Iceland Road Trip: Perfect 5-Day Self-Drive Itinerary

An Iceland road trip is one of the best ways to experience the country’s dramatic landscapes. And in five days, you can see many of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.

This 5-day self-drive itinerary covers the best route, where to stop, and what you need to know before hitting the road. It’s the same route we had planned on a trip to Iceland with two of our travel buddies, albeit with some adjustments.

Ready to see the best of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle and much of the South Coast? Here’s everything you need to know before experiencing this magical place.

Iceland Road Trip Itinerary: 5-Day Route at a Glance

This five-day Iceland itinerary follows the Golden Circle and Iceland’s South Coast, starting in Reykjavík and continuing east toward Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Along the way, you’ll visit some of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, geothermal areas, black sand beaches, and glaciers. Here’s what our five-day Iceland road trip looked like:

Day 1: Reykjavík, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir
Day 2: Langjökull, Gullfoss, Secret Lagoon
Day 3: Kerid Crater, Seljalandsfoss, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach
Day 4: Svartifoss, Skaftafell National Park, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey Viewpoint, Vík
Day 5: Sólheimasandur, Skógafoss, Reykjavík

How many days do you need to drive around Iceland?

You can experience Iceland’s Golden Circle and much of the South Coast in five days, making this a great length for a first Iceland road trip.

If you want to drive the entire Ring Road, plan for at least a week, or up to 10 days, to avoid rushing through the country.

Where to Stay on This 5-Day Iceland Road Trip

Since this itinerary covers a lot of ground, you’ll be changing accommodations throughout the trip rather than using one central base. I go into detail on these in the itinerary below, but these are the areas I recommend staying in each night:

Night 1: Near Geysir/Gullfoss
Night 2: Selfoss area
Night 3: Near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon or Höfn
Night 4: Vík
Night 5: Reykjavík (if needed before your flight)

Day 1: Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir

You’ll likely fly into Keflavík International Airport, Iceland’s main international airport. This itinerary assumes you’ll spend some time in Reykjavík before picking up your rental car and starting your road trip.

If you have time in the city, don’t skip it. Reykjavík is worth at least a day if you can spare it, especially before heading out to Iceland’s natural wonders.

I have a full guide to our favorite Reykjavík attractions, but if you only have limited time, prioritize:

• Blue Lagoon: Consider starting your trip with a soak here. The best time to visit is right when they open. It’s not overrated, I promise.
• Hallgrímskirkja: Climb the tower of this church and pop by the free Einar Jónsson Sculpture Garden next door.
• Harpa: Stop by this striking concert hall to admire the architecture. It’s home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera.
• Solfar Sculpture (Sun Voyager): This dreamboat is quintessential Reykjavik. With more time, visit the Reykjavík Maritime Museum on the western harbor.

We stayed overnight at a guesthouse that’s no longer operating, but there are plenty of options in and around Reykjavík.

Browse the map below for where to stay in Reykjavík:

Stop 1: Thingvellir National Park

Your first stop outside of Reykjavik will be Thingvellir National Park (or Þingvellir National Park), less than an hour’s drive from the city.

If you’re a breakfast person, a great option in Reykjavik for some to-go treats is Brauð & Co. They have giant cinnamon buns there that will rock your world.

Once you’re at the park, there are three main parking lots: P1 and P5 are close to the visitor center, and P2 is closest to the waterfall. While the park itself is free, you’ll need to pay a fee to park.

You can do so online once you know your car’s license plate number.

Thingvellir is an important historical location as the site of the world’s first democratic parliament, established by the Vikings.

Fun fact: It was also a Game of Thrones filming location, something I’m including because I know I’d want to know that.

If you’re up for a bucket list experience, make an advance booking to snorkel (or dive, if you’re certified) in Silfra. It’s a rift in the Eurasian tectonic plates that allows you to swim between two continents.

READ MORE: For more about our experience, check out my post on bucket list Iceland attractions.

