A comprehensive Iceland 5 day itinerary for anyone wanting to see the best highlights of this epic country. This Iceland Ring Road itinerary will provide you with everything you need to help you make the most of your Iceland getaway.
Iceland is one of the best places to visit for so many reasons. With its jaw-dropping nature, friendly locals and endless activities, you can easily see why.
I love visiting Iceland because there is always something new to discover. But if you are limited on time or don’t want to miss the best locations, having an itinerary will help.
So here are my top recommendations for the perfect Iceland 5 day itinerary, to help you plan a trip to this beautiful country.
Let’s start with some helpful websites and resources that you can use to plan your Iceland 5 day Ring Road itinerary.
FLIGHTS TO ICELAND: Find great deals on flights to Iceland on Skyscanner.
ICELAND CAR HIRE: Compare car hire prices in Iceland for the best deals using Discover Cars.
TRAVEL INSURANCE IN ICELAND: I recommend Heymondo, which includes Covid-19 coverage. And you can get a 5% discount when you buy with my link.
STAY CONNECTED: Buy an AloSIM eSIM for Iceland before you leave home and get connected as soon as you arrive in the country.
ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel and apartment deals in Iceland on Booking.com or Expedia .
DAY TOURS IN ICELAND: Book skip-the-line tickets, tours and day trips in Iceland in advance using Viator or Get Your Guide.
BEST ICELAND TOUR: Don’t leave Iceland without going whale watching in Akureyri. It is a one in a lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss.
5 ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR ICELAND: A universal travel adapter; a refillable water bottle; a a power bank (essential if you use your camera phone a lot); a crossbody/waist bag (to keep your valuables safely close to your body); and a copy of the latest Lonely Planet Iceland.
Table of Contents
Why visit Iceland?
Visiting Iceland should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list!
Known as the land of ice and fire, it’s full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
If you’re looking for a dose of nature, Iceland is the place to be. The country’s diverse landscape consists of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, cascading waterfalls and black sand beaches. Not to mention the incredible Northern Lights that can be seen when the sky is clear.
No matter what type of traveler you are, there’s something for everyone in Iceland. Whether you’re looking to take part in thrilling outdoor adventures or simply relax, you’ll find plenty of opportunities here.
Best time to do this Iceland Ring Road itinerary
If you’re planning a 5 day road trip around Iceland, the best time for your journey will depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for. The weather and driving conditions can vary depending on the season.
Visiting in the summer months (June – August) is when the days are the longest, and the weather is most pleasant. You’ll have more hours of daylight, and the roads are generally in good condition for driving. This makes it a great time to plan your road trip!
Winter (December – March) is an entirely different experience: you’ll find yourself in a magical winter wonderland with breathtaking views. If you’re looking for an adventure, this is the time to go. However, the roads can be treacherous at times.
For those who want the best of both worlds, consider booking your trip for March.
The days are still cold and snowy, but the roads are less icy compared to the winter months. This makes it easier to plan a safe road trip, while still getting to experience some of Iceland’s beautiful winter landscapes.
How to get around in Iceland
There are options available, but renting a car is the most convenient and economical way. Not only does it work out cheaper, but it also provides you more flexibility.
Plus, it’s a great way to avoid crowds and explore Iceland on your terms!
>Compare car hire prices for the best deals with Discover Cars here
If you don’t feel comfortable driving, there are public buses available. Just be aware that some of these services are seasonal and only operate during summer months. You can also arrange a private guide to take you around.
The perfect Iceland 5 day itinerary
Day 1 – Reykjavik & The Golden Circle
Most people fly into Reykjavik airport and use Reykjavik as a base to explore the rest of Iceland. Many travelers also stay here for their entire trip and do epic tours away from the city.
And even though it is the best place to explore the Golden Circle, many fail to explore the capital properly, or they skip it altogether. Spend your first day here if you can.
Reykjavik has a fantastic cultural scene. With a strong cafe culture and wonderful local dishes to try, you can easily spend your day eating around the city. However, it becomes alive at night with its craft beers and music spots.
I highly recommend spending at least 3 hours exploring this fantastic city before hitting the Golden Circle. However, one to two days is much better.
Here are some of the Reykjavik and Golden Circle highlights you could cover on day one of your 5-day itinerary of Iceland:
Reykjavik
Hallgrímskirkja – This distinct church is probably the most visited spot in the City. Admission is free but for the ultimate visit, take the elevator to the top of it for ISK 1,000.
