Overview image of Thingvellir National Park on a sunny summer day in Iceland

5 Days in Iceland: A Complete Itinerary for an Epic Trip

Verified expert

10 million puffins live in Iceland during summertime, on its coasts and islands.

Planning a trip but only have five days in Iceland? Don’t worry—you can still experience the country’s most breathtaking sights and unforgettable adventures! This expertly crafted itinerary will help you maximize your time, no matter the season. 

5-day northern lights winter vacation offers the chance to tour the ice caves and relax in the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, a 5-day self-drive tour of South Iceland in the summer allows you to explore the famous Golden Circle and visit the Blue Lagoon. Both trips cover some of Iceland’s top sights in five days.

No matter if you're chasing the northern lights in winter or exploring the midnight sun in summer, this guide covers top attractions, essential travel tips, and must-visit locations. Keep reading to discover how to maximize your time and create an unforgettable Icelandic experience.

Key Takeaways

  • Five days in Iceland is enough to experience stunning landscapes, including waterfalls, ice caves, geothermal spas, and iconic locations like Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. 

  • Summer offers extended daylight for sightseeing, while winter brings the northern lights, ice caves, and frozen landscapes.

  • Many travelers opt for a road trip, exploring highlights like the South Coast and the Golden Circle.

  • Reykjavik, the capital city, is a great base for day trips and guided tours.

  • South Coast tours are especially popular in winter, offering guided experiences to ice caves, frozen waterfalls, glacier lagoons, and prime northern lights viewing spots.

How Many Days in Iceland Is Enough?

5 Days in Iceland: A Complete Itinerary for an Epic TripWhile some may recommend longer stays for a complete Ring Road experience, five days in Iceland is enough to experience many of the highlights. Enjoy the ethereal dance of the northern lights in winter and the endless daylight of the midnight sun in summer. 

It's the perfect duration for a taste of Iceland's wonders, especially if you focus on specific regions and tailor your itinerary to the season. No matter when you visit, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable adventures await.

Must-See Attractions in Iceland for a 5-Day Trip

If you have five days in Iceland, focusing on the most iconic and breathtaking sites will make your trip unforgettable. You can experience a wealth of places across the South, West, North, and even the Highlands. Here are the top five must-see attractions:

These are just some of the must-visit attractions in Iceland. There is definitely more to explore in this country!

5 Days in Iceland: A Complete Itinerary for an Epic Trip

If you are looking to get your adrenaline pumping with some Icelandic adventure, you could embark with ease, year-round, from the capital. Options include horseback ridingsnowmobilingglacier hikingquad-biking, and ice caving trips.

There is also a wealth of sightseeing tours that head to the South and West in just a day. Most notable of these tours head to the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. All of these places will immerse you in the country's magnificent nature and show you a wealth of unique and breathtaking sites.

Some excursions will even take you as far as the Highlands; this tour, for example, will allow you to spend a day hiking in the Landmannalaugar Region, through its magnificent rhyolite mountains. It also provides you with the opportunity to bathe in the local natural hot springs, surrounded by highland landscapes.

Your Summer Guide to an Amazing 5 Days in Iceland 

Summer in Iceland offers extended daylight hours for sightseeing and activities. Maximize your time and experience the best things to do in Iceland with multi-day tours and vacation packages. You can also take advantage of car rentals to allow flexibility as you travel.

Best 5-Day Summer Road Trip Options

Consider these summer self-driving tour options to get your planning started. They're top-rated and will make it easy to see some of the best sights in Iceland:

  • Self-Drive Tour of South Iceland With the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon: Explore Iceland's most iconic sights at your own pace, including the famous Golden Circle, dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon. This self-driving itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors looking to experience the highlights of South Iceland.

  • Self-Drive Tour of the Wonders of West Iceland: Discover the diverse landscapes of West Iceland, from lava fields and hot springs to glaciers and waterfalls. This self-driving tour offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, including stops in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and historic Borgarfjordur Fjord.

  • Road Trip Adventure Through Iceland’s South Coast, Landmannalaugar & Highlands: Embark on an adventurous road trip through Iceland’s stunning South Coast and into the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar and the remote Highlands. Designed for summer travel, this route is perfect for those seeking dramatic scenery, hiking, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

You can also enjoy a variety of meet-on-location self-driving activities with your own transportation. Some include:

A 5-day road trip offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, letting you experience Iceland’s best sights at your own pace.

