Don’t Plan A 5-Day Road Trip In Iceland—Till You’ve Read This 5-Day Iceland Itinerary.
- Debrup Ganguly
- Jul 16, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 3, 2023
So, your Iceland Itinerary’s set, huh? 5 Days. One Car. Endless Adventure. A 5 days road trip across Iceland with nothing but your spirit for adventure and your trusty steed.
So, we thought to make it as easy as 1,2,3 for you. Here’s the only Iceland itinerary you will need for the most incredible adventure of your life!
Iceland: All About It🥶
Iceland isn’t as cold as ice. (not in the summer, at least)
That’s the first myth to break about Iceland, the land of Norse Gods. There are a lot of myths, but something about Iceland, screams adventure.
From Justin Bieber to Game of Thrones, Iceland has always been the backdrop for adventures of epic proportions.
This time, it’s your turn! It’s time for the most incredible adventure of your life. (an Iceland five-day road trip)
Why Do a 5-Day Road Trip Across Iceland?
The sun and fun never set in Iceland. ☀️
Iceland is host to several fun activities that are otherwise impossible anywhere else in the world. In a car, the journey becomes even more fun.
Be it playing golf to taking a hot spring bath at midnight. Chase the northern lights or bask in the sunlight at night; it’s always ‘Opposite Day’ in Iceland.
Did you know?
You can snorkel between continents in Iceland!🤿
A lone island country amid the Atlantic Ocean may seem idyllic and calm. However, it’s called the land of fire and ice for a specific reason. Nestled with over 30 active volcanic systems and the largest glacier in Europe, Iceland is the hottest snow-covered place to visit.
Iceland is not only a place for your next adventure but is also the source of the word ‘geyser’. So, here’s everything you need to set out on your next big adventure across Iceland.
Essential Things To Know Before Building An Iceland Itinerary
Language | Time Zone | Country Code | Socket | Currency | Weather
|
Icelandic | +0 | +314 | Type C/Type F | ISK | 41F-77F (Summer) 32F-14F (Winter) |
When To Visit Iceland? The Best Time Of The Year For Building The Best Iceland Itinerary.
If you are keen on a road trip, the best time of the year to visit Iceland by road is during the summer months.
Here’s why you should build an Iceland itinerary in the summer!
You get the advantage of the midnight sun.
The roads aren’t covered with snow.
Summer in Iceland eases travel. You can travel easily without any hassles during summertime in Iceland. However, that does not guarantee that the road conditions will not change.
Pro Tip: Install a reliable weather app on your phone while in Iceland. The weather in Iceland isn’t to be relied upon. (even in the summer)
Can You Drive Around Iceland In 5 Days?🚘
Honestly, there are a lot of things to do in Iceland, and covering the entire country is a task that takes at least 7 Days. However, we have planned the perfect 5-day road trip Iceland has to offer.
Here’s everything you need for a road trip across Iceland in 5 Days.
The Best 5-Day Iceland Itinerary For Iceland Self-Drive Tours
Day 1 of Road Trip Iceland: Reykjavik To The Golden Circle
Things To See & Do In Reykjavík
On the first day of your road trip within12:00 PM Iceland, you take in the city of Reykjavik. Kick it off with a walk. Take a tour across the beautifully planned Icelandic city of Reykjavik. Interact with the locals and load up for the upcoming 3 days of adventure.
Local Attractions | Time | Duration
|
Take A Walk Around Reykjavik | 10:00 AM | 2 Hours
|
Try Flyover Iceland | 12:00 PM | 40 Minutes
|
Hallgrimskirkja Church | 1:00 PM | 1 Hour |
Bathe in Sky Lagoon | 4:00 PM | 2 Hours |
Best Hotels To Stay At | Features | Rating | Free WIFI | Cost |
Grand Hotel | Bar Free Parking Restaurant Spa | 4.3 | ✔️ | $$$ |
Spa Bar Gym Free Parking Restaurant
| 4.1 | ✔️ | $$$ | |
Guesthouse Galtafell | Free Parking Restaurant | 4.6 | ✔️ | $$ |
Galaxy Pod Hostel | Self Service Kitchen Great View | 4.3 | ✔️ | $ |
When To Head Out?
Stay in Reykjavík for the day, and head out towards the South Coast on Day 2 with a car from rentalcars.com or northbound.is.
Day 2 of Road Trip Iceland: The Golden Circle To The South Coast
Things to Do on Day 2: Snorkeling
Day 2 begins in Reykjavik and is set to be action-packed. Start early from Reykjavik at around 7 AM. It takes 90 minutes to reach the South Coast by road. Day 2 has activities like snorkeling and river rafting. Experience the best of Iceland with activities that aren’t possible anywhere else in the world.