FlyOver Iceland – A great indoor activity, that isn’t a museum. FlyOver Iceland is a flying ride that will show you all the amazing landscapes Iceland has from the comfort of your seat.
>Book your FlyOver Iceland tickets here
Visit Grótta Lighthouse – An awesome place for observing the northern lights and birds. The mountain and sea views make this one of the best coastal walks near the city.
You can walk here in under an hour, but it’s easier to get the number 11 bus. If you are taking the bus, always take cash with you.
Best tours in Reykjavik
To experience the city like a local, check out these tours in Reykjavik:
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
Reykjavik has so many options for accommodation that it would be hard to pick just one. But these come highly recommended as places to stay in Reykjavik.
- The Reykjavik EDITION – Located by the Old Harbor, this luxury hotel has panoramic views over the city and the waterfront.
Book it here - Midgardur by Center Hotels – Nordic style hotel located in the heart of the city, perfect to explore Reykjavik.
Book it here - Kex Hostel – A trendy hostel housed in an old biscuit factory located in Downtown Reykjavik. It also has private rooms.
Book it here
Golden Circle
Geysir – With free parking, easy walking access and free entry, this attraction is worth checking out. It’s an incredible sight – Geysir erupts every 6-10 minutes and throws hot water up to 70 meters in the air. For the best experience, visit early in the morning.
Gullfoss – This spectacular tiered waterfall is one of the most naturally stunning places on the Golden Circle and is well worth the stop. Try arriving a bit before 9 am to avoid the Golden Circle tour buses and their crowds.
Kerid Crater – Created by a volcanic eruption around 3,000 years ago, it’s surrounded by bright red and light gray coloured rocks. You can walk around the crater ridge or go down to the blue waters – only one other in Iceland is accessible this way!
Best tours in the Golden Circle
There is a lot to explore in the Golden Circle, but if you don’t have your own car, you can make the most of it on a tour. Here are a few that are highly rated by travelers:
Where to Stay in the Golden Circle
These places to stay in the Golden Circle come highly recommended:
- Blue Hotel Fagrilundur – Located in the heart of the Golden Circle away from the city lights and perfect to catch the Northern Lights.
Book it here - Hotel Gullfoss – Only 2 miles from Gullfoss waterfall and 10 minutes from Geysir, it has a restaurant that serves traditional Icelandic dishes.
Book it here - Hotel Geysir – Only 100 meters from Geysir, this is a super stylish hotel built with materials that resemble the nature around it.
Book it here - Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse – This historic guesthouse overlooks Lake Laugarvatn, Hekla Volcano, and the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier.
Book it here
If you are looking to stay somewhere a bit more quirky, check these places out:
- Hvítuborgir – Stunning luxury domes with mountain views perfectly located to enjoy the Northern Lights.
Book it here - Klettar Tower Iceland – A unique guesthouse built to resemble a lighthouse located 10 minutes from the Secret Lagoon, a historic geothermal swimming pool.
Book it here
Day 2 – Vik
If you are looking for adventure, Vik is the area for you!
From snowmobile experiences to glacial walks, you will find incredible things to do when visiting here.
The town is located right on the edge of a black sand beach, providing travellers with an unforgettable view. This area is also known for its spectacular bird watching opportunities, with puffins and many other species making their homes in this coastal environment.
Here are the Vik highlights you should add to your Iceland 5 day Ring Road itinerary:
Reynisfjall – This spectacular site is home to basalt columns and black sand beaches. The main attraction at Reynisfjall is the Reynisdrangar rock formation. You can get amazing photos of them from Reynisfjara’s black sand beach below.
SAFETY WARNING
Reynisfjara beach is notorious for its sneaker waves, so make sure you don’t get too close to the water, as you can get swept away by them. And never turn your back to the sea and the waves.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall – Stop at this stunning waterfall on your way to Vik and get up close and personal by walking behind it. Don’t forget your waterproof jacket and trousers, as you’ll get soaked in the mist!
Skógafoss – This epic waterfall is not only easy to access from the Ring Road, but it’s also one of Iceland’s biggest and most powerful waterfalls. Parking is free and just a short walk away you can walk up to or even above the waterfall.
Sólheimajökull – My favorite stop in Iceland! Sólheimajökull is one of the most diverse and easily accessed glaciers in Iceland. If you’ve ever wanted to try a glacier hike, this is the perfect opportunity. Some tours will even take you to Vatnajökull National Park.
