5 days in Iceland: Itinearies for First-Time & Returning Visitors

5-day Itinerary for First-Timers: Golden Circle & South Coast Marvels

You can see plenty of things in 5 days in Iceland. However, minimising the driving time is key. That’s why we think sticking to the

Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavik – Start Your Trip

Your trip begins in Reykjavik, Iceland’s busy capital city. After you land at Keflavik International Airport, pick up your rental car and drive about 45 minutes into town. Picking the right car is key for a comfortable trip, as you’ll be using it a lot. When you get there, check into a cozy hotel like Sandhotel or Center Hotels. Spend your afternoon walking around downtown Reykjavik. Stop by the famous Hallgrimskirkja church and take a picture of its cool design. You can pay a small fee to go up to the tower and see great views of the city, mountains, and ocean. Then, walk down Laugavegur street, the main shopping area, where you can grab a coffee at Sandholt Bakery or buy a wool sweater to stay warm.

Later, go to Icelandic Street Food for dinner and try their yummy lamb soup served in a bread bowl—it’s filling and not too expensive. If you’re there between September and April, consider booking a Northern Lights tour for the evening. These tours take you to dark spots away from city lights to see the glowing Northern Lights in the sky. After your first day of exploring, head back to your hotel and sleep well. You’ll need lots of energy for next day’s trip to the Golden Circle.

Highlights:

• Keflavik International Airport (arrival and car pickup)
• Downtown Reykjavik
• Hallgrimskirkja church
• Laugavegur street
• Sandholt Bakery
• Icelandic Street Food

Day 2: The Golden Circle – Nature’s Best Spots

Today, you’ll check out the Golden Circle, a popular route with some of Iceland’s best natural sights. Start by driving 45 minutes from Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park, one of the three national parks in the country. Here, you can walk between two called tectonic plates, which create a broad valley, and visit the Öxarárfoss Waterfall right by the entrance. This park is also famous because Iceland’s first parliament, the Althing, started here in 930 AD. Take a walk on the trails, and if you’re feeling brave, you can even snorkel in the clear waters of Silfra fissure where the plates meet underwater.

Next, drive 40 minutes to the Geysir area, a geothermal area where hot water bubbles up from the ground. The main attraction is Strokkur geyser, which shoots water really high, about 30 meters, every 5 to 10 minutes—it’s fun to watch and great for photos. Just 10 minutes away is Gullfoss, a big waterfall that drops into a deep canyon in two steps. You can stand close enough to feel the misty spray on your face from the viewing spots. On your way back to Reykjavik, stop at Fridheimar, a cool greenhouse restaurant, and have some tomato soup made from tomatoes grown right there. They also have many different types of bread, and you can eat as many as you want. Drive back to Reykjavik, about 1.5 hours, and enjoy dinner at Dill for nice Icelandic food or relax with a drink at Kex Hostel’s bar.

The Golden Circle is the most famous route in the country, so it’s usually packed, especially in the summer. So much so, that the three main attractions were the three most-visited places in 2024 in the whole country. If you want to skip the crowds a little bit, there are some diverse hidden gems that are worth visiting, such as the Secret Lagoon, The Cave People, or Brúarfoss Waterfall.

Highlights:

• Thingvellir National Park (tectonic plates, Öxarárfoss Waterfall, Silfra fissure)
• Geysir area (Strokkur geyser)
• Gullfoss waterfall
• Fridheimar greenhouse restaurant
• Secret Lagoon (optional)
• Brúarfoss Waterfall (optional)
• The Cave People Museum (optional)

Day 3: South Coast Bound – Waterfalls and Black Sands

Get up early and drive southeast from Reykjavik toward Vik, a small town about 2.5 hours away. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a pretty 60-meter waterfall you can walk behind for a unique view. The path gets wet and slippery, so wear strong shoes and a rain jacket. About 20 minutes down the road is Skógafoss, another big waterfall that’s also 60 meters tall. This is one of my favorites (if not my favorite). It’s pure raw power. Climb the stairs to the top for a great view of the coast and fields below. Both waterfalls are famous and perfect for taking pictures, so don’t hurry through them. If you’re into waterfalls, there’s a hidden waterfall next to Seljalandsfoss called Gljúfrabúi that’s pretty cool to visit, as it’s inside a canyon.

Keep going to Reynisfjara Beach, close to Vik, where you’ll see black sand and tall basalt columns. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks stick out of the ocean and make the place look like another world. The waves can be strong, so stay back from the water to be safe. When you reach Vik, check into Guesthouse Carina for a comfy stay. For dinner, head to Sudur Vik and enjoy some tasty fish and chips. Tomorrow, you’ll explore more of the South Coast, so take it easy tonight and rest.

