Top 5-day Iceland Itinerary Ideas

Absolutely! Five days in Iceland lets you enjoy the Golden Circle first, thanks to its easy access from Reykjavík. You can then explore the South Coast, known for waterfalls and black-sand beaches. Add the Snæfellsnes Peninsula if you want dramatic coastal scenery. The Blue Lagoon works well on arrival or before your flight home. This 5-day itinerary in Iceland is ideal for first-time visitors or anyone staying close to the capital.

Exploring the South Coast gives you the chance to see many of the spellbinding sights that make Iceland so iconic. Along the South Coast, you could visit black sand beaches, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Skógafoss Waterfall, and the town of Vík.

This 5-day South Coast Iceland self-drive itinerary delivers everything you want to see despite the limited time.

You’ll land in Keflavík, the main airport serving the capital, Reykjavík. The city is approximately a 45-minute drive away. And along the way, you can start to see some of the volcanic landscape that makes up much of Iceland.

If your flight lands during the day, why not start off with a visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon? Ideal if you’ve had a long flight, this Icelandic geothermal pool offers pure relaxation in its mineral-rich waters. After you’ve revived in the hot spring, head over to your hotel. That way, you can recharge before following through with your Iceland itinerary 5 days tour.

No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the Golden Circle. Start in Þingvellir National Park (also referred to as Thingvellir National Park), which is 50 km (30 mi) from Reykjavík.

The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet here, and the Mid-Atlantic rift separates the two. You can literally walk between continents!

Þingvellir National Park is home to Iceland’s only cultural UNESCO site. The Alþingi, the world’s oldest parliament, was established in the 10th century in what is now the national park. Honored as a national heritage site and symbol of democracy, Þingvellir still holds deep meaning for Icelanders today.

Your next stop on the Golden Circle tour should be to see the intriguing Geysir area. Hot spring water rises through the Earth’s crust here, creating powerful steam bursts that shoot dramatically from the ground. The Strokkur geyser is the most reliable and impressive.

From here, drive over to one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls, Gullfoss. Climb the path to the top of the falls. Then, witness the Hvítá river plunging down the gorge at up to 141 cubic meters (5,000 cubic feet) per second.

Hop back on the Icelandic Ring Road. Then, head south to Vík and the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area for your overnight stop.

The southeast coast of Iceland is adorned with black sand beaches, secret lagoons, and ice caves. There, you can also see the country’s highest mountain and Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. It features a landscape of windswept beaches, dramatic cliffs, and imposing glaciers.

To get up close and personal with this corner of Iceland, stop in the Vatnajökull National Park and visit Skaftafell. It’s where you’ll find the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a lake filled with icebergs.

These chunks of ice are strewn on Fellsfjara, also known as Diamond Beach. And that’s because the glittering icebergs sit on the black sands like huge jewels.

Skaftafell is also a great place to hike. Choose challenging routes around Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur, or novice paths that take in the scenery at a gentler pace.

Drive back to Vík for your second night’s stay on the South Coast.

Make your way down to Vík’s most awesome black sand beach, Reynisfjara. It features towering basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar rock formations that rise from the ocean. Legend tells that the Reynisdrangar rocks were once three trolls. They were turned to stone by the sun while they tried to drag a ship to shore.

From here, travel to Dyrhólaey, where the land juts out into the ocean. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic and the coastline. You can see the curious ‘arch with the hole’, and you may even be able to spot eider ducks. These year-round residents are popular with bird watchers.

Afterwards, continue inland to Skógafoss, one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland, with a spectacular 60 m (197 ft) drop. It’s known for almost always having at least one rainbow visible in the spray. You can walk right up to the falls, but bring your waterproofs if you want to get close.

Rejoin the Ring Road and travel back to Reykjavík for your final night’s stay in Iceland.

If your flight time allows, you might be able to squeeze in some last-minute sightseeing in Reykjavík. The Hallgrímskirkja church is absolutely worth a visit if you have time. Or why not take a wander down to the seafront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture?

Dreaming of a winter wonderland? You can also enjoy this Iceland itinerary for 5 days in the colder months. You’d get the chance to try ice caving and Northern Lights hunting on a winter self-drive tour in Iceland.

If you’d prefer not to drive around Iceland, opt for a stay based in Reykjavík. You can take day trips out to see the sights, returning to the comfort of your hotel in the evening.

This sample itinerary in Iceland from Reykjavík covers the island's highlights, including the Golden Circle and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Best experienced in the winter months, you can spend as many days exploring as you like. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for glacier hiking or after some relaxing downtime, you can get the best of both.

Land at Keflavík airport and transfer to your hotel in Reykjavík. If you want to, head to the Blue Lagoon right away for the ultimate relaxing welcome to Iceland!

Your first full day in Iceland will see you visit the unmissable Golden Circle. Take in the sights of Þingvellir National Park and the Mid-Atlantic continental rift. Gape at the geothermal geysers, including Strokkur, which shoots water up to 30 m (98 ft) in the air!

Head over to Gullfoss to see one of Iceland’s most impressive falls. Then, pop into Iceland’s unique geothermal-powered tomato farm, Friðheimar.

This pesticide-free greenhouse uses the power of Iceland’s geothermal activity to grow tomatoes and cucumbers all year round. You can even feast on tomato-themed dishes at the restaurant.