This is one of the most popular things to do in Iceland, so to make the most of your trip (and to do it safely), make sure you book a tour in advance.
>Book your Sólheimajökull glacier hiking tour in advance here
Best tours in Vik
Vik is perfectly located for anyone who loves adventure, and it offers an endless variety of tours. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Where to Stay in Vik
Vik is a very small town with only 300 inhabitants, so accommodation is relatively limited, and it gets booked pretty quickly. It’s a good idea to plan as in advance as possible to make sure you have more choices to pick from.
Here are some great places to stay in Vik:
- Hotel Kría – Perfectly located along the Ring Road, this stylish hotel offers super cozy rooms and endless mountain views.
Book it here - Vik Apartments – These lovely apartments are fully equipped, and they are conveniently located in the heart of Vik.
Book it here - Black Beach Farm – Very cute one-bedroom holiday homes with lots of natural light and sea views.
Book it here - Puffin Hotel Vik – Great budget hotel located in the heart of Vik and only 10 minutes walk from the nearest black sandy beach.
Book it here
Day 3 – Hofn
Your next stop on this journey is Hofn, an Icelandic fishing town located in one of the few natural harbors in the south coast of Iceland.
Hofn is a picturesque spot, with its tranquil harbor and colorful buildings. It’s also home to some great attractions, sprawling glaciers, and bubbling hot springs.
Here are the Hofn highlights for your 5 day Iceland itinerary:
Hoffellsjokull Glacier – Despite the fact that this glacial lagoon is much less visited than others in the area, it still has plenty of beauty to offer for those who take 2-3 hours to explore.
The breathtaking glacier and its lagoon will take your breath away, and the small icebergs scattered throughout it make it even more unique.
Vestrahorn – The incredible beauty of this mountain is why people visit – the clear blue waters and razor sharp peaks make for some amazing photos.
The black sand dunes and birds that nest in the area are also a breathtaking sight. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a reindeer or two.
To get the most out of your visit, spend at least three hours exploring Vestrahorn. You’ll need to pay a small fee of 900 ISK per person. And don’t miss the Viking Village that was created as a movie set!
Hoffell Hot Tubs – These thermal baths offer an amazing view and unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. The facilities are clean and well-maintained with a separate changing room and outdoor showers.
I recommend that you spend at least an hour here. Entry costs 2000 ISK per person, and it can be paid in cash directly at the entrance, or with a credit card at the hotel behind the hot tubs. Check their website before going for opening times.
Best tours in Hofn
Hofn has so many great things to do, but booking a tour makes exploring the area so much better. Here are some tours that stand out that include ice caves, northern lights, and foodie experiences:
Where to Stay in Hofn
The town of Hofn is a traditional Icelandic fishing harbor and a popular place to visit and stay the night on an Iceland Ring Road itinerary.
With a small population and limited hotels, rooms tend to be booked quickly, so booking in advance is recommended. For the best stay here, these are the hotels I recommend booking early:
- Berjaya Iceland Hotel – Located by the harbor and in the perfect location for exploring the area.
Book it here - Seljavellir Guesthouse – With ultra-chic rooms and right next to the ring road, it’s perfect if you have been driving for hours and need a place to rest!
Book it here - Hotel Jökull – A fantastic spot to stay with free parking, breakfast included, and is close to the country’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
Book it here
Day 4 – Egilsstadir
Egilsstadir is a quaint town located on the banks of the river Lagarfljót and is the largest town in east Iceland. It offers a great combination of unique sights, cultural attractions, and delicious restaurants.
The Egilsstadir Nature Center is also a great place to start exploring the local natural wonders and the only place you will find wild reindeer!
Here are the Egilsstadir highlights for your Iceland Ring Road itinerary:
Vök Baths – This stunning geothermal infinity pool is an excellent way to relax and take a break from the road. It has incredible views of the surrounding countryside and a peaceful, secluded atmosphere.
Make sure you book your tickets online in advance to make sure you don’t miss out!
>Book your Vök Baths admission tickets in advance here
East Iceland Heritage Museum – This small museum offers an excellent overview of Eastern Iceland as well as some fascinating displays in both Icelandic and English.
The knowledgeable host will provide visitors with an insight into life in the region from the earliest settlers to present day Icelanders.