Highlights:

• Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Skogafoss waterfall
• Gljúfrabúi waterfall (optional)
• Reynisfjara Beach (Reynisdrangar sea stacks)
• Vik (Guesthouse Carina, Sudur Vik)

Day 4: South Coast Exploration – Glaciers and Canyons

From Vik, drive 45 minutes east to Skaftafell, a pretty area in Vatnajokull National Park. This spot has glaciers, forests, and waterfalls. A top activity is hiking to Svartifoss, a waterfall surrounded by black rock columns. The hike takes 1 to 2 hours on a round trip and isn’t too tough, with lovely views along the way. You can also explore other trails or stop by the visitor center to learn about the land and its history.

If you want fun and adventure, book a glacier walk on Svinafellsjokull, part of the big Vatnajokull glacier. These tours take 3 to 4 hours with a guide and give you gear to walk on the ice safely. This is one of the best and most unique activities to do here, so I really encourage you to do. Next, drive 1 hour to Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a quiet place where icebergs float in front of a glacier. It’s calmer than other lagoons, and you can take a boat ride or just enjoy the view from the shore. Drive back to Vik, about 1 hour, and if the sky is clear, look up at the stars—the South Coast has dark nights perfect for stargazing.

Most itineraries include the Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach, but we wanted to offer a more special and less crowded option. If you choose Jökulsarlon, you’ll enjoy it just as much. It’s gorgeous. If you feel like you have time to see everything, that’s even better.

Highlights:

• Skaftafell (Vatnajokull National Park, Svartifoss waterfall)
• Svinafellsjokull glacier (glacier walk)
• Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (optional)
• Diamond Beach (optional)

Day 5: Back to Reykjavik – Hot Springs Finale

Say goodbye to Vik and start your 2.5-hour drive back to Reykjavik. Halfway there, stop at Seljavallalaug, one of Iceland’s oldest pools hidden in a valley. Park your car and hike 20 minutes to reach this free, warm pool—it’s a relaxing spot to soak and think about your trip. It’s simple with basic changing areas, so bring a towel and swimsuit. The natural heat comes from the ground, making it a cool secret spot. It’s colder than other hot springs, but it’s warm enough to be comfy, especially when it's not super cold outside.

When you get to Reykjavik by mid-afternoon, you’ve got time for a few last things. Go back to Laugavegur street for souvenirs if you need them. Or visit Harpa Concert Hall, a shiny glass building with great views of the harbor and stuff to see. If you haven’t seen the Northern Lights yet and the weather looks good, book a tour for your final night. Then, drive 45 minutes to Keflavik Airport, drop off your rental car, and head home with tons of memories from Iceland’s incredible landscapes and fun trips.

Highlights:

• Seljavallalaug pool
• Laugavegur street (optional)
• Harpa Concert Hall (optional)
• Keflavik International Airport (departure)

Alternative 5-Day Itinerary: Snæfellsnes Peninsula and West Iceland

If you’re fortunate enough to be visiting a second time and you’ve already seen the popular Golden Circle and the South Coast, we’ve got another 5-day itinerary for you. This one focuses on the amazing Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the secret spots of West Iceland.

Day 1: Reykjavik to Snæfellsnes – Peninsula Vibes

Your trip starts at Keflavik Airport, where you’ll pick up your rental car and head toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The drive to Grundarfjordur, your base for the next two nights, takes about two hours. On the way, stop at Gerðuberg Cliffs, a cool spot with tall basalt columns that look like a giant’s staircase. It’s a short visit, great for stretching your legs and taking a few pictures. Once you get to Grundarfjordur, check into the comfy Grundarfjordur Guesthouse, a nice place to settle in after your drive.

In the afternoon, visit Kirkjufell mountain, a sharp peak you might know as the Arrowhead Mountain from Game of Thrones. Just a short walk away is Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, a pretty spot for photos, especially at sunset. The mountain and waterfall together make a beautiful view. For dinner, head to Bjargarsteinn, a restaurant with fresh fish and great ocean views. After a good meal, relax for the night, and if the sky is clear, watch for the Northern Lights—they might show up.

Highlights:

• Keflavik International Airport (arrival and car pickup)
• Gerðuberg Cliffs
• Grundarfjordur (Grundarfjordur Guesthouse)
• Kirkjufell mountain
• Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall
• Bjargarsteinn restaurant

Day 2: Snæfellsnes Wonders – Volcanoes and Shores

Start your day with a 30-minute drive to Djupalonssandur Beach, a black pebble beach with lots of personality. You can look at pieces of an old shipwreck and try lifting the heavy stones fishermen once used to test their strength. The dark sand and tall cliffs make it a great spot for pictures. Next, drive 15 minutes to Snæfellsjökull National Park, home to the Snæfellsjökull glacier-volcano that inspired Journey to the Center of the Earth. If you’re up for it, book a guided tour to Vatnshellir Cave (book ahead) to see the underground lava tubes.

