How To Spend Five Days in Iceland: An Itinerary For Adventure
Experience the magic of Iceland! Our comprehensive five days in Iceland guide showcases breathtaking nature, exciting activities, and unforgettable memories waiting to be made. Iceland is the perfect destination if you’re looking for untamed, rugged natural beauty. Traveling is all about embracing new experiences, and we can assure you that visiting Iceland will allow you to craft those lasting memories that dreams are made of. The untouched wilderness and chilly climate (even in the summer months) exude nothing but warmth and bounty.
Nestled at the edge of the Arctic Circle, this small European country’s captivating landscapes are a beacon for adventurers seeking travel experiences beyond the ordinary.
From the endless midnight sun in the summer months to thrilling glacier hiking and the Northern Lights in the winter, Iceland has so much to offer.
Walk behind cascading waterfalls, explore the world’s northernmost capital, and tour the Golden Circle.
With what seems like endless things to do in Iceland, we’re sharing how to spend five days in Iceland based on our own personal experience from visiting three times.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, avid hiker, or culture seeker, Iceland promises an experience unlike any other. Discover the best things to do in Iceland with this comprehensive five-day Iceland travel guide.
Ready to experience the very best of Iceland?
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Reykjavík
As your plane descends at Keflavík International Airport, you’ll feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I know we always do!
The crisp Iceland air welcomes you and sets the tone as soon as you get off the aircraft.
You may feel like you’ve stepped foot onto another world since the landscape is drastically different from what you may see back home.
Pick up your car rental or board a shuttle bus to the city center, your home base for this trip.
Check into your accommodation. Drop off your luggage to start exploring Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík.
Where To Stay: We recommend Kex Hostel and Loft HI Hostel if you’re on a budget.
For boutique Reykjavík hotels, consider Sand Hotel by Keahotels and Exeter Hotel.
Throughout your trip, you’ll return each night to the same hotel.
Sightseeing in Reykjavík
Reykjavík embraces creative energy, quirky street art, and a lively music and arts scene.
Wander through the colorful streets and explore popular landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Music Hall, the Soldar sculpture and Old Harbour.
Hallgrímskirkja is a prominent Lutheran church in Reykjavík. Discover timeless beauty as you stroll through the church.
Hallgrímskirkja welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., accommodating early risers and evening adventurers. The on-site gift shop offers an array of souvenirs, gifts, artistic mementos, and delightful treats that reflect Icelandic culture.
Guests can explore the church on their own, free of charge. Guided tours are also available.
Climb up a spiraling staircase as you make your way to Hallgrímskirkja’s Tower and be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city, Mount Esja, and the surrounding landscape.
Admission to the tower is 1300 ISK (about $9 USD) for adults and 200 ISK (about $2 USD) for children seven to sixteen.
Next, take a free walking tour with CityWalk Reykjavik to get a sense of place and learn about Icelandic history and culture.
Alternatively, if you enjoy museums, visit Reykjavík Maritime Museum. Exhibits cover various aspects of Icelandic seafaring, fishing traditions, and the challenges faced by those who live from the ocean.
Admission ranges from 1710 ISK (about $12 USD) to 3410 ISK (about $24 USD); however, children ages 0 to 17 are free.
Other Reykjavík museums include:
- National Museum of Iceland
- Saga Museum (Sogusafnid)
- Perlan Museum
Places To Eat
Although compact, Reykjavík offers plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and bars.
The harbor is home to several restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy fresh seafood and other Icelandic specialties while enjoying the view.
Reykjavík Röst is one of Iceland’s top-rated coffee shops offering a picturesque harbor view.
Head to Laudeomat Cafe for a full sit-down breakfast with eggs, pancakes, French toast, and more.
For dinner, check out Sea Baron, a rustic eatery with a menu full of seafood delights. Or head over to Kaffivagninn, Iceland’s oldest restaurant. Try their fish and chips or their grilled sesame trout.
In summary, here’s your one day Reykjavík itinerary:
- Focus on exploring Reykjavík
- Coffee at Reykjavík Röst
- Walking tour of Reykjavík
- Climb to the top of Hallgrímskirkja
- Lunch at Kaffivagninn
- Explore Old Harbour
- Dinner at Sea Baron
Day 2: Golden Circle Exploration
Time to explore outside of Reykjavík.
Helpful Tip: Since Iceland is a small country, we recommend a half-day or full-day tour focusing on one area of the country per day.
Day Trip Option 1: Golden Circle Tour
The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route encompassing three of Iceland’s remarkable natural attractions. This full-day excursion offers a glimpse into Iceland’s many natural wonders.
Explore independently or join one of the many Golden Circle group tours.