The museum also offers discounted admission for anyone who will be staying in the region overnight – just 1,500 ISK per person with a 20% discount.
Hengifoss Waterfall – Visiting Hengifoss Waterfall is an absolute must if you’re driving on the iconic Iceland Ring Road.
Hengifoss is very easy to access. There’s a parking lot right next to the start of the hike, but make sure you have good shoes with traction soles for the steep parts of the walk.
Once you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Iceland. In the summer months, you will find the Hengifoss Food Truck here, in case you’re feeling hungry.
Best tours in Egilsstadir
With so much to discover, it’s a good idea to have an early start this day. Most of the experiences in this stunning part of Iceland you can do by yourself on a self-guided tour.
However, as mentioned, the one thing you should book in advance is the Vök Baths admission ticket.
Many visitors prefer it to the Blue Lagoon, with a stunning setting that gives you a really relaxing few hours without the stress of the crowds. This is the only way to guarantee your spot and avoid long waiting times!
Check availability here:
Where to Stay in Egilsstadir
Egilsstadir is on the doorstep of many amazing attractions in East Iceland, so it’s a bit of a hub for road trippers and visitors. It is surrounded by stunning, untouched nature that will make stopping here worth it.
However, it is worth pointing out that because it’s such a popular place to visit, you will need to book any accommodation in advance. For the ultimate places to stay in Egilsstadir, these are some epic places you should consider booking:
- Gistihùsid Lake Hotel Egilsstadir – One of the best places to stay in the area, it serves an amazing breakfast. It also has a spa and some of the rooms come with lake views!
Book it here - Hérad Berjaya Iceland Hotels – Located in the heart of the town but very close to the lake. Its acclaimed restaurant specializes in fish, Icelandic lamb, and reindeer steak.
Book it here - Lagarfell Studios – Private accommodation with free parking and a garden to relax in after a long day.
Book it here
Day 5 – Akureyri
Akureyri is the last stop in this Iceland 5 day itinerary. It is known as the capital of the north of Iceland, and it has plenty to offer for any traveler. Stunning landscapes, whale watching, delicious Icelandic food, and plenty of cultural attractions will have you wishing you had more time here.
This charming city is surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in Iceland, from snow-capped mountains to winding rivers and deep fjords.
In summer, the sun never sets so you can make the most of this gorgeous area by staying up late and watching nature’s spectacular show unfold before your eyes.
Here are Akureyri’s main attractions that you should add to your Iceland 5 day Ring Road itinerary:
Whale watching – Akureyri is one the best places in the world to go whale watching. Minke whales, blue whales, and especially humpback whales can be seen all year round in the fjord. You may even get lucky and see some orcas!
Whale watching is guaranteed to be one of your top highlights in this Iceland 5 day itinerary.
With plenty of tour operators to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose the right one. And it’s important to book your whale watching experience in advance, as it is one of the best things to do in Akureyri.
>Book this highly recommended whale watching experience in Akureyri
Laufas Turf Houses – This museum is a portal back into the old days of Icelandic living, documented in a series of traditional turf houses dating back to the 18th century.
The Akureyri Museum runs the site, and despite its importance as a cultural heritage site, Laufas Turf Houses gets surprisingly few visitors. This is mostly because of its quiet location on the outskirts of Akureyri – tourists usually drive right past it!
Godafoss – Godafoss is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, and it’s located along the Ring Road, so it is on your way to Akureyri.
However, you can also visit this wonder of nature on a day tour from Akureyri and combine it with a quick stop at Myvatn Nature Baths, naturally heated baths in the heart of Myvatn geothermal area.
>Book your day tour to Godafoss and Myvatn Nature Baths here
Akureyri Botanical Garden – With its magnificent setting overlooking one of the longest fjords in Iceland, Akureyri Botanical Garden offers a unique glimpse into the diverse flora of this beautiful island nation.
Although small in size, the free Botanical Garden is packed with a wide variety of native species. You can find around 430 different types of Icelandic plants, including rare and endangered species.
The garden also features sections dedicated to medicinal herbs and alpine flowers, making it a great place for nature lovers and amateur botanists alike.
Akureyri Church – Perched on top of a hill overlooking the town, the church offers some amazing views of both the fjord and the town below.
While you can take the road up, you can also walk the 112 stairs for a more immersive experience. With its unique minimalist architecture, it is totally the opposite of the Sagrada Familia, one of the most famous Modernist buildings in Barcelona. It’s one of the most beautiful churches in all of Iceland.
