5 Days in Iceland: Three Amazing Road Trip Itineraries

Are you planning on spending 5 days in Iceland? Here are 3 different 5-day itineraries based on our experience exploring Iceland.

If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to Iceland, we highly recommend a 5-day itinerary. This will give you enough time to explore some of the most popular sights, as well as the chance to go off the beaten path a little.

Unless you’re planning on driving the entire Ring Road – which we do NOT recommend doing in just 5 days – you’ll have plenty of time to explore some of the country’s most beautiful scenery without feeling too rushed.

We’ve visited Iceland multiple times, and honestly, no two trips ever feel the same.

In this guide, we’re sharing three amazing ways to spend 5 days in Iceland – one that focuses on the iconic South Coast and Golden Circle, one that includes the Reykjanes Peninsula, and another that takes you through the less-travelled Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Either itinerary can be done as a road trip from Reykjavik, and they all include geothermal pools, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and stunning coastal drives.

So, if you’re planning the perfect five days in Iceland, here are 3 different ideas of how to spend your time!

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Iceland Must-Do’s!

These are 5 bucket-list experiences we recommend to everyone who visits Iceland! ❤️

Things to Know Before You Go

Driving in Iceland – Road conditions are generally good, but if you’re visiting in winter, be prepared for snow and icy conditions, especially if you venture off the Ring Road. Check out our full guide to driving in Iceland.
Time of year – Both itineraries work year-round, but winter is best for Northern Lights and summer for long daylight hours. Also, you may want to ensure more flexibility if you’re travelling in winter to allow for bad weather and road closures. Check out our full guide to the best time to visit Iceland.
Booking ahead – Popular hotels, tours, cars, and thermal spas can book out months in advance, so be sure to book your time slot in advance to ensure you can do everything you want.

Car hire – You’ll definitely need to rent a car for this trip. However, if you’re planning on basing yourself in Reykjavik, you can do day trips from the city. Check out our 3 days in Reykjavik guide for our city break itinerary.

🚗 We use this company every time we hire a car in Iceland, and they always give us the best deals!

The Ultimate Done-For-You Iceland Itinerary!

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Itinerary 1: The Classic South Coast + Golden Circle

This is the classic 5-day Iceland itinerary and covers all of the most popular places to visit in Iceland. This includes the Golden Circle, Reykjavik, and the highlights of the South Coast.

Day 1 – Reykjavik & The Blue Lagoon

Like most travellers, you’ll probably land at Keflavik Airport. Once you’ve picked up your car, one of the best ways to start your trip is to head straight to the Blue Lagoon, which is only about 20 minutes away.

Milky blue geothermal pools weave through rugged black lava rock, creating a striking contrast in the Icelandic landscape. The mineral-rich water, known for its silica and algae content, glows against the dark volcanic terrain. Patches of moss and lichen cling to the rocks, adding a touch of green to the otherwise stark and otherworldly setting. The overcast sky enhances the lagoon’s ethereal beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Iceland.

Floating in that milky-blue geothermal water after a flight is the perfect way to start your trip, plus it’s a great way to tick something off your Iceland bucket list!

💡 TOP TIP: Book your Blue Lagoon tickets well in advance as they do sell out, so this will ensure you can get the time slot you want.

After you’ve relaxed in the Blue Lagoon, drive into Reykjavik (about 40 minutes) and spend the rest of the day exploring the city centre.

There are some amazing things to see in Reykjavik, including:

Hallgrímskirkja for panoramic views,
Harpa Concert Hall,
Sun Voyager Sculpture,
A stroll down Rainbow Street.

A vibrant rainbow-painted street in Reykjavik, Iceland, leading directly to the towering Hallgrímskirkja church in the distance. The pedestrian-friendly area is lined with charming shops, cafes, and parked electric scooters, with people strolling along the sidewalks. The overcast sky adds a moody contrast to the colourful pavement, making the scene feel lively yet serene.

Grab dinner in one of Reykjavik’s cosy restaurants (Messinn and Reykjavik Street Food are two of our favourites) and get some rest.