You’ll begin by visiting Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
This location is also historically significant because it was the meeting place for the world’s oldest parliament. The general assembly was established in 930 AD with the last meeting held here in 1798.
Next, continue to the Geysir geothermal area. This area is home to the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes and reaches up to 66 feet.
Witnessing the explosive bursts of steam and water against the backdrop of Iceland’s countryside will be a sight that stays etched in your memory forever.
Lastly, visit the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, situated in the canyon of the Hvítá River. This waterfall consists of two cascades, plunging 32 meters into a narrow gorge. The force of the water creates a mesmerizing view, and the surrounding canyon walls add to the dramatic scenery.
You can view the roaring waterfall from a high or a low viewpoint, which allows you to be closer to the water. The closer you get, the more mist and overspray you experience, so bring a poncho.
The Gullfoss Visitor Center has a large eatery that offers quick bites if you get hungry.
Helpful Tip: All of these Iceland attractions are free of charge, with the exception that it costs 200 ISK (about $1.43 USD) to use a public restroom at the Gullfoss Waterfall.
Day Trip Option 2
Snorkel between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir. This half-day guided tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to swim between the crystal clear waters flowing between the North American and Eurasian continents.
Conclude the day with a stop at Secret Lagoon. This gem is just off the Golden Circle route, making it easily accessible once you’ve completed your tour.
The Secret Lagoon is one of Iceland’s oldest natural geothermal pools. Pre-booking is highly recommended. Remember to bring your towels and swimsuit.
Places To Eat
Before returning back to your hotel after a long day in the Icelandic countryside, stop by Efstidalur II. This farm-to-table restaurant offers a variety of burgers, steaks, cheeses, and salads. Once you’re done with your meal, enjoy homemade ice cream for a sweet treat.
Listen to this podcast episode for a recap of our Golden Circle experience. Plus, tips for visiting Iceland, including the benefits of group tours and the best ones in town.
Listen to the podcast episode.
In summary, here’s your Day 2 Iceland itinerary:
- Golden Circle, starting with a visit to Thingvellir National Park
- See the Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes
- Visit Gullfoss waterfall
- Dinner at Efstidalur II
For a deeper look at the South Coast stops, read my Iceland South Coast itinerary.
Day 3: South Coast Wonders
On day three of your trip, discover the dazzling South Coast of Iceland, known for its natural wonders and striking landscapes.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Grai Kotturinn before leaving the city.
Grai Kotturinn is a local favorite known for its delicious breakfast and brunch options. Their menu has lots of options to prepare you for your day-long adventure.
Give “The Truck” a try. This meal features pancakes accompanied by bacon, eggs, fried potatoes, tomatoes, and toast.
Make your way out of Reykjavík and toward the South Region. On a full-day South of Iceland tour, your first stop will be the magnificent Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
Seljalandsfoss has a hidden pathway that allows visitors to walk behind its veil and discover the concealed beauty of Gljúfrabúi—a charming counterpart to Seljalandsfoss, a smaller waterfall hidden from view.
If you’re lucky, you may see the sunlight hit the cascading waters and mist, producing a beautiful rainbow.
Love souvenirs? Seljalandsfoss has an on-site gift shop that offers handmade crafts, souvenirs, and other Icelandic products. A food truck may also be on-site, serving refreshments and light meals such as sandwiches, paninis, pastries, and soups.
Not too far away, you will come across yet another waterfall that seems to defy gravity. Skógafoss plunges from cliffs at a height of 60 meters. The force of the waterfall creates a constant spray, forming rainbows on sunny days, adding to the panoramic view.
Take in this mesmerizing waterfall from a low viewpoint, or climb the 500-step staircase for a higher view. As you climb the steps, your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Southern Iceland coastline.
Skógafoss is also the start of a popular Iceland hiking trail, Fimmvorduhals Trail. If you’re looking for another outdoor adventure while you’re here, hike the trail to experience additional waterfalls along the South Coast.
Next, continue your journey to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Iceland’s landscape is shaped by its volcanic activity, which contributes to the distinctive black sand at this beach.
At Reynisfjara, you’ll witness towering basalt columns rise from the ground, creating a surreal ambiance. From the rhythm-like waves, dramatic cliffs, and unique basalt formations, this beach is a perfect example of Iceland’s incredibly raw beauty.
As you bid farewell to the South Coast, pass through the small coastal village of Vik. This charming, picturesque village offers a glimpse into Icelandic living.
Wander through the quiet streets where the iconic Reyniskirkja Church stands proudly against the backdrop of black volcanic cliffs.
Halldórskaffi is a must-visit restaurant located in Vik. It’s the perfect way to end the day.
As a culinary haven for locals and visitors, Halldórskaffi offers a delightful dining experience amongst the region’s stunning landscapes. The seafood is so fresh!