In the evening, you’ll get a chance to go hunting for the Northern Lights. The long and dark winter nights in Iceland make it a great time to search for the Aurora Borealis.

Today, you travel down the South Coast to Vík. You could see the impressive Skógafoss Waterfall up close, and even walk behind Iceland’s stunning ​​Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. (Although be sure to wear your waterproofs!).

The tour takes in all the renowned sights of the South Coast. That includes black sand beaches, basalt cliffs, ancient glaciers, and the wild Atlantic coastline.

Wrap up your Iceland itinerary 5 days travel in two ways. You can opt to have a free day in Reykjavík. But if you’ve got a taste for adventure, go check out Iceland’s second-largest glacier.

In a special vehicle designed for driving on ice, visit man-made ice tunnels inside the Langjökull Glacier. Discover the bright blue icy tunnels and see the wonders of the glacier.

Also included on this day trip is a visit to Europe’s most active and powerful geothermal spring, Deildartunguhver. Plus, you’ll get to see not one, but two waterfalls: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss.

There’s no better way to see the top gems of Iceland than with a privately guided tour. Choose from multiple Iceland itineraries to suit your wish list. Your guide will provide insight into Iceland's history, culture, and nature. And you? You get to tick off the sights you’re keen to see.

This Iceland itinerary 5 days trip takes in some of the breathtaking nature that makes the country so famous. The tour includes the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Þingvellir National Park, Lake Laugarvatn, and the unmistakable Kirkjufell Mountain. You might even get the chance to see the Northern Lights!

Your tour kicks off with a trip to the South Coast of Iceland. Along the way, you’ll stop off at jaw-dropping waterfalls, including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Yes, with the opportunity to get up close to both of them. Visit the village of Skógar and the cultural folk museum to learn more about the history and people of Iceland.

Your private guide drives you down the coast. Be ready to take in the sights of Iceland’s alluring black sand beaches, basalt cliffs, and the south Atlantic shore. You’ll also visit Vík, a charming coastal village characterized by its white churches and fishing history.

Carry on east, soaking up some of the most impressive natural sights of Iceland. Skaftafell and the Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier, offer you the opportunity to see Iceland’s dazzling scenery up close.

Skaftafell is also home to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, dotted with floating icebergs broken away from the nearby glacier. These icebergs are later found on the striking Diamond Beach, shining on the black volcanic sands with an otherworldly beauty.

Following the South Coast, you’ll travel back west, heading over to the Golden Circle and its unmissable sights. Visit Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the geothermal geysers.

You could also stop at Lake Laugarvatn, the largest body of water in the national park. Here, you can relax in the hot spring waters at Laugarvatn Fontana spa and unwind after being on the road.

For the final two days of your visit, take in the majesty of Snæfellsnes and Borgarfjörður. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, in West Iceland, is where you’ll find the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain. You’ll also discover black sand beaches, basalt cliffs, historic fishing villages, and lava fields here.

Borgarfjörður boasts the Deildartunguhver hot pools, Iceland’s most powerful geothermal spring. And you’ll get to gaze at Hraunfossar Waterfall. It’s intertwined with a lava field, forming one of the most special sights in the country.

Finally, head back to Reykjavík to wander the city and experience its cultural highlights.

Planning an Iceland itinerary for a 5 days journey is completely doable! Just consider some key things like:

Feel like you need more time to explore Iceland? Check out these 7-day and 10-day itinerary ideas.

The most flexible way to travel is to rent a car on an Iceland self-drive tour. If you’re visiting Iceland in the colder months, you can get 4x4 vehicles suitable for winter road conditions. A road trip means you can take things at your own pace. Plus, you can stop anytime to observe nature, explore villages, and soak up the landscape of Iceland.

Don’t hold a license, or do you want someone else to do the driving? Multi-day tours from Reykjavik are great options. You’ll get to experience top Icelandic highlights on guided excursions, then spend your free time however you want.

A privately guided tour offers the best of both worlds. You can tailor your trip exactly as you wish and relax throughout your journey. Meanwhile, your local guide takes the lead and handles the driving. It’s a great option if you’re planning an extra-special trip, such as a honeymoon or a once-in-a-lifetime family getaway.

With the right plan, five days are enough to see many of the must-visit Iceland attractions. Whether you follow the Golden Circle, explore the South Coast, or venture to Snæfellsnes, you’ll experience scenery unlike anywhere else. Use these trip ideas to build your own Iceland itinerary 5 days adventure that matches your interests, pace, and travel style.

Check out even more vacation options and start planning your adventure with Iceland Tours. Browse our guided and self-guided packages to find the perfect one for you today. Simply secure your booking with a minimum 5% deposit, and we’ll handle the rest!

Five days are enough to see Iceland’s top highlights at a good pace. A longer 7-day trip or more lets you explore more regions.

Renting a car for 5 days in Iceland gives you the flexibility to explore the country at your own pace. Guided tours are better if you prefer not to drive or want expert insights.

You can explore the Golden Circle, South Coast, Blue Lagoon, Reykjavík, and even Snæfellsnes in five days in Iceland.

A 5-day Iceland itinerary in summer offers long days and easy driving. Winter is best for Northern Lights, snow, and glacier activities.

If you’re planning to tour Iceland in 5 days, pack layers, waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes, and swimwear for hot springs. Also, bring a reusable water bottle and travel adapters.