🏨 Stay overnight in Reykjavik. We recommend this hotel, which we loved when we visited the city.

Day 2 – Golden Circle

No Iceland itinerary is complete without a day exploring the Golden Circle. It’s a classic for a reason and one of the most visited places in Iceland.

Admittedly, it’s quite touristy and will likely be busy. However, you can’t visit Iceland and not see this place!

The route is almost a full loop, and we recommend finishing at the bottom, which leaves you in a prime position to visit the South Coast the following day.

You’ll be visiting:

Þingvellir National Park – where you can see the tectonic rift and Iceland’s first parliament site. There’s a beautiful walk here to Oxararfoss waterfall, which gives you stunning views over the lakes in the park.

The beautiful Oxararfoss waterfall in Thingvellir National Park

Geysir Geothermal Area – this might be the busiest place on this itinerary, but it’s well worth a stop. You can watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes and explore other hot springs and bubbling mud pots in the area.

A powerful geyser erupts in Iceland, shooting a column of steaming water high into the air against a bright blue sky. A crowd of spectators stands at a safe distance, watching the natural phenomenon unfold. The surrounding geothermal area is covered in mineral-rich, rocky terrain with steam rising from the ground.

Gullfoss Waterfall – one of the most powerful and iconic waterfalls in Iceland. You can admire this from several different viewpoints. If you visit in summer, you can also walk right down to the top of the waterfall for a much closer look.

A rainy summer day at Gullfoss waterfall

Kerid Crater – a colourful volcanic crater lake and the final stop on this day. It’s located south of the Golden Circle and is often considered an ‘extra’ stop. However, we love it because of the colourful rock colours and amazing views from the rim.

A person wearing a yellow winter jacket and black gloves stands with arms raised at the edge of Kerið Crater in Iceland, overlooking the partially frozen lake inside. The crater's steep, rugged slopes display earthy red and brown tones, contrasting with the icy blue water. Snow-capped mountains stretch across the horizon under a bright blue sky, creating a stunning panoramic view.

Once you’ve driven the Golden Circle, head to Selfoss for the night.

Hotel Selfoss is one of our favourite hotels in Iceland, and we stayed here on our 5-day road trip around south Iceland in March. It has a restaurant and a spa, plus our favourite food court in Iceland is right across the road.

🏨 Stay overnight at this lovely spa hotel in Selfoss.

Day 3 – South Coast Highlights

Today is one of the most scenic driving days of the entire trip. The South Coast is just breathtaking and one of our favourite places to visit in Iceland.

To be honest, you could easily spend a week on the south coast and not run out of things to do, especially in summer when many of the hiking trails are open. However, since you only have 5 days in Iceland, today, we’ll be focusing on the highlights.

Woman standing near the base of Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland with water cascading down cliffs behind her.

After you leave Selfoss, it’s only around an hour’s drive to the first stop. Then you’ll be visiting some of Iceland’s most incredible waterfalls and the famous black sand beach!

Stops include:

Seljalandsfoss – the waterfall you can usually walk behind (in winter, the path may be closed, but it’s still stunning). This is one of Iceland’s most magnificent waterfalls, and the scenery here is always magnificent. However, be sure to bring waterproofs, as you can get pretty wet here!

Us standing behind the magnificent Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland

Gljúfrabúi – a hidden waterfall tucked in a narrow canyon, just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss. This is somewhere most tour groups miss, but well worth a visit if you like hidden gems in Iceland! Check out our full guide to visiting Gljúfrabúi.
Skógafoss – this is far from a hidden gem, but one of the most powerful and impressive waterfalls in the country. The huge 60-meter cascade can be viewed from the bottom, or you can climb over 500 stairs to view it from above. We’ve visited Skogafoss in winter and in summer, and it’s just magnificent!