Ideally, you’ll have booked a morning snorkel tour if that’s the route you’re going.

Regardless, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the park. Highlights include the Alþingi Site, where the world’s first parliament convened, Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake, and Öxarárfoss, a magnificent waterfall.

There are also numerous hiking trails throughout the park that you can tackle at your leisure. Check out the park’s main site for more information on available hikes.

READ MORE: Don’t leave packing to the last minute for a trip to Iceland. Steal my guide to help you plan by season!

Stop 2: Lunch

You have two options to fuel up for the rest of your day. For a quick bite, Thingvellir National Park has a cafeteria at the visitor center and a snack shop near the camping grounds.

If you’re feeling a bit fancier, the acclaimed Lindin serves up seasonal, Icelandic fare. The restaurant is about a half hour’s drive from the national park, but along the route you’ll be taking anyway.

Expect shorter hours in the winter months. You can call or email the restaurant for reservations.

Optional Stop 3: Brúarfoss

Continuing east, visit Iceland’s “hidden waterfall,” Brúarfoss, or “Bridge Falls.” We weren’t able to make it to this one, as this was around the time we were driving back and forth from Reykjavik for our delayed luggage.

Note: I don’t need to get into those dramatics here, but if you’re interested in things like swimsuit rentals and nonsense from gate agents, you can read the story here.

Allow at least two hours for this excursion if you go. The hike to the falls is about a mile-and-a-half, and you’ll want some photo time once you’re there.

Our plan for making sure we were on the right path was to download an offline map of the trek on maps.me. The GPS coordinates for the parking lot you want are 64.240256, -20.523758.

For more information, Arctic Adventures offers a great guide.

Stop 4: Geysir

Another half hour east of Brúarfoss, the Geysir Hot Spring Area, or Geysir geothermal area, is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist stops. The area rivals anything you’ll see at Yellowstone.

While eruptions from Geysir, also known as the “Great Geysir,” are rare, you’ll only have to wait up to 10 minutes to watch the nearby Strokkur blow. There’s no entrance fee to the geothermal area.

Stop 5: Dinner

There aren’t too many options up here, and you don’t want to get too far out from where you’ll be overnighting.

An option near where you’ll be in Geysir is Skjól, a hangout for backpackers that serves pizza and beer. Hours change in the winter months, so check their website before you make a plan to carb load.

You’ll be starting your day at Gullfoss tomorrow, so find accommodations nearby. As seems to be the trend following the global pandemic, the accommodations we used no longer seem to be taking reservations.

Browse the map below for options near Gullfoss:

Day 2: Langjökull, Gullfoss, Secret Lagoon

Your second day is no less adventurous, especially if you decide to get up close and personal with a glacier.

Stop 1: Gullfoss

We had breakfast included with our accommodations. If you’re hungry, there’s a cafe at Gullfoss that offers quick bites. The kroner adds up there, though, so watch what you’re charging.

We started our morning with another bucket list excursion: snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier. If you decide to do the same, I’d highly recommend Extreme Iceland.

There are a number of tour operators that boast similar experiences, but we did our research and went with those that had the strongest reviews.

Our tour was supposed to include an ice cave stop, as well, but the mild weather precluded us from doing so. The rest of the tour went on as planned.

If you’re not doing an excursion from Gullfoss, don’t miss viewing the falls there, an impressive sight on its own.

There are two viewing areas of the falls. The upper tier will most likely get you better views of their scope.

Fun fact: No matter when you’re there, you’re likely to see rainbows forming in the mist. Yes, it’s pretty magical.

Stop 2: Friðheimar

Return south now to continue your trip along the coast. One of our favorite food stops on the way back down was Friðheimar.

This is a tomato farm where you can indulge in all-you-can-eat tomato soup, homemade bread, and all of the other tomato things you can think of. Yes, they have tomato beer and tomato desserts, but the soup is where it’s at.

Can you think of anything that sounds better on a chilly day in Iceland than a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup? Now multiply that as many times as you like because, as I said, this place is all-you-can-eat.

