Scenic 5-Day Road Trip Adventure Through Iceland’s South Coast, Landmannalaugar & Highlands

Rise and shine! It's your first full day in Iceland and there's so much to see in the countryside. You'll be driving from your accommodation in Reykjavik city down the gorgeous South Coast of Iceland, seeing sights along the way. 

Your journey starts with visits to two of Iceland's many beautiful waterfalls.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is first on the schedule. The waterfall stands 197 feet (60 meters) tall, and behind it is a small cave, allowing those who don't mind a bit of water spray to walk around it. 

The next waterfall is Skogafoss, similar to Seljalandsfoss in height but much wider at 82 feet (25 meters) and, therefore, more majestic. A rainbow can be seen in the mist the dropping water creates if the sun is out.

After you admire the two waterfalls, you will drive to the Reynisfjara black sand beach. Most of Iceland's beaches are black, and Reynisfjara is perhaps the most stunning. 

On the beach sits the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, impressive rock formations which, according to folklore, are petrified trolls. Whether you believe the sea stacks to be trolls or not, they are home to many seabirds, which you'll likely be able to spot.

The village Vik i Myrdal, your next stop, is not far from the black sand beach. Vik is an adorable town with beautiful surrounding landscapes. You'll be able to stretch your legs on a walk around the village and maybe take a look inside a shop or have a bite to eat in a café.

You have the option to select exciting extra activities on this day. There are three icy adventures you can pick from. 

One option is to explore the beauty of Solheimajokull glacier on foot with a glacier hike. If you prefer traveling faster than your own two feet can carry you, hopping on a snowmobile and taking a tour of Myrdalsjokull glacier is the best option. 

Your third option is a Katla ice cave tour, which will take you on a guided expedition to a rare Icelandic glacier feature.

At the end of your day, you'll backtrack a little bit and spend the night in Southwest Iceland.

Today, you will drive from Southwest Iceland to the Landmannalaugar area, a part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands of Iceland. You've got quite a bit of ground to cover on this day, so we recommend getting an early start. The early bird gets the worm and more time to stop and admire the scenery.

The Highlands region in Iceland is like stepping into another world. It's a remote area in the middle of the country that's unlike anywhere else. This remote location makes its landscapes mostly intact over centuries, aside from the influence of natural events like volcanic eruptions and glacial melt.

You will have plenty of time to explore the Landmannalaugar area, a truly remarkable section of the nature reserve in the Icelandic Highlands. Otherworldly landscapes will surround you since the mountains here have a broad scope of splendid colors. For example, the rhyolite mountains, notable features of Landmannalaugar, boast red, pink, blue, yellow, and green slopes.

Aside from the towering peaks, Landmannalaugar is full of geothermal hot springs, many of which are safe for bathing in, so bring your swimsuit. Even if you don't take a dip, the steam rising from the ground and the natural puddles bubbling are a peculiar and memorable sight.

A sight that is hard to miss in the Highlands is the Laugahraun lava field, formed during an eruption some centuries ago. The contrast between the black lava and the colorful mountains is striking. They make great subjects for sightseeing and photography.

Meanwhile, specific hiking routes within the Landmannalaugar area include the Laugavegur trail, which connects Landmannalaugar to the Thorsmork valley. Although you won’t have time to complete this trail within a day, you can always explore some of its highlights.

At the end of your day, you'll drive back to Southwest Iceland, where you'll spend the night, excited to explore the Golden Circle the following day.

Your day will start with a staple of sightseeing in Iceland, the Golden Circle. You'll see three of the country's most famous attractions in one day. This is another day with lots to see, so remember to get an early start if you want plenty of time at each stop.

The first stop is the Geysir hot spring, the geyser from which all geysers derive their name. Even more excitingly, you'll see Geysir's next-door neighbor, Strokkur, a much more reliable hot spring that lets out a hot water fountain every few minutes.

You'll want to bring a camera to capture the jets of water shooting up in the air.

Next, you'll witness the power of Gullfoss waterfall, a 105-foot (32-meter) tall cascade on two levels with glacial water rushing forward and down in a breathtaking display of nature's potential. The waterfall has been photographed from every possible angle, but nothing beats walking close to the actual thing and hearing the thundering rush of the water.

Closing the circle is the Thingvellir National Park, which is a cultural and natural treasure. It is known as the meeting point for the Icelandic parliament, Althingi, until the 1800s. It is also known for the Almannagja gorge, which sits on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

After you finish the Golden Circle, you'll drive through Kaldidalur valley to Reykholt. Kaldidalur valley is an old passage across the Icelandic Highlands used to get to Althingi in Thingvellir for parliament meetings.

The village of Reykholt is a historical site once the home of Snorri Sturluson, a 12th-century writer, historian, and law speaker. For many years, the most important school in the country was situated at Reykholt.

Today, you will again have the chance to add exciting extra activities. The options available are a riding tour on the unique Icelandic horse, a thrilling snowmobile tour on Langjokull Glacier, or a fascinating snorkeling tour in Silfra Fissure.

All of the tours offer unique ways of exploring Iceland's landscapes.

Towards the end of the day, you will drive to Reykjavik. If you get there early, you can walk around the city streets and enjoy the city's vibrant life.

On your last night in Iceland, you will stay in a cozy accommodation in Reykjavik.

Your last day in Iceland has arrived all too soon. You'll be leaving with an abundance of good memories and perhaps a souvenir or two.

If your flight schedule allows for a later departure, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Reykjavik. The city offers many experiences, from cultural immersion to scenic exploration.

Begin your day by blending in with the locals, who often kickstart their mornings at the city's charming cafes. Alternatively, you can follow their lead and visit a local bakery to savor the delectable Icelandic treat known as "snudur."

For a spot of last-minute retail therapy, Laugavegur street invites you with its boutiques and specialty shops, catering to all budgets and tastes. You can also have your lunch in the area, which features the best local and international restaurants. They serve favorites such as lamb stew, seafood, vegetarian options, pizza, and more.

Alternatively, the city center unveils a treasure trove of iconic landmarks, perfect for sightseeing and capturing timeless photographs. This is your final chance to check off some sites from your bucket list.

The towering presence of Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland's tallest church, is a sight to behold. Its captivating facade, reminiscent of basalt columns, is a masterpiece in itself. Ascend to the church's heights to revel in panoramic vistas of the bustling streets and the tranquil bay.

For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you will finish off your stay unwinding before you head to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters as you look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice. 

With all these options on your last day, just make sure to arrive at the Keflavik International Airport to return your car and have a good rest before your flight.

See you on your next trip to the enchanting land of fire and ice.