After that, head to Arnarstapi, a small village about 20 minutes away, famous for its sea cliffs and unique stone arches. You can take the coastal path that connects Arnarstapi with Hellnar to enjoy the beautiful wild scenery and maybe see some seabirds. There’s also a statue of Bárður Snæfellsás, a character from Icelandic stories, which adds a bit of fun. Drive back to Grundarfjordur for a chill evening. If you’re lucky, the Northern Lights could light up the sky tonight.

Highlights:

• Djupalonssandur Beach
• Snæfellsjokull National Park (Snæfellsjokull glacier-volcano, Vatnshellir Cave)
• Arnarstapi
• Hellnar

Day 3: Snæfellsnes to Borgarnes – Westward Ho!

Leave Snæfellsnes behind and drive 45 minutes to Stykkisholmur, a cute fishing village with colorful houses and a pretty harbor. Spend time walking around, checking out the local museum, or sipping coffee at Narfeyrarstofa, a cozy café. The village has a relaxed feel, perfect for a morning break. Then, keep going to Borgarnes, which is about an hour away. This little town sits by a fjord and has great views and a lot of history.

When you arrive, check into Hotel Borgarnes or a nearby guesthouse. Spend the afternoon at the Settlement Centre, where fun displays tell you about Iceland’s early settlers and Viking stories. It’s an easy way to learn about the country’s past. For dinner, eat at the Settlement Centre’s restaurant, which offers yummy and simple meals. It even has a vegetarian lunch buffet. Afterward, take a quiet walk by the water to enjoy the peaceful scenery before bedtime.

Highlights:

• Stykkisholmur (village, Narfeyrarstofa café)
• Borgarnes (Hotel Borgarnes, Settlement Centre)

Stykkisholmur

Day 4: West Iceland Gems – Waterfalls and Hot Springs

Today, you’ll check out West Iceland’s natural highlights. Start with a 45-minute drive to Hraunfossar, a bunch of waterfalls that flow through lava fields into a bright blue river. The water seems to come out of nowhere, which makes it really special. Just five minutes away is Barnafoss, a strong waterfall tied to a sad story about two boys who fell into the rapids. Visiting both waterfalls is lovely, because they’re very different, but both are beautiful and have a calm setting that evokes calmness.

Next, drive 30 minutes to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s strongest hot spring. The steaming water and intense heat from the earth are truly impressive. Nearby, relax at Krauma Spa (book ahead), where you can soak in hot tubs and saunas powered by the hot spring. The spa is modern and has a calm vibe, perfect for relaxing. Head back to Borgarnes for the night, and if you’re in the mood, try the seafood at Englendingavík, a very popular restaurant among locals.

Highlights:

• Hraunfossar waterfalls
• Barnafoss waterfall
• Deildartunguhver hot spring
• Krauma Spa
• Englendingavík restaurant (optional)

Day 5: Back to Reykjavik – Craters and Farewell

On your final day, start your trip back to Reykjavik with a stop at Grabrok Crater, just 30 minutes from Borgarnes. A quick 20-minute hike to the top gives you a great view of the lava fields and the mountains in the background—it’s an excellent spot for photos and a last look at Iceland’s volcanic scenery. After your hike, drive about two hours to Keflavik Airport.

If you have extra time, stop in Reykjavik, 45 minutes from Keflavik, for a quick souvenir or coffee. Or take the drive slowly, enjoying the views one last time. Then, drop off your rental car at the airport and catch your flight, already thinking about your next Iceland trip.

Rent a car in Iceland

Enjoy your 5 days in Iceland with the total freedom of having your own vehicle

Check our prices

Highlights:

• Grabrok Crater
• Reykjavik (optional stop)
• Keflavik International Airport (departure)

Conclusion

And there you have it—two awesome 5-day trips to explore Iceland’s incredible sights! Whether you pick the Golden Circle and South Coast with its famous waterfalls, geysers, and black sand beaches, or go for the quieter Snæfellsnes Peninsula and West Iceland with its incredible volcanoes, cliffs, and hot springs, you’re in for a real treat. Both plans keep driving time short so you can soak up the fun without feeling rushed. Iceland’s got so much to offer—big views, tasty food, and a bit of adventure around every corner. Pick the best one to you, pack your bags, and prepare for a trip you won’t forget. Safe travels, and enjoy our fantastic little island!