My Iceland 5 day itinerary started with getting flipped off for driving too slowly outside Reykjavik. Jet-lagged, confused, and laughing the entire time. It was not exactly the welcome I expected, but it set the tone for everything that followed. Over five days I drove the Golden Circle, chased waterfalls across South Iceland, soaked in geothermal pools, and ended in West Iceland where the crowds disappear and the landscape gets even more dramatic. I also caught the Northern Lights, which I still cannot fully explain.This is the exact Iceland 5 day itinerary I followed. Everything you need to plan your trip to Iceland, every stop, every detour, and everything that was actually worth the drive.
Other Iceland posts you may find helpful to plan your trip
Reykjavik Iceland: Where to Start Your Iceland Road Trip
Before hitting the open road, spend at least one full day in Reykjavik. It is one of the smallest capital cities in the world but it packs a lot in. This is where your Iceland 5 day itinerary begins.
Hallgrímskirkja Church
My first stop in Reykjavik was Hallgrímskirkja, the tallest church in Iceland. Standing 244 feet tall it is almost impossible to miss. The church is free to enter but I highly recommend paying to go up to the observation deck. The views over Reykjavik are worth every minute. Just be ready for the church bells because they ring every hour and they are loud
Kvika Footbath
One of the best unexpected stops on my trip to Iceland was the Kvika Footbath.Located along the coastline this small geothermal footbath is popular with locals and easy to miss if you are not looking for it. I spent about 30 minutes here soaking my feet and taking in the views before walking over to nearby Grótta Lighthouse. Free, easy and completely worth it.
Where to Eat in Reykjavik on Your Iceland Trip
Food in Reykjavik is surprisingly good. These are the three spots I kept coming back to while planning this Iceland 5-day itinerary and they are all worth your time.
Brauð & Co
Brauð & Co was my favorite breakfast stop in Reykjavik. The cinnamon rolls are worth the hype and the smell of fresh pastries hits you before you even walk through the door. Get there early because they sell out fast.
Rok Restaurant
One of the best meals I had on my entire Iceland road trip was at Rok. I ordered the African-inspired lamb dish with roasted beetroot and couscous and started with Icelandic cheese, almonds and honey. But what made this meal unforgettable had nothing to do with the food alone.
The chef was African. Watching someone bring their spices, their expertise and their story to a kitchen in the middle of Iceland stopped me completely. As a Togolese-American, we were not from the same country in Africa but it did not matter. Seeing my own show up in a global space, gracefully and fully, without hiding any part of where they came from that is exactly why I travel.
I wrote the chef a thank you note before I left. The wine was excellent, the lamb was the best I had in Iceland, but that moment of quiet connection is what I will carry with me long after this
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Trying an Icelandic hot dog is basically a requirement when planning a trip to Iceland.I grabbed mine from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the most famous hot dog stand in the country. President Bill Clinton and Anthony Bourdain have both eaten here which tells you everything you need to know. The lamb-based hot dog comes topped with crispy onions, raw onions, sweet mustard, ketchup and remoulade. My honest rating: a solid 8 out of 10. The ketchup took some getting used to but I get why people travel just for this.
Golden Circle Iceland: Day 2 of Your Iceland 5 Day Itinerary
The Golden Circle is the most popular day trip from Reykjavik and for good reason. Plan to spend a full 6 to 8 hours here. I explored Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall before checking into my Airbnb at Brú Guesthouse for the night.
Thingvellir National Park
Öxarárfoss Waterfall is about a 10 minute walk from the parking lot. What most people do not know is that it is actually a human made waterfall. The river was redirected in the 9th century to supply water to Iceland’s first parliament. It was also a filming location for Game of Thrones which makes standing in front of it even cooler.
The park is also home to Silfra Fissure where you can snorkel between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. No diving certification needed. If there is one experience to add to your Iceland 5 day itinerary that you will never stop talking about, this is it.
Pro Tip: Book your Silfra snorkeling tour in advance especially in summer. Spots fill up fast
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss is one of those stops on a trip to Iceland that lives up to every photo you have ever seen of it. The waterfall crashes into a dramatic canyon below creating a constant wall of mist. During my visit a rainbow appeared out of nowhere and it became one of my favorite photo moments from the entire trip.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is on the South Coast, less than two hours from Reykjavik, and a common stop on Golden Circle routes.
I first visited at sunset which was better than expected and loved it so much I went back a second time. That second visit humbled me. It had just snowed and I fell flat on the path leading to the waterfall in front of everyone. I got up laughing but my pride took a hit. Wear waterproof boots with grip. I am telling you this from experience.
Even in the off season there were many people so plan your visit early or later in the day.
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
Most people walk right past this one and that is a mistake.Gljúfrabúi is a 40 meter waterfall tucked inside a narrow canyon just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss. To reach it you wade through a shallow stream and squeeze through a narrow opening in the rock. Once inside you are surrounded by moss covered walls with the waterfall crashing down in front of you. It feels completely removed from the world outsid
The Dc 3 Plane Wreck
Just seven minutes from Seljalandsfoss sits one of the most unexpected stops on my trip to Iceland.