Local Attractions | Time | Duration |
Snorkelling between continents in Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park
| 10:00 AM | 3 Hours |
Rafting in Hvita River | 2:00PM | 3 Hours |
Best Hotels To Stay At | Features | Rating | Free WIFI | Cost
|
Ice-cream Shop Restaurant Authentic Farm Hotel Parking Horse Rentals | 4.7 | ✔️ | $ | |
Parking Air Conditioned Restaurant | 4.4 | ✔️ | $$ | |
3 Star Facilities | 4.8 | ✔️ | $$$ |
When To Head Out?
It’s best to stay the night at hotels on the South Coast. Gain up energy for the next day, and enjoy a midnight horse ride.
Day 3 of Road Trip Iceland: The South Coast To Vik
Things To See & Do In The South Coast
Day 3 is scheduled for most amount of the adventures. It’s a good idea to start early at 6:00 AM to reach Skogafoss Waterfall at 8:00 AM. It helps you beat the crowd and take a walk across the Skogafoss Waterfall Way. From there, it’s one activity after the other. The day ends at the idyllic village of Vík í Mýrdal.
Local Attractions | Time | Duration |
See Skogafoss Waterfalls
| 8:00 AM | 4 Hours |
Visit Skogar Museum | 12:00 PM | 1 Hour |
Visit Iceland plane wreck | 2:00 PM | 2 Hours |
Reynisfjara Beach | 4:00 PM | 60 Minutes |
Vík í Mýrdal Village | 6:00 PM | - |
Best Hotels To Stay At | Features | Rating | Free WIFI | Cost |
Parking Prime Location | 4.3 | ✔️ | $$$ | |
Authentic Restaurant | 4.2 | ✔️ | $$ | |
The Barn | Bar Lounge Kitchen Parking | 4.7 | ✔️ | $ |
When To Head Out?
Get a hotel in the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Unwind, relax and meet the locals. Take a walk in the village or give a rest to your tired feet.
Day 4 of Road Trip Iceland: Vik to Jokulsarlon
Things To See & Do In Jokulsarlon
Day 4 is once again action-packed. From paragliding to riding horses, this day has it all. Visit the village of Vik, and wet your feet in the sand at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.
Local Attractions | Time | Duration |
Skaftafell / Vatnajökull National Park | 10:00 AM | 30 Minutes |
Jökulsárlón Lagoon Boat Tours | 11:00 AM | 2 Hours |
Paraglide In Vik | 1:30 PM | 2 Hours |
Visit the Hillside Vik Church | 3:00 PM | 2 Hours |
Go Horse Back Riding On Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach | 5:00 PM | 1 Hour |
Best Hotels To Stay At
Same as Day 3
When To Head Out?
Continue your stay at Vík í Mýrdal, and give a rest to your bones. The trip is nearly over; by now, your gallery is filled with Instagrammable experiences.
Day 5 of Road Trip Iceland: Return To Reykjavik
Things To See & Do During The Return To Reykjavik
Day 5 of the road trip in Iceland is meant to be taken leisurely. It’s a chance to catch up with what you missed at Reykjavík on the first day. Take a detour on the way into local fishing villages to see authentic Icelandic life. Slowly unwind your muscles in the Blue Lagoon, the end point of your Great Iceland Itinerary.
Local Attractions | Time | Duration |
Take a Horse Ride In Eyrarbakki | 10 AM | 1 Hour |
Kayak in Stokkseyri | 12:00 PM | 2 Hours |
Unwind at The Blue Lagoon | 3:00 PM | 2 Hours |
Best Hotels To Stay At
Same As Day 1
FAQ(s)
How long does it take to cover the entire Golden Circle?
It takes 3 hours to complete the Golden Circle road. However, that is just driving non-stop for a few hours—our five-day road trip Iceland itinerary is meant to provide maximum fulfillment. Continuously Driving will give you only a view of all the sights, but won’t let you enjoy them!
Is there a black beach in Iceland?
Yes, the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is a black sand beach. It’s also known as Diamond Beach.
Is it expensive to rent a car in Iceland?
It honestly isn’t costly for a tourist destination. The average car rental in Iceland costs around $180 or Rs. 14,378. However, as with any rentals, there can be better deals.
I am renting a car in Iceland. Is it worth my money?
Renting a car in Iceland lets, you have complete control over your time and budget. You may even skip the cost of a hotel and rent a camper van. Renting a car in Iceland lets you enjoy your journey and cut hotel costs. Iceland self drive completely worth your money.
How long does it take to cover the whole Ring Road in Iceland?
In theory, you can complete the Ring Road in about 17 hours, but it isn’t ideal for a person looking to see the sights. It takes seven days to cover the whole ring road in Iceland.
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