Skógafoss waterfall plunges dramatically over a steep cliff, surrounded by icy rock formations. A vibrant rainbow arcs through the mist, adding a magical touch to the powerful cascade. The dark, rugged cliffs contrast with patches of golden grass, while chunks of ice float on the river below, highlighting the wintery conditions. Bright sunlight and a clear blue sky complete the breathtaking scene.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – famous for its basalt columns and dramatic waves, this is one of the most famous beaches in Iceland. It is beautiful, but remember to be very cautious here as the sneaker waves are dangerous and have washed people out to sea and even claimed lives. However, as long as you’re sensible, Reynisfjara is a beautiful place to visit.

Dramatic reynisfjara Black Sand beach in the fog

We also recommend booking a glacier hike today.

Solheimajokull is just a short drive from Vik, and a glacier hike here is one of the most magical things we’ve ever done in Iceland.

Two people in winter gear with ice axes and crampons on a frozen landscape in Iceland.

You can meet the guides on location, and there are both morning and afternoon hikes available. But remember to book in advance as slots sell out quickly, especially in busier months.

👉 We recommend this glacier hike, and it’s such a fantastic experience!

Tonight, stay overnight in Vik. There are lots of great restaurants here, including the unique Black Crust Pizzeria and some truly fantastic hotels as well.

*Black Crust Pizzeria is a great dinner spot in Vik*

Check out our guide to all the best hotels in Vik for our full recommendations.

🏨 Stay overnight near Vik. We recommend this hotel with stunning views.

Day 4 – Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Today is another incredibly scenic driving day, and you’ll be visiting one of our favourite places in all of Iceland.

As you leave Vík behind and head further east, the landscapes become even wilder and more dramatic, with vast black sand plains, towering glaciers, jagged mountains, and icy blue lagoons.

The drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is around 2.5 hours without stops, but we guarantee you’ll want to visit a few of these places along the way:

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – Fjaðrárgljúfur is about 40 minutes from Vík, and it’s absolutely worth the detour. With its moss-covered cliffs and winding river, it’s one of the most beautiful canyons in the country. However, in winter, the upper viewpoints may be icy, so wear good boots with grip or microspikes if needed.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in Iceland stretches into the distance, its dramatic moss-covered cliffs rising steeply on either side of a winding river. The sunlight casts shadows on the rugged rock formations, highlighting the deep crevices and textures of the canyon walls. A bright blue sky and distant rolling hills complete this breathtaking natural landscape.

Skaftafell National Park (Optional) – roughly halfway to the lagoon, you’ll find Skaftafell, a part of Vatnajökull National Park. If you’ve got time and the weather cooperates, this is a brilliant place to stretch your legs. There are a few short trails, including the famous walk to Svartifoss, a stunning waterfall framed by basalt columns. The walk will take roughly 2 hours, though, so make sure you have time.

The beautiful Svartifoss Waterfall in Iceland

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – this will likely be the highlight of the day. Jökulsárlón is honestly one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been. You’ll find hundreds of massive icebergs floating across the lagoon, black sand, surrounding mountains, and you might even see seals in the water. If you’re visiting in summer, you can book a boat trip out onto the lagoon, which we highly recommend to see the icebergs up close.

A person wearing a yellow winter jacket and boots sits on the rocky shoreline of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Iceland, gazing at the floating icebergs and snow-covered mountains in the distance. The icy landscape stretches across the horizon under a partly cloudy sky, creating a serene and breathtaking Arctic scene. The contrast between the dark pebbled shore and the bright white ice enhances the beauty of the frozen wilderness.

Diamond Beach – directly across the road from the lagoon, you’ll find Diamond Beach. This stretch of black sand gets its name from the chunks of ice that wash up on shore from the glacier lagoon. It’s mesmerising – and easily one of the best photography spots in Iceland.

Alice standing on Diamond Beach in winter

Tonight, we recommend staying near Jökulsárlón. This is ideal if you want to catch sunrise at the lagoon or chase the Northern Lights. Plus, seeing the lagoon without the daytime crowds is really special.

These are all of our favourite hotels near Jokulsarlon.

🏨 Stay overnight near Jokulsarlon. We recommend this hotel.

TOP TIP: If you’re visiting in winter, this is a fantastic place to spot the Northern Lights. There’s minimal light pollution and open skies, so you’ll have a great chance if the aurora forecast is good!