This DC-3 aircraft first flew in 1944 and later served the United States Navy in Iceland before its flying days ended in 1969. The fuselage was relocated to Eyvindarholt in 2023 and is now one of the easiest plane wrecks to visit in the country. Unlike the famous Sólheimasandur wreck which requires a long walk across a black sand beach, this one is just a 200 meter walk from the parking lot.
Parking is 1,000 ISK ($8-$10) paid through the parka.is app. No entrance fee beyond that.
DAY 3 Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
Exploring Dyrholaey
I came for the puffins and left with some of the best views of my entire Iceland road trip itinerary.
Dyrhólaey sits on the South Coast with dramatic cliffs, the famous black lava arch jutting into the sea and a lighthouse right on the cliff edge. The drive up is smooth with parking at the top. This is one of those stops on a trip to Iceland that you will not regret.
If you are visiting in May or June check ahead as parts may be closed to protect nesting birds. I did not spot puffins but the views alone made it worth every minute.
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
After a full day on the South Coast this was exactly what I needed.
The hot spring has three pools dating back to the 1890s with water staying around 37 to 38 degrees Celsius. No crowds, no big facilities, just warm water and wide open Icelandic landscape around you. It feels nothing like the commercial hot springs you will find elsewhere on a trip to Iceland.
Iceland has so many local hot springs and this one deserves a spot on your Iceland 5 day itinerary.
Entrance is around 17 euros for adults. Open from 8am to 11:30pm in summer and 9am to 8pm in winter. No reservation needed. Bring your own towel and wear waterproof shoes for the short walk to the pools.
Day 4: West Iceland, Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
Krauma Spa
$50 to relax in naturally heated pools powered by Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring? Yes please.
The drive up from South Iceland takes about 2.5 hours through Borgarnes with snow capped mountains the whole way. I am a little scared of heights so some parts of the drive were rough but it was worth every minute.
Check in was quick and easy. They ask everyone to rinse off before heading into the pools. There are five hot pools ranging from 37 to 43 degrees Celsius and one cold tub sitting at around 5 to 6 degrees. I did not dare try the cold one but maybe next time.
This is a local favorite so go in the morning for more breathing room. I hopped between the hot pools, ordered drinks and just took my time. Krauma had this peaceful laid back feel that is hard to find at bigger spas on a trip to Iceland.I purposely avoided the Blue Lagoon on this Iceland 5 day itinerary.
What to Eat at Krauma Spa
After about an hour in the pools I headed to the restaurant.
I ordered the Krauma soup and the Icelandic lamb. Seriously I could not stop eating Icelandic lamb this entire trip. Both were excellent. Bring your own towel and bathrobe unless you want to rent them.
Final Thoughts on This Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
As my Iceland road trip came to an end, I honestly didn’t want to leave. This journey wasn’t just about the stunning landscapes, but about the feeling Iceland gave me.
After exploring waterfalls, geothermal pools, dramatic coastlines, and seeing the Northern Lights, I understood why so many people call Iceland one of the most magical places on Earth.
If seeing the Northern Lights is still on your bucket list, this is the time to go. With the solar cycle near its peak, aurora activity is expected to be stronger over the next few years, giving travelers a better chance of seeing the lights dance across Iceland’s sky.
So if you’re waiting for a sign to book that flight, this is it.
Happy travels!
FAQs
Is Iceland Expensive?
Yes, Iceland is relatively expensive and it is voted the eight most expensive country in the world. However please keep in mind that Iceland can be explored on a budget.
What is the best month to visit Iceland?
The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you are looking for. We visited in the fall ( october and end up loving it)
How many days in Iceland is enough?
Five days is more than enough to see Iceland but in order to see the entire island we recommend 8 to 10 days. PS: When you fly Transatlantic with Icelandair, you can add a Stopover in Iceland at no extra airfare.
What does an average meal cost in Iceland?
The average meal in Iceland costs approximately $35 to $50 per meal. Here are some tips. Book a hotel or Airbnb that offers a kitchen to cook. Eat out 2 or 3 times. Iceland is so beautiful you won’t forget all the food you ate. You will remember all the beautiful sights you saw! So, budget your outing and splurge once or twice.
When to see the northern lights in Iceland?
The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is from September through March and in 2025 Nasa has predicted it will be the best time to witness them!
Which is better, Golden Circle or Ring Road?
It really boils down to what you want to see and how much time you have. Golden Circle is best for shorter trips while the ring road is good for longer trips
Is it safe to drink waterfall water in Iceland?
Yes, it is completely safe to drink water, most of the water in Iceland comes from springs.
Does Uber go to Iceland?
No! You cannot use uber in Iceland but there are other ways of transport.