Best tours in Akureyri
This is one of the most popular places in Iceland to do adventure activities. So, if you are going to book a tour anywhere, do it here!
If you don’t know which tours you should consider booking, these are the most highly rated and loved options:
Where to Stay in Akureyri
Whale watching, puffin spotting, and bubbling thermal lagoons are some of the epic things you can do in Iceland’s ‘Capital of the North’. This is the place you want to stay at if you are looking for a true taste of Iceland!
To help you have the best night’s sleep here, these are the best accommodation options to book in advance:
- G7 Akureyri Central Apartments – Located in the heart of the town, this is the perfect place to stay for those looking for a self catering option.
Book it here - K16 Apartments – Another excellent self catering apartment conveniently located in the centre of Akureyri, with fantastic reviews. Within walking distance to local restaurants for those wanting to eat out.
Book it here - Hafdals Hotel – If you are looking for a taste of Icelandic countryside within a short distance from Akureyri, this hotel is fantastic. It has stunning panoramic views over the fjord, and it’s conveniently located at the airport.
Book it here
If you have more than 5 days in Iceland
No matter how long your trip to Iceland is, you are guaranteed a true adventure unlike any other. But like most destinations, the longer you are here, the better.
If you are lucky enough to have more time, make sure you add these places to your Iceland 5 day itinerary:
- Thingvellir National Park – The only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland, it’s where one of the oldest national parliaments in the world was founded. And here, you can snorkel or dive between two continents, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Silfra.
- Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) – Take the 45-minute ferry over to the Westman Islands to spot truly untouched wildlife. You can get here when traveling along the Ring Road from Reykjavik to Vik on the south coast of Iceland. It’s the perfect place to spot puffins!
- Diamond Beach – Be amazed by the glistening pieces of icebergs that land on this black sand beach. It is also the best place in the entire country to spot wild orcas and seals!
- Myvatn Geothermal Area – A barren and colorful area with steaming hot pots and bubbling mud pools, it’ll make you think you’ve landed on Mars. Just a warning… the smell of sulfur is pretty potent.
- Hvitserkur Rock – Located in north west Iceland, it’s only a small detour off the Ring Road and is the most magical place to watch the sunset.
Iceland Travel Tips and FAQs
Five days are certainly long enough to get a taste of what this country has to offer. The best way to experience Iceland on a 5-day trip is to make sure you plan ahead. Before arriving, decide what type of experience you’re looking for and then map out which places you want to explore.
The answer is: it depends. If you are looking to see the Northern Lights, September to March is the best time to book your trip.
If you love photography, then spring (April-May) is the best time of year for capturing the natural beauty of Iceland. But for long days of exploring and better temperatures, book during the summer months.
Strætó is the Icelandic transport service that links Reykjavík and beyond. However, their routes and services in winter are limited so they may not cover where you want to go. If you are planning multiple bus trips, it is worth getting a pass to keep down costs.
But it is strongly recommended that you get a rental car so you can explore freely without being limited to public transport schedules. You’ll also be able to go off the beaten path and discover more hidden gems more freely.
Iceland generally has a low crime rate and is considered one of the safest countries in Europe. However, you need to take the steps to keep safe like you would in any other destination.
In addition, travelers should also be aware of Iceland’s weather conditions. The North Atlantic climate can be unpredictable, with violent storms occurring unexpectedly, so always check the weather forecast with the Icelandic Meteorological Office ahead of departure.
How to get to Iceland
The most convenient way to get to Iceland is to fly into Keflavik Airport near Reykjavik. I always use Skyscanner to find the best deals on offer.
In the summer you can also get the Norröna ferry from Denmark if you are exploring other parts of Europe first.
Iceland 5 day Ring Road itinerary Final Thoughts
No matter whether you’re visiting Iceland in the summer or winter, a road trip is a great way to experience this amazing country.
From stunning landscapes and iconic waterfalls to northern lights and puffins, you’ll get to see a little bit of everything during this Iceland 5 day itinerary.
Just remember, it’s very easy to feel like you don’t have enough time here and it will be impossible to do everything. But it’s important to plan out your route carefully to make the most of it. Use this guide to help you plan the best ring road trip in Iceland and make the most of every minute of your trip!
Do you have any questions about this Iceland 5 day itinerary?
Let me know in the comments!
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