Day 5 – Optional Stops + Return to Reykjavik

For the final day of this 5-day Iceland itinerary, you’ll have the long drive back to Reykjavik. It’ll mostly be back along the Ring Road; however, there are plenty of additional stops that you can add in to break up the journey!

The incredible Katla Ice Cave in Iceland - a great place to visit during 5 days in Iceland

Here are a few options:

Book a guided tour to Katla Ice Cave. This is one of the most stunning natural wonders in Iceland and something we highly recommend. It may just end up being the highlight of your trip!

👉 We recommend this tour of Katla – and you won’t be disappointed!

Add Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon if you missed it on the way down
Hike to Svartofiss if you missed it on the way down
Visit the amazing Kvernufoss Waterfall. Located near Skogafoss, this is another hidden gem that many tour groups miss. Tucked away in a canyon, it’s a beautiful waterfall that you can walk behind.
If you’re visiting in summer, stop at Dryhoaley to spot the puffins.
Pay a visit to the Secret Lagoon, one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland
Stop at the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River near Selfoss and hike to a beautiful free hot spring!

The incredible hot spring thermal river in Iceland

This is a good day to take it slow and enjoy the last views. Then, drop off your hire car and either fly home or spend one last night in Reykjavik.

Itinerary 2: Snæfellsnes Peninsula + South Coast Highlights

For the second itinerary on this list, we’re going to be heading to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Also known as ‘Iceland in miniature’, this area is famous for the picturesque Kirkjufell mountain, but it is also home to many beautiful locations.

You’ll find both black and white sand beaches here, cute fishing villages, unique rock formations, volcanic craters, waterfalls, and much more.

Day 1 – Reykjavik

Arrive in Reykjavik, pick up your hire car, and ease into your trip. Follow the same day one as the first itinerary.

The Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík, Iceland, glows against a purple-hued evening sky, its glass facade reflecting ambient city lights. A Christmas tree stands illuminated near the entrance, adding warmth to the modern architectural design. The wet pavement mirrors the building's geometric patterns, enhancing the scene's atmospheric beauty.

Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s highlights – Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager – before enjoying dinner at one of the local restaurants.

🏨 Stay overnight in Reykjavik. We recommend this hotel, which we loved when we visited the city.

Day 2 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Drive north to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This is a much less visited area than the south coast, and you’ll likely find it a lot less crowded – this was one of the things we loved most about it!

Alt text: Rusted metal fragments from a shipwreck lie scattered on the rocky shoreline of a frozen lagoon, surrounded by jagged volcanic cliffs. In the background, a snow-capped mountain rises under a clear blue sky, contrasting with the dark, rugged terrain. The icy water reflects the surrounding landscape, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene at this remote Icelandic black beach.

There’s a lot to see, so depending on how much time you have, you could either do this in one or two days.

For this itinerary – and because there are a lot of other great places you’ll likely want to visit during your 5 days in Iceland – we’re going to allow one day for this area. However, we recommend starting your day early as it’s going to be a long one!

We recommend driving the peninsula clockwise and stopping at:

Búðir Black Church – a small, atmospheric church with a dramatic lava field backdrop. You likely won’t need long here, but it’s a truly beautiful place surrounded by stunning scenery.

The Búðir Black Church stands alone on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland, its dark wooden exterior contrasting sharply against the bright blue sky and snow-capped mountains in the background. The small, historic church features a white door and windows, adding a touch of elegance to its minimalist design. The surrounding golden-brown grass and stone wall emphasize the church’s remote and picturesque setting.

Arnarstapi & Hellnar – a scenic coastal walk with basalt cliffs and sea arches. You can walk the entire route to Hellnar; however, if you’re short on time, you could just stick to the viewpoints around Arnarstapi. They’re still very impressive, and you’ll be able to see the most famous parts of the area.