Best 5-Day Summer Itinerary From Reykjavik

Reykjavik, a vibrant and culturally rich capital, is a must-see for any Iceland itinerary. No matter the duration of your Iceland vacation, allow at least half a day to explore its cultural sites, unique architecture, and captivating street art

Reykjavik’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Iceland. Numerous day tours depart from the city, offering easy access to natural wonders. Here’s a potential itinerary for your visit:

Day 1: Explore Reykjavik

  • As visitors discover the top things to do in Reykjavik, many find themselves wishing for more time to soak in the city's charm. To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing a Reykjavik City Card for access to museums, galleries, and swimming pools, along with free public transport and discounts.

  • For an easy and immersive introduction to the city, the hop-on, hop-off bus tour and food experiences are also great options.

Day 2: Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon

Day 3: South Coast Adventure

Day 4: Unique Adventures

Day 5: Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Adventure Activities

  • Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour From Reykjavik: Discover black sand beaches, lava fields, volcanic craters, Snaefellsjokull Glacier, and the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain.

  • Adventure seekers can embark on horseback riding, snowmobiling, glacier hiking, quad biking, and ice-caving trips from Reykjavik.

  • Popular day trips include the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Some tours even venture into the Highlands, like the Landmannalaugar hiking tour.

5 Days in Iceland: A Complete Itinerary for an Epic Trip

For those with a bigger budget, consider a sightseeing tour by plane or helicopter from Reykjavik's Domestic Airport to more remote areas. A tour to Akureyri, for example, provides access to incredible sites such as Lake Myvatn and a chance to explore Game of Thrones filming locations.

This itinerary ensures a balance of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking landscapes, making the most of your summer trip to Iceland.

Your Winter Guide to an Amazing 5 Days in Iceland

Five winter days in Iceland offer stunning snowy landscapes and arctic adventures. Though nights are long and days short, there's plenty of excitement.

Many visit Iceland in the winter for the northern lights, a breathtaking sight when the skies are clear. While five days give you a good chance, storms and overcast skies can make sightings uncertain.

Best 5-Day Winter Road Trip Options

5 Days in Iceland: A Complete Itinerary for an Epic Trip

If you're comfortable driving in frosty conditions, winter self-drive adventures give you the flexibility to explore Iceland at your own pace. These 5-day tours are sure to offer amazing experiences:

Some adventure tours make for incredible winter adventures, letting you experience Iceland’s snowy landscapes in unique ways:

A winter road trip in Iceland offers breathtaking snowscapes, frozen waterfalls, and the magic of the northern lights, making for an unforgettable adventure.

Best 5-Day Winter Itinerary From Reykjavik

For those who prefer to stay in Reykjavik and take guided tours, this itinerary provides a mix of adventure and relaxation:

  • Day 1: Explore Reykjavik

    • Walk through the city's charming streets, visiting Hallgrimskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager Sculpture.

    • Try Icelandic cuisine at a cozy local restaurant.

  • Day 2: Golden Circle Excursion and Northern Lights Tour

    • Take a guided tour of Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

    • In the evening, join a Northern Lights tour by bus, boat, or super jeep.

  • Day 3: South Coast Adventure

    • Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls.

    • Walk along the black sands of Reynisfjara Beach.

    • See the breathtaking Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach.

  • Day 4: Ice Caving or Snowmobiling

    • Enjoy a Crystal Ice Cave tour in Vatnajokull Glacier.

    • Alternatively, go snowmobiling on a glacier for an adrenaline-filled experience.

  • Day 5: Blue Lagoon and Departure

    • Relax in the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters before heading to the Keflavik Airport.

    • Enjoy a final meal in Reykjavik if time allows.

This plan ensures a balance of adventure and relaxation while maximizing your chances of seeing the northern lights and experiencing Iceland’s stunning winter landscapes.

Top Activities To Do in 5 Days

With five days in Iceland, you have enough time to experience some of the country's most breathtaking natural wonders and thrilling adventures. Here are some top activities to consider during your trip.

1. Explore Ice Caves

One of the biggest draws to guests to Iceland in winter is the crystal ice caves that open underneath Vatnajokull Glacier between mid-October and March (note that many operators don't start tours until November). 