Spend some time exploring the beautiful greenhouse space and meeting the horses outside. You’ll want to make reservations ahead of time, so call or email before you head over.

Stop 3: Secret Lagoon

If you’ve already been to the Blue Lagoon, you already know how lovely it is to partake in Iceland’s geothermal spas.

The Secret Lagoon, just a 15-minute drive from the tomato farm, isn’t as flashy. The natural landscape, which includes an erupting geyser, is just as lovely.

You’ll have to get over any qualms you have about public nudity during the showering process before your spa time. (That was a lot for me, but I survived.)

As soon as you’re in there, floating around and seeking out those hot spots, any worries you had about your bits on display in the locker room will melt away. Grab a pool noodle to make things extra special.

Hours vary depending on the season. You’ll want to book ahead, no matter when you go, as this isn’t just popular with tourists. Locals love a good soak, too.

Stop 4: Selfoss

We stayed at the Minniborgir Cabins for the night, north of Selfoss, the main town in these parts. The cabins are about a 40-minute drive from the Secret Lagoon. You’ll have more food options the closer you get to Selfoss.

Kaffi Krús is a notable option, known for its fresh fish of the day. Call ahead before you go if you’re traveling during the winter months, as their hours are seasonal.

We ended up eating at the restaurant attached to our accommodations for the night, splitting pizza, burgers, and a pitcher of beer. The food wasn’t anything to write home about, but it was reasonably priced for Iceland.

You’re able to take another soak in the cottage hot tubs after if you’re not yet wrinkled enough.

Day 3: Kerid Crater, Seljalandsfoss, Glacial Lagoons

The end goal will be to make it to Diamond Beach and the glacial lagoons by sunset, so make adjustments as you need to on this day. You’ll have about four-and-a-half hours of driving today to get there.

The last day of this itinerary isn’t as jampacked as this one, so you can certainly move things around if you need to.

Stop 1: Kerid Crater

The Kerid Crater is a volcanic crater lake that you can explore in a few different ways. There’s a rim path to walk all the way around, allowing you views of the milky water inside.

There’s also a path all the way down to the lake. I’d suggest making the walk down. It isn’t strenuous, at just under half a mile to get down there, and it looks completely different from that perspective. A parking lot right outside makes this stop easy.

Stop 2: Selfoss Snacks

Make a quick stop at Almar Bakari, a Scandinavian bakery, for some coffee and sweet treats to keep you satiated until lunch.

If you haven’t had any glazed cinnamon rolls during your travels yet, this is another spot that does them right.

Stop 3: Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is another hour’s drive east from Selfoss along Iceland’s Route 1, or the main Iceland Ring Road itinerary.

This isn’t just a stop-and-look stop. If you really want the full experience of these falls, walk the trail behind them for a trip of a little over a mile. Expect lots of people to be very slow while you get soaked by the water.

A short walk down the path at the exit of your behind-the-falls adventure will take you to another waterfall, Glijufrabui. You need waterproof gear to enter this one, as the water gets up to your ankles.

You can see it from the side or brave the chilly stream if you’re not a wuss like me.

Stop 4: Lunch

There’s an overpriced restaurant on-site at the falls, or you can get yourself some fish and chips just down the street from Mia’s Country Van. Hours may differ in the winter months.

Budget-friendly meals in Iceland are few and far between, so do what you can!

Stop 5: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

You’ll be driving through to the highlights of the day now: the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Don’t worry about additional stops along the way. You’ll have time later, I promise.

Both of these upcoming stops are breathtaking and not to be missed on any Iceland road trip itinerary.

Start at the lagoon and watch the blue icebergs drift along, some making their way to shore. The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is famous for the procession of blue icebergs that make this one of the most photogenic spots in Iceland.

One thing we weren’t able to do was to take a boat tour along the lagoon. If you’re there in the warmer months from May through October, it looks like an awesome way to get up close and personal with some icebergs. 