In summary, here’s your day three Iceland itinerary:
- Grai Kotturinn for breakfast
- Walk behind Seljalandsfoss
- Discover the hidden beauty of Gljúfrabúi
- Skógafoss
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Dinner at Halldórskaffi
Day 4: Glacial Adventures
On your second to last day, visit Vatnajokull National Park, home to glacial landscapes and wildlife such as reindeer, arctic foxes, and harbor seals.
Explore the frosty landscapes, where snow-draped peaks and glaciers create a serene surrounding.
Marvel at the vistas and catch a glimpse of local wildlife amidst the greenery during warmer months.
Birdwatchers can spot various avian species, including puffins and Arctic terns.
Nestled within Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell Nature Reserve offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from strolls for casual walkers to more challenging routes for experienced hikers.
A Skaftafell highlight is the mesmerizing Svartifoss waterfall, where trails reveal the natural masterpiece framed by unique basalt columns. The reserve is a photographer’s dream, providing ample opportunities to capture dramatic landscapes.
Adjacent to the national park, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon promises a breathtaking scene of drifting icebergs, each a unique sculpture crafted by the hands of nature.
Boat tours allow visitors to navigate the waters, offering an up-close encounter with the crystal-like ice formations as they gracefully float toward the North Atlantic Ocean.
The surrounding snow-capped peaks and the occasional seal highlight the lagoon’s beauty, adding a touch of wildlife to the glacial panorama.
Nearby, Diamond Beach is a surreal coastal oasis where icebergs from the lagoon approach the ocean. Icebergs look like glistening diamonds in the sunlight as they find their final resting place on the black sand beach.
If you are a photography enthusiast, this just might be your happy place!
During the winter in Iceland, experienced guides lead small groups into the heart of the Vatnajokull Glacier, revealing a magical world of crystal blue chambers and intricate ice formations.
Witness the surreal beauty beneath the surface as sunlight filters through the ice, creating an enchanting glow.
Learn about the glacier’s formation and the ever-changing nature of the ice caves. From the echoes of dripping water to the creaking sounds of shifting ice, cave exploring is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Due to the park’s vastness and potential hazards, book a guided tour, especially for activities like glacier hikes and ice cave explorations. While admission to the park is free, you’ll find guided tours range from $87 to $1,400 USD.
After a long day in the southwestern parts of Iceland, head back to Reykjavík.
Stop by Grillmarkadurinn, which showcases the best Icelandic ingredients. Enjoy delicious dishes like lamb skewers, tiger shrimp tempura, and the standout reindeer mini burgers. Order their grill market courses featuring lightly salted cod or miso-marinated robata grilled salmon for a heartier fill.
In summary, here’s your day four itinerary:
- Visit Vatnajokull National Park
- Explore Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Guided tour of the Vatnajokull Glacier
- Dinner at Grillmarkadurinn
Day 5: Soak in a Hot Pot
As your Icelandic adventure ends, wind down at Sky Lagoon, where you can immerse yourself in Icelandic bathing culture at a hot springs spa.
This oceanside geothermal lagoon guides you through a seven-step ritual.
For even more hot pot options, visit these Blue Lagoon Alternatives.
Alternatively, board a boat and sail into one of Iceland’s bays, where you can spot humpback whales and orcas in their natural habitat. These excursions range from $70 USD to $90 USD, depending on what tour you book.
If you visit Iceland between September and mid-April, you may have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
On a guided tour, venture out to a remote location with minimal light pollution for the best chance of experiencing this natural phenomenon.
Gaze in awe as vibrant green, pink, and purple ribbons swirl across the night sky, creating a magical display.
End your trip to Iceland with a farewell dinner at Dill Restaurant, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering elevated Nordic cuisine.
In summary, here’s your day five itinerary:
- Sky Lagoon for relaxation
- Northern Lights
- Farewell dinner at Dill Restaurant
Day 6: Departure
It’s time to head home or continue your journey to your next destination.
Check out of your accommodation and head to the airport.
If you went shopping and have anything to claim, read about how to claim your tax-free refund in Iceland.
So there you have it – the full scoop on how to spend five days in Iceland. What activities are you adding to your Iceland in five days itinerary?
From the colorful streets of Reykjavík to the thundering waterfalls and black sand beaches of the South Coast, Iceland invites you to embrace its unspoiled terrain and immerse yourself in extraordinary adventures from coast to coast.
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Wondering what this trip actually costs? See my real Iceland budget breakdown.
Victoria Jean-Louis is a college student who enjoys writing. She keeps herself involved with a mental health nonprofit, law academy, national honor societies, and more. She’s a native New Yorker who loves traveling and experiencing new places. She majors in Law & Society and looks forward to attending law school within the next few years. Other than that, she’s your average young adult that cherishes her family and friends.