A person in a yellow jacket stands triumphantly on the Arnarstapi land bridge in Iceland, arms raised against a clear blue sky. The rugged natural rock arch stretches over the deep blue ocean, with seabirds perched along its edges and icicles clinging to the dark volcanic rock. The scene captures the dramatic contrast of Iceland’s coastal landscape, where land meets sea in a breathtaking display.

Djúpalónssandur Beach – similar to the south coast, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula also has a black sand beach. Djúpalónssandur is rugged and beautiful, and you enter the beach by walking through a canyon. You’ll also be able to see the remains of an old ship that washed up on the beach years ago.

Kirkjufell – this is one of the most photographed spots in the country. The beautiful volcanic hill rises dramatically above the landscape, and you’ll also be able to see the impressive Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in front of the mountain.

A breathtaking winter scene at the Kirkjufellsfoss Viewpoint in Iceland, featuring the snow-covered Kirkjufell mountain rising sharply against a clear blue sky. In the foreground, the partially frozen Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall cascades over dark cliffs, with a winding icy river flowing through the snowy landscape. Footprints in the snow add a sense of scale and human presence in this serene, remote setting.

If you have time, you could also stop at Selvallafoss waterfall on the way back.

Tonight, we recommend staying in Borgarnes. We stayed in these cute little cabins on a black sand beach surrounded by mountains, and it was one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever stayed in Iceland.

A cozy cabin setting at sunset, with a glass of rosé wine and a coffee cup resting on a small table by the window. The view outside showcases a golden sky fading into deep blue over a peaceful landscape of bare trees and grass. A soft chair sits nearby, inviting relaxation in the warm glow of the evening light.

🏨 Stay overnight in Borgarnes. We recommend these cosy cabins.

Day 3 – Golden Circle

Today, we recommend heading to the Golden Circle. From Borgarnes, it’s around an hour’s drive along the Ring Road to Thingvellir National Park and from there, you’ll be following the same route as day two on the first itinerary.

Pathway through rocky cliffs in Thingvellir National Park with snow patches and cloudy sky.

This includes stops at:

Thingvellir National Park
Geysir Geothermal Area
Gulfoss Waterfall
Kerid Crater

We once again recommend staying in Selfoss, ready to explore the south coast tomorrow.

🏨 Stay overnight at this lovely spa hotel in Selfoss.

Day 4 – South Coast Highlights

On day 4, we’ll be exploring the south coast of Iceland.

If you set off early, you might be able to make it to the glacier lagoon, but it’s a 4-hour drive from Selfoss, so it would be another long driving day.

If you don’t fancy the journey, we recommend sticking to the south coast and travelling to Vik. You’ll see some of the country’s most impressive waterfalls along the way, and there are so many wonderful things to do in Vik.

Views over Vik in Iceland - a must see place during your 5 days in Iceland

Plus, you’ll have time to fit in a glacier hike, which is one of the most incredible things you can do in Iceland.

On the drive to Vik, stop at:

Seljalandsfoss – the waterfall you can walk behind.
Gljúfrabúi – the hidden waterfall in a cave.
Skógafoss – Iceland’s most photographed and impressive waterfall
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – with its dramatic basalt columns and crashing waves.

Then, we recommend booking this glacier hike. You’ll meet your guide at the location and spend a few hours exploring the glacier tongue, hiking into crevices, and more. You might even get to drink the glacier water!

Two hikers wearing helmets, harnesses, and crampons stand on the icy terrain of Sólheimajökull Glacier in Iceland, smiling at the camera. They hold ice axes, ready for their glacier trek, with the dramatic blue and black ice formations of the glacier behind them. The rugged, frozen landscape contrasts with their warm clothing, highlighting the adventure of glacier hiking.

Be sure to book in advance as spots will sell out quickly!

🏨 Stay overnight near Vik. We recommend this hotel with stunning views.

Day 5 – Optional Stops + Return to Reykjavik

Once again, this day is similar to the final day on the first itinerary. You’ll be making your way back to Reykjavik from Vik along the Ring Road with a few more stops along the way.