Make reservations well ahead of time in high season for your best chance of getting on a boat.

Stop 6: Diamond Beach

At Diamond Beach next door, the contrast of those same icebergs on the black sand beach will have you filling up that camera storage quickly. We were lucky enough to catch both at sunset, and I’d recommend the same.

The “diamonds” you’ll see here are chunks of ice that have drifted ashore from nearby glaciers. Breidamerkurjokull is likely the main culprit here, and don’t ask me to try to give that one to you phonetically.

If you really want to impress the locals here, learn how to say Breidamerkursandur. It translates to “sand,” I guess. That’s what folks in Iceland call this glacial outwash. The diamond moniker is for tourists.

Stop 7: Dinner

Our goal was to eat at the restaurant/brewery Jon Riki after an exciting day of adventure. They require reservations in the off months, and we just weren’t able to get through.

We ended up driving up to Höfn for lobster soup, pizza, and beer at Ishusid Pizzeria Restaurant. It was budget-friendly and delicious. No reservations are needed.

Once you’re done eating, check into your accommodations for the night.

Guesthouse Kálfafellsstadur, about a 20-minute drive from Diamond Beach, is as far east as we went on this trip. It’s far out enough into the country that it’s a great Northern Lights spotting location.

As the guesthouse above seems to have inconsistent online availability, check out the map below for more options:

Day 4: Svartifoss, Skaftafell National Park, Reynisfjara

We had a delightful breakfast of fresh waffles at our bed-and-breakfast. This is as far east as you’ll be on this journey, slowly making your way back to Reykjavik over the next two days.

Optional Stop 1: Ice Caves

The one regret we had on our Iceland road trip was that we weren’t able to explore an ice cave. We were supposed to see one as part of our snowmobiling tour, but that element was canceled because of the nice weather we were having.

If there’s anything I’ve learned about Iceland road trips, it’s to be ready to switch things up as needed, no matter when you go there.

Vatnajökull National Park is the more popular spot for ice cave tours, including the Crystal Cave.

If you’re following this itinerary closely, my advice would be to find a tour that goes out in the morning. You have some driving to do today to make your way back to Reykjavik.

Keep in mind that this is a winter excursion, and you’ll need to make a booking well in advance.

Check out some highly-rated ice cave tours below:

Stop 2: Snacks

An easy, budget-friendly food option in between all of your adventures is Glacier Goodies, a fish-and-chips truck in the lot of the main parking area for the lagoon. There are usually folks lined up for that one for fried goodies and warm soups.

Stop 3: Skaftafell National Park

Seeing Svartifoss, also known as the “Black Waterfall,” up close takes some effort, but it’s well worth it. It’s only about a mile each way, but budget some time for dodging tourists on the way. Despite the hike, it’s a popular Icelandic site.

Skaftafell is also the jumping-off point for a variety of glacier hikes.

We went as far as the base of Skaftafellsjökull glacier in our exploration at the park, but weren’t able to climb further as we weren’t on a guided tour.

We saw one guy sliding around up there in his tennis shoes as he went it alone, but he was an idiot. It was exciting enough for us to explore the base and the lagoon down below, which was just as sparkly as Diamond Beach.

Leave some time to feel the wonder of this place. This was my favorite spot on our Iceland trip itinerary.

If you’re interested in any guided glacier walks and glacial experiences in the area, check out the highly-rated options below:

Stop 4: Fjadrargljufur Canyon

Fjadrargljufur Canyon is a popular diversion off of Iceland’s Ring Road. There are enough walking paths once you’re there that it shouldn’t feel crowded with tourists unless you’re there in the peak of summer.

That’s when all of the Bieber heads come out, I’m sure, as this was a shooting location for a Justin Bieber music video. I imagine it has something to do with the river that curves below or the dramatic landscapes here more generally.

To lose those summer crowds, there are trails to get down into the canyon and wade into the river. Just beware of drones, as they’re definitely a thing here.

