Five days in Iceland is enough to see a remarkable amount: Reykjavík, the geysers and waterfalls of the Golden Circle, the black-sand beaches of the south coast, and the icebergs of Jökulsárlón. This itinerary for 5 days in Iceland is designed for a rental car, starting and ending in Reykjavík, and works year-round with a little flexibility for winter weather and short days.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Reykjavík
- Day 2: The Golden Circle
- Day 3: The South Coast to Vík
- Day 4: Glaciers and Jökulsárlón
- Day 5: Back to Reykjavík and a boat trip
Day 1: Reykjavík
- Arrival: Keflavík Airport is about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. If you want a lagoon soak straight after your flight, the Blue Lagoon is on the way, but check whether it is open, as volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula has caused closures.
- Hallgrímskirkja: Ride the elevator up the tower of Iceland's most famous church, inspired by basalt columns, for views over the colorful rooftops.
- Perlan: A museum on a hill with exhibitions on volcanoes, glaciers, and the northern lights, including a man-made ice cave, plus a viewing deck.
- Evening: Walk along the waterfront to the Harpa concert hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture, and explore the street art, shops, and restaurants around Laugavegur.
Day 2: The Golden Circle
Pick up your rental car and drive this classic loop, about 230 km in total.
- Þingvellir National Park: Walk through the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, at the site of Iceland's ancient parliament. Book ahead if you want to snorkel in the Silfra fissure.
- Geysir: Watch the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes, usually shooting water 15 to 20 meters high. The Great Geysir next to it is now mostly dormant.
- Gullfoss: A powerful two-tiered waterfall plunging into a canyon.
- Optional: Stop at the Kerið crater lake, or soak in a geothermal pool before driving south to stay near Hella or Selfoss.
Day 3: The South Coast
- Seljalandsfoss: Walk the path behind this waterfall. Bring a waterproof jacket.
- Skógafoss: A 60-meter waterfall where rainbows often form in the spray. Climb the stairs to the viewpoint at the top.
- Dyrhólaey: A headland with a giant sea arch and puffins in summer.
- Reynisfjara: A black-sand beach with basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Sneaker waves here are deadly, so stay well back from the water and never turn your back on the sea.
- Vík: Spend the night in this small village beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
Day 4: Glaciers and Jökulsárlón
- Drive east: The road from Vík to Jökulsárlón takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, across lava fields and past the Vatnajökull glacier, Iceland's largest.
- A glacier hike: Join a guided hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier near Vík or on an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, such as at Skaftafell. In winter, guided tours visit natural ice caves.
- Jökulsárlón: Take a boat tour among the icebergs of the glacier lagoon, then walk on Diamond Beach, where ice sparkles on the black sand.
- Evening: Stay in the area and look for the northern lights if you are visiting between September and April.
Tip: Days 3 and 4 involve a lot of driving. If you prefer a slower pace, turn back at Vík and spend day 4 on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or relaxing near Reykjavík instead.
Day 5: Back to Reykjavík and a Boat Trip
- Drive back: The drive from Jökulsárlón to Reykjavík takes about five hours, so start early.
- Whale watching: Boats leave from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. You may see minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises, and in summer, puffin colonies on nearby islands.
- Evening: Celebrate your last night with Icelandic lamb or fresh fish, or join a northern lights boat tour in winter.
Tips for Your 5-Day Iceland Trip
- Check conditions daily: Look at the road conditions and weather forecasts each morning, especially in winter.
- Drive safely: Never stop on the road for photos, watch out for single-lane bridges, and do not drive off-road, which is illegal.
- Book ahead: Accommodation along the south coast fills up, especially in summer.
- Stay connected: An egoViet Iceland eSIM keeps you online for maps, road alerts, and aurora forecasts.
For more ideas, read our Iceland travel guide and the best time to visit Iceland.
FAQs: 5 Days in Iceland
Is 5 days enough in Iceland?
Yes, for Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, and the south coast. To drive the full Ring Road, you need at least a week.
Can I do this itinerary without a car?
Yes. Base yourself in Reykjavík and join day tours to the Golden Circle, the south coast, and Jökulsárlón.
Is it safe to drive in Iceland in winter?
It can be, with a 4x4, careful driving, and daily checks of the road and weather conditions. If you are not used to snow and ice, choose guided tours instead.
Where should I stay on the south coast?
Hella, Vík, and the area around Skaftafell or Jökulsárlón are convenient bases. Book early.