Since you’re starting further west this time, there are fewer options, but you can still stop at:

Katla Ice Cave – a lot of tours to Katla depart from Vik, so you could squeeze this tour in before heading back to Reykjavik. Once again, be sure to book in advance.
Kvernufoss waterfall – a unique waterfall you can walk behind near Skogafoss.
If you’re visiting in summer, stop at Dryhoaley to spot the puffins.
The Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River near Selfoss is a great hike to a free hot spring.
Go for a soak in the Secret Lagoon.

Standing in front of the magical Kvernufoss Waterfall

Once you get back to the capital, drop off the car and end your trip with one last evening in Reykjavik.

💡 TOP TIP: If travelling in winter, make sure to check road conditions before heading to Snæfellsnes, as parts can get icy.

Itinerary 3: South Coast and Reykjanes

For this itinerary, you’ll be heading to the south coast and also exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula. This area is another hidden gem in Iceland and is much less visited, but there is some beautiful and unique scenery here.

Day 1 – Golden Circle

For your first day, we’re heading straight to the Golden Circle.

It’s much easier to follow this itinerary if your flight arrives in Iceland early; however, you can still head to the Golden Circle in the evening.

We recommend starting at the top and making your way clockwise around the route, visiting:

Thingvellir National Park
Geysir Geothermal Area
Gullfoss Waterfall
Kerid Crater

🏨 Stay overnight at this lovely spa hotel in Selfoss.

Day 2 – South Coast

For the second day, follow the same route as day 3 on the first itinerary.

A person wearing a red jacket and winter boots sits on a rock at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland, gazing at the crashing waves. The dramatic seascape features towering basalt sea stacks, Reynisdrangar, rising from the water against a cloudy gray sky. The dark volcanic sand and rugged cliffs create a moody and breathtaking coastal scene.

Stop at:

Seljalandsfoss
Gljúfrabúi
Skógafoss
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Book a glacier hike at Solheimajokull. Meet your guide at the location and spend a few hours exploring the glacier tongue, hiking into crevices, and more.

Be sure to book in advance as spots will sell out quickly!

🏨 Stay overnight near Vik. We recommend this hotel with stunning views.

Day 3 – Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Today, we’re mostly following the same route as day 4 on the first itinerary and heading all the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Stop at:

Skaftafell National Park and hike to Svartifoss Waterfall
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – be sure to book a boat tour if you’re visiting between June and October.
Diamond Beach with its glittering icebergs on the sand.

🏨 Stay overnight near Jokulsarlon. We recommend this hotel.

Day 4 – Head Back Down the South Coast

Today, head back towards Reykjavik and pass any of the stops on the way up that you may have missed.

We suggest stopping at:

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Kvernufoss Waterfall
Dryhoaley to spot the puffins if you’re visiting in summer.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River for a soak in a thermal river

Small waterfall flowing through a rugged green valley with hills in the background.

After that, we recommend spending the evening in Reykjavik.

Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church and go for a wander around the city centre. You can also visit Rainbow Street for a spot of souvenir hopping or head to one of the museums, like Perlan.

The exterior of Perlan Museum in Iceland, a modern cylindrical building with a curved glass dome on top. Large vertical banners on the facade display images of Icelandic landscapes, including a glacier, an erupting volcano, and a waterfall. The entrance features a covered walkway, and the "Perlan - Wonders of Iceland" sign is prominently displayed on the wall.

If you want a unique way to spend the evening, you could also book a food tour in Reykjavik, which would also cover dinner for the night!

🏨 Stay overnight in Reykjavik. We recommend this hotel, which we loved when we visited the city.

Day 5 – Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula

For your final day in Iceland, head to the Reykjanes Peninsula. We’ve deliberately left this until last as this area is closest to the airport, so it would make more sense to stay here than head back to the city centre for your final day.

Views over the black sand beach on the Reykjanes Peninsula

This region is often skipped, but honestly, we think it’s one of Iceland’s most underrated areas. The landscapes are dramatic, with steaming geothermal vents, rugged lava fields, and a wild coastline.

Some of the best stops include:

Gunnuhver Hot Springs – a geothermal area with bubbling mud pools and steam vents. There’s a boardwalk here where you can admire the springs, and you could also take a walk to a nearby lighthouse.