Stop 5: Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara, or Iceland’s Black Sand Beach, was created by lava flowing into the ocean. Today, it’s a fun place to watch kids try to outrun sneaker waves coming dangerously close to their own sneakers.

Sneaker waves are exactly as they sound. These are waves that surge closer onto the shore than expected. They sneak up on you. I know I’m turning my back on the water in the photo above, but don’t do that for long and put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Now that that’s out of the way, this black sand beach is one of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes, even without the scary factor. It’s worth a stop to check out the enormous basalt stacks that surround the beach, too.

If you’re into black sand beaches while in Iceland, you can also visit Stokksnes, a beach on a peninsula close to Höfn.

Stop 6: Dyrhólaey Viewpoint

The narrow drive to this viewpoint will open up as you approach the overlook. Spend some time taking in the views and check out the castle-shaped lighthouse.

On a clear day, you could see Mýrdalsjökull, the glacier to the north. To the east, look for the black lava sea stacks you just left at Reynisfjara.

Looking west, you’ll see an endless coastline, and right in front of you, you’ll see where this peninsula got its name. Dyrhólaey means “the hill island with the door hole.” As you take it all in, hold onto your hats. It’s beautiful, but very windy up here.

Stop 7: Vik

Vik has a few options for dinner depending on what you’re after. We were interested in some hipster brewery action, so we decided on Smiðjan Brugghus. The burgers were juicy, and the beer was even juicier. You don’t need any reservations at this one.

If burgers and beers aren’t your style, the Black Beach Restaurant is a pricier dining experience that offers stunning views from its dining room windows.

We stayed at the Welcome Hotel Lambafell, which features log cabin-style rooms, for the night. The potential for Northern Lights spotting is great there, as it’s pretty remote. Seljavallalaug, a geothermal pool, is free and a 20-minute walk from your lodging.

Use the map below to explore more options in Vik:

Day 5: Sólheimasandur, Skogafoss, Reykjavik

This is your last day to catch any sites you missed due to weather or other acts of nature beyond your control. You’re about two-and-a-half hours from Reykjavik at this point, so keep that in mind as you move through your day.

Breakfast was included in our booking at our guest house. That’s what you can expect from most guesthouses you stay at throughout Iceland’s South Coast.

Stop 1: Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

When we visited, the only way to reach the Sólheimasandur plane wreck site was by walking across the black sand plain. The trek is long and monotonous, with the wreck sitting more than two miles from the parking area (about 4.6 miles round-trip).

It’s not strenuous, but it is a very exposed walk with little scenery along the way. It was very, very boring.

If you go today, there’s a shuttle option that can take you from the parking area to the wreck, saving you the long walk across Sólheimasandur. If you’re short on time or visiting during colder months with limited daylight, it may be worth considering.

Once you get there, though, the backdrop of the wreckage against the endless black sand is what makes this stop memorable. We had the site to ourselves when we went, but the bus has likely made this a more crowded place to be.

The rusting shell has been sitting here since 1973, when a U.S. Navy DC-3 plane made an emergency landing on Sólheimasandur. All seven crew members survived the crash, so visiting isn’t as grim as it sounds.

No one knows exactly what caused the crash, though theories include fuel issues, icing, or pilot error.

Stop 2: Skogafoss

Just up the road from the wreckage, Skogafoss is an impressive sight. It’s a short walk to the falls from the parking area to the base, where, obviously, the closer you get, the wetter you’ll get.

There’s also a staircase you can climb to get a view of the falls below. I recommend both.

If this one looks familiar to the Marvel fans out there, it may be because it was featured in Thor: The Dark World. I’m typically too distracted by Chris Hemsworth to notice waterfalls, but I’ll take Iceland’s word for it.

Stop 3: Lunch

Unless there are additional stops you missed in the days prior, it’s time to grab some grub. Drive within an hour or so of the airport or even closer to the city center.

Ölverk in Hveragerði is a pizzeria and microbrewery where you can order flights of their local beers. No reservations are needed.

