, June is an amazing month to visit Iceland. Most roads (likely not in the highlands) and main attractions are open and accessible. The crowd levels are still low and make sightseeing more enjoyable. The midnight sun will allow for a full itinerary getting to see all the top sights. In June, the lupines are also in full bloom making for a beautiful sight.
If you’re looking to see the northern lights in Iceland, then you’ll want to plan a trip from September through March. This is when the nights are long during the winter solstice but the downside is it’s much more difficult to sightsee because the darkness can extend for approximately 19 hours a day. Check also to confirm there’s not a full moon planned for when you want to visit as this can drown out seeing the aurora.
Where to stay in Iceland?
We highly recommend checking out our guide on where to stay in Iceland by region We recommend reserving stays through Booking.com and selecting the cancelable option. Iceland often takes some shuffling around when planning and this helps. Also, during the months of October-May the weather can be so unpredictable and can impact travel plans so it’s nice to have cancelable stays for flexibility if plans need to change.
What should I pack for a trip to Iceland?
Our Packing Guide is here – don’t underestimate the weather changing every 10 minutes and the need for layers even in the summer. The most important layer is the outer water and windproof jacket. These will save you multiple times a day and will be used for waterfall stops where you can be completely drenched if you don’t have them. Also, don’t forget an eye mask for sleeping as many hotels or Airb&b’s don’t provide adequate curtains to keep out the midnight sun. Lastly, consider bringing reusable grocery bags or using them to pack. Iceland is incredibly eco-friendly and there are no single-use plastics.
Do I need 4WD when renting a vehicle in Iceland?
You do not need 4WD when renting a car in Iceland from May-October as long as you don’t plan to drive on any F-Roads.
F-roads are unpaved gravel roads leading to the inner part of Iceland, the highlands. They sometimes are referred to as highland or mountain roads and often involve river crossings.
The ring road is the main road circling Iceland is paved and very easy driving.
In the winter, it can be helpful to have 4WD but still not required. In any season, get the full insurance offered through the car rental company as high winds or other unpredictable weather conditions can impact driving conditions.
This 5-day itinerary for Iceland is intended to provide inspiration for planning an amazing adventure. The cascading waterfalls of its Southern Coast, the geothermal wonders of the Golden Circle, and the vibrant charm of Reykjavik all form an unforgettable trip. This serves as a starting place for a road trip itinerary, but remember there are so many hidden gems along the way. Embrace the unpredictable weather and let the raw beauty of Iceland captivate you. Find us on Instagram at Almost There Adventures and check out our saved Iceland story highlight as we completed the ring road on our two-week Iceland adventure.
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