Alt text: A woman wearing a black and orange jacket stands on a wooden viewing platform at Gunnuhver Hot Springs in Iceland, gazing at massive clouds of steam rising from the geothermal area. The rocky terrain below is colored with mineral deposits, contrasting against the bright blue sky. The steam creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere, with only distant hills visible in the background.

Brú Milli Heimsálfa – the famous Bridge Between Continents, where you can literally walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The landscape here is quite barren with a vast lava field, but it’s really interesting to see.

Valahnúkamöl – some of the most dramatic sea cliffs in Iceland, this place is great if you love unique ocean scenery. You can go for a walk along the coastline and admire the views.
Seltún Geothermal Area – this is one of the most unique geothermal areas in Iceland, with colourful rocks, boardwalks, bubbling mud pots, and steaming vents. You can walk around the area and up the boardwalks for panoramic views over the surroundings.

A wooden boardwalk winds through the Seltún Geothermal Area in Iceland, surrounded by steaming vents, mineral-stained ground, and rugged hills with patches of snow. The contrast between the reddish-brown earth and white snow creates a striking landscape under a bright blue sky. In the distance, small figures of people can be seen exploring the geothermal terrain.

The Blue Lagoon – finish your day with a soak in Iceland’s most famous hot spring. Located in the Reykjanes Peninsula, many people don’t know just how much there is to see around the Blue Lagoon, but it’s a wonderful way to end a trip to the area. Be sure to book your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.

Tonight, since you’ll be located near the airport, we recommend staying in an airport hotel. Not only does this mean you’re not driving all the way back to Reykjavik, but it also means you’ll be in an easy location for your flight home tomorrow morning.

🏨 Stay overnight near the airport – we recommend this hotel!

FAQs

Is 5 days enough time to see Iceland?

This depends on how much you want to see. Truthfully, you’re not going to be able to see everything in Iceland in just 5 days.

However, you will be able to see many of the country’s highlights with a 5-day itinerary. This includes the Golden Circle and many places along the south coast.

👉 We also have a 4-day itinerary in Iceland and a 3-day itinerary if you can’t decide how long to visit.

Which itinerary is best for first-timers?

This also depends on what you’re looking for. If your goal is to see as many of the classic Icelandic sights as possible, go for the first itinerary.

You’ll spend time in Reykjavik, explore the Golden Circle, and see a lot of the south coast.

However, if you want to go a little off the beaten track and see some of the places that a lot of tourists to Iceland typically miss, the Reykjanes Peninsula or the Snaefellsnes Peninsula are both great options.

Realistically, they are all great itineraries for a first-time visit; it just depends on your priorities.

Can I drive these routes in winter?

Yes, you can, but you may need to allow a little extra flexibility. Harsh weather isn’t uncommon in Iceland, especially in the winter months, and road closures could easily change your plans.

We’ve found that the roads to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the roads in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula can often close or experience bad weather conditions.

*Driving through the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in winter*

We experienced very strong winds on our winter trip to Jokulsarlon, and when the south coast was clear, the Snaefellsness Peninsula was still quite icy when we visited in March.

Overall, so long as you’re careful and drive according to the road conditions, you should be fine travelling these routes in winter.

👉 Check out our full guide to driving in Iceland in winter for more information.

Final Thoughts – Is it Worth Spending 5 Days in Iceland?

Yes, it’s 100% worth spending 5 days in Iceland. It’s a decent amount of time where you could see many of the top sights in Iceland, without feeling like you’re rushed or ending up missing things.

Of course, we don’t recommend trying to do the whole Ring Road in just 5 days; however, you can explore a large chunk of the south coast and the Golden Circle, or head to one of the lesser-visited Peninsulas not too far from Reykjavik.

Whichever route you choose, these are all wonderful road trips in Iceland, and we hope you have an amazing time!

Any questions about any of these routes? Drop us a message on our Facebook Group!

👉 Planning on spending longer in Iceland? Check out our 7-day Iceland itinerary!