These incredible formations allow guests to see the electric blue world inside an ice cap as it naturally occurs. The best way to see the ice caves is by taking a multi-day tour, where your guide may have some flexibility when organizing trips. 

Several tours go along the South Coast to the incredible glacier lagoon, which includes ice-caving components. These can be conducted over a 2-day South Coast winter trip or a 3-day northern lights and ice cave tour.

5 Days in Iceland: A Complete Itinerary for an Epic Trip

This 5-day vacation package gives you the chance to see an ice cave while also immersing you in the South Coast and Golden Circle. It also focuses on finding the northern lights and includes Blue Lagoon admission.

2. Discover Iceland via Self-Drive Options 

Of course, if you are renting a car and driving yourself, there are several self-driving options that can help you carve out the best route or decide what to do in Iceland. 

Please note, however, that Icelandic road and weather conditions can be quite dangerous in winter. Only confident, skilled drivers should consider renting a car, and even then, they should choose 4-wheel vehicles.

Those eager to plumb the depths of an ice cave and see the magnificent Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon should look into this 5-day self-drive that covers the South Coast and Golden Circle. It also has the potential for many classic Icelandic attractions to be added to the journey.

A 5-day trip to Iceland offers more sightseeing, adventure, and culture than a long weekend, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its nature and history.

3. Alternative Iceland Adventures

If you don’t want to worry about ice cave tour cancellations, there are plenty of other exciting activities to fill your five days in Iceland.

For an adrenaline rush, consider a snowmobile tour on Langjokull Glacier, departing from Gullfoss Waterfall. This adventure takes you across vast icy landscapes, offering an unforgettable view of Iceland’s wintry wilderness.

A lesser-known but thrilling experience is dog sledding in North Iceland. A 2-hour dog-sledding package in the stunning Myvatn Region lets you race across snowy landscapes with a team of huskies while also enjoying an up-close meeting with these friendly animals. 

Frequently Asked Questions About 5-Day Trips to Iceland

Incredible Svortuloft Cliffs on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with an orange lighthouse in IcelandHere are some of the most common questions about spending five days in Iceland.

Is 5 days Enough To See Iceland?

Yes, five days is plenty to see Iceland’s highlights, including the Golden Circle, South Coast, and northern lights. While a week is ideal, you’ll still experience stunning landscapes, adventure activities, and rich culture.

Is 5 Days in Iceland Enough To See the Northern Lights?

Yes, if you visit between late September and mid-April, you have a good chance of seeing the northern lights in Iceland. To increase your chances, check the aurora forecast, head to dark, cloud-free areas, and be patient.

Can you complete the Ring Road in 5 days?

Covering the full Ring Road in five days is possible, but it can feel rushed. Instead, consider focusing on specific regions, like the South Coast and Snaefellsnes Peninsula, or North Iceland, for a more relaxed experience.

What’s the ideal budget for a 5-day trip to Iceland?

For five days in Iceland, budget about 1,500 USD to 3,000 USD or more per person, depending on your travel style. This does not include flights and larger expenses like glacier hikes, private tours, or luxury accommodations. 

How To Make the Most of Your 5 Days in Iceland

Overview image of Thingvellir National Park on a sunny summer day in IcelandSpending five days in Iceland gives you the perfect opportunity to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, from waterfalls and glaciers to volcanic beaches and geothermal hot springs. Whether you choose a self-drive adventure, a guided tour, or a mix of both, planning ahead will ensure you make the most of your time.

To maximize your trip:

  • Prioritize key attractions like the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Blue Lagoon.

  • Consider guided multi-day tours or self-drive tours to explore more remote areas.

  • Pack appropriately for the season, especially in winter when conditions can be unpredictable.

  • Stay flexible—the weather in Iceland can change quickly, so have backup plans for outdoor activities.

No matter your itinerary, five days in Iceland will leave you with unforgettable memories. Want to extend your trip a little longer? Enjoy a 7-day summer self-drive of the complete Ring Road or an 8-day winter guided tour of the complete Ring Road to experience more of the stunning scenery.

Have you been to Iceland, or are you planning your 5-day adventure? Which attractions are at the top of your list? Let us know in the comments!

Link to appstore phone
Install Iceland’s biggest travel app

Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.