If Iceland has been sitting on your bucket list, this five-day road trip itinerary packs in an incredible amount without requiring a full week away. We walked behind waterfalls, watched a glacier lagoon glow at sunrise, hiked through canyons, soaked in geothermal lagoons, flew over waterfalls on Iceland’s longest and fastest zipline, explored Reykjavík, and drove around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Was it a relaxing trip? Not super relaxing, but…don’t skip the hot springs, because that is the most relaxing part! You know I love to fit as much as possible into every trip! But this route gave us five unforgettable days filled with some of Iceland’s most beautiful scenery.

This itinerary begins at Keflavík International Airport, follows the Golden Circle and South Coast to Jökulsárlón, returns west through Reykjavík, and finishes with a full day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. I included our approximate timing, drive times, hotels, restaurant stops, and the things we learned along the way so you can adjust it to fit your own travel style.

This was a girls’ trip with one of my friends. Iceland had been on our list for a while, but my husband wasn’t very interested in visiting, so it worked out perfectly!

If I returned with my family of five, I would probably choose more affordable accommodations for the nights we paid cash because these hotels were expensive. However, our first hotel could sleep a family of four and had a separate bedroom with bunk beds, making it a great option for families! And I’d probably still choose to splurge on the Hótel Jökulsárlón.

A quick note: Iceland’s weather can change quickly. Always check road conditions, attraction hours and tour availability before your trip. Give yourself extra time when it is raining or windy, and never risk your safety to stay on schedule.

TIP: For my hour-by- hour, exact itinerary timeline, you can download it below. Otherwise, below is a good summary of what we did each day.

➡️ My Hour-by-Hour Iceland Itinerary

Trip Dates:

September 9–15, arriving in Iceland on Thursday, September 10. (2 people)

Our 5-Day Iceland Road Trip at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrival, Golden Circle, Laugarás Lagoon, Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi
• Day 2: South Coast waterfalls, Vík, Fjaðrárgljúfur, Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach
• Day 3: Glacier Lagoon, Múlagljúfur Canyon, Fjallsárlón and Vestrahorn
• Day 4: Mega Zipline, Reykjavík and Sky Lagoon
• Day 5: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Kirkjufell, & Reykjaböð Geothermal Lagoon
• Day 6: Fly home

My Downloadable Map!

Coming Soon!

Where We Stayed (Hotels)

• Night 1: Seljalandsfoss Horizons (Paid Cash)
• Nights 2 and 3: Hótel Jökulsárlón (Paid Cash)
• Night 4: Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Centre (Used 80,000 Hilton Points)
• Night 5: Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavík Keflavík Airport (Used 50,000 Marriott points)

Quick points tip: If you want to cover more of your Iceland hotels with points, you could base yourself in Reykjavík for three nights and take day trips to the Golden Circle, the South Coast waterfalls, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

You’ll find several Hilton and Marriott options in Reykjavík, plus Marriott properties near the airport. A new Hyatt Centric Reykjavík is also expected to open soon, giving points travelers another option.

For an Iceland trip, I would focus on earning Hilton points for hotels and flexible points or Atmos Rewards points for flights. With several elevated Hilton offers currently available, now could be a great time to start earning the points for your trip!

➡️ Check out the current offers here. (From this link you can select business or personal cards at the top)

For flights, I’d choose the Capital One Venture Rewards Card

How I Booked Our Flights to Iceland with Points

Flight to Iceland

• Route: Phoenix (PHX) → Minneapolis (MSP) → Reykjavík (KEF)
• Airline: Delta
• Booked through: Air France/KLM Flying Blue
• Cost: 29,500 Flying Blue miles per person
• Taxes and fees: Approximately $40 per person

Flight Home

• Route: Reykjavík (KEF) → Calgary (YYC) → Phoenix (PHX)
• Airline: WestJet
• Booked through: Air France/KLM Flying Blue
• Cost: 37,500 Flying Blue miles per person
• Taxes and fees: Approximately $85 per person plus about $35 for seats

Total Round-Trip Cost

• 67,000 Flying Blue miles per person
• Approximately $125 in taxes and fees per person

We used Flying Blue miles for both directions even though we flew Delta and WestJet. I transferred flexible credit card points to Flying Blue to book the tickets. This is one reason I love flexible points: they give you options beyond booking directly with one airline.

Award prices and availability can change quickly, so always confirm the flights you want before transferring points. Transfers generally cannot be reversed.

Day 1: The Golden Circle, Laugarás Lagoon and Seljalandsfoss

Route: KEF Airport → Reykjavík → Þingvellir National Park → Efstidalur → Geysir → Gullfoss → Friðheimar → Laugarás Lagoon → Seljalandsfoss
Approximate driving time: 4 hours
Hotel: Seljalandsfoss Horizons

We landed at Keflavík International Airport around 7:00 a.m., picked up our rental car and immediately started our road trip. Give yourself at least 90 minutes for immigration, baggage claim, the rental-car shuttle, and vehicle pickup. Before leaving the rental lot, take photos or video of the entire car so you have a record of its condition.

Breakfast and Groceries in Reykjavík

Our first stop was coffee, breakfast, and groceries. Brauð & Co. and Te & Kaffi are both great options, and you can find them right along the route (no need to go into Reykjavik), and we stocked up on water and snacks for later that night.

Þingvellir National Park

From Reykjavík, we drove about 35 minutes to Þingvellir National Park. This is where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. We spent about an hour exploring the easy paths and viewpoints.

Efstidalur, Strokkur and Gullfoss

Our next stop was Efstidalur for a quick ice cream break before continuing to the Geysir geothermal area. Strokkur typically erupts every few minutes, so allow enough time to watch at least two eruptions. The Geysir is not that impressive, especially if you’ve been to Yellowstone, but it’s a quick stop.

Gullfoss is only about 15 minutes away. We spent roughly 45 minutes walking to the main viewpoints and taking photos of the massive two-tiered waterfall.

Lunch at Friðheimar

Friðheimar was one of the most unique meals of our trip. You dine inside a working tomato greenhouse, and nearly everything on the menu centers around tomatoes. Reservations are highly recommended. We did not have one and waited only about 20 minutes, but we were seated on the covered patio rather than inside the main greenhouse. The soup really hit the spot since we had been walking around in the rain all day, but keep in mind it’s not a creamy base. It tastes very fresh.

Laugarás Lagoon

After lunch, we drove about 10 minutes to Laugarás Lagoon. I would reserve your entry in advance and allow around two hours to enjoy the water without feeling rushed. Ylja Restaurant is also located there if you want to eat before or after your visit. This was our favorite between the two we visited! It wasn’t crowded, and it was so new, modern, and clean.

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi at Sunset

We checked into Seljalandsfoss