Stop 4: Reykjavik

We were catching our flight back home on the evening of our last day.

If you have some additional time in the city, return to my Reykjavik ideas for tips on how to fill your time and your bellies before tucking in for the night.

You can certainly also extend your time in East Iceland or North Iceland if you’re lucky enough to be able to linger in this fantastic country. I know I’m always plotting when we can make our own return to Iceland.

When to Visit Iceland for a Road Trip

The best time for most travelers to visit Iceland is the summer, starting in early June. You’ll enjoy easier driving conditions and plentiful sunshine for your outdoor adventures.

That said, we visited in the late fall over the Thanksgiving holiday. I wouldn’t have done anything differently because we were able to see Iceland as the Norse gods intended: all white everything, with opportunities for winter activities.

You also have a better shot at catching the Northern Lights if you visit outside of summer.

Note: Winter in Iceland can be magical, but you have much less daylight. Be prepared for early mornings if you’re traveling in the fall and winter months.

In the case of inclement weather, getting from one point to the next may take much longer than you thought. That can be frustrating when you’re dealing with limited daylight outside of the summer months.

Renting a Car for Your Iceland Road Trip

We used SADcars despite the budget rental car company’s unfortunate name and had no complaints. The company was also cheaper than all of the other big-name car rental agencies, particularly if you’re sharing costs.

Travelers who want to compare local providers can also use a car rental comparison site like Travel to Iceland. They combine offers from more than 30 Icelandic rental companies in one breezy search.

If you can’t drive a manual car, book well in advance. Automatic vehicles sell out first.

Is it hard to drive around Iceland?

Road trips in Iceland are not very difficult in ideal conditions. It can become more challenging in inclement weather.

We didn’t find any of the driving too challenging and enjoyed mild weather during our own trip, but everyone on the trip was from the Midwest. That means we’ve all driven through snow and weather that wasn’t always ideal.

Iceland road travel outside of summer requires a vehicle with 4WD. Drivers who aren’t experienced in navigating wintry road conditions should not be on the roads in the wintertime for their sake and that of Iceland’s residents.

Any Iceland itinerary requires some flexibility on your part.

You should have contingency plans to get yourself to safer conditions if the weather calls for it. Roads close around Iceland, especially in the winter. Monitor closures and weather conditions daily in case you need to change your plans.

With More Time in Iceland

If you have a week in Iceland or more, there’s so much more you can do. You can drive the entire Ring Road or get to more off-the-beaten-path destinations in more remote corners of the country.

Here’s a little more detail on what I still have on my Iceland bucket list:

• Snaefellsnes: The Snaefellsnes peninsula is described as a mini-Iceland thanks to the natural wonders packed into a small footprint. See Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland, or detour to Glymur.
• Goðafoss: This waterfall in North Iceland is known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” That’s a reference to its size and the fact that it appears in stories featuring Norse gods. Find this one about 45 minutes from Akureyri.
• Húsavík: This Icelandic fishing village is famous now for how heavily it was featured in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. You’ll miss out on the whale-watching tour potential here if that’s all you’re focused on.
• Mývatn: Mývatn is known for the waterfalls Detifoss and Selfoss, its excellent Northern Lights-spotting potential, and the Mývatn Nature Baths. Much like the Blue Lagoon, the baths are geothermal pools naturally heated by hot springs.
• Borgarfjörður: Summer Iceland travelers should try to get themselves to Borgarfjörður eystri, a small fishing fjord in East Iceland. It’s one of the easiest places to observe wild puffins, which sounds very adorable.

An Iceland road trip is worth the effort.

The possibilities expand the more time you have, but five days in Iceland is enough to see the Golden Circle and a good chunk of the South Coast.

We never felt too rushed on our road trip in Iceland, even when baggage delays tried to rain on our parade.

I can’t wait to go back and see more of North Iceland and the wonders up there. This is truly one of the most scenic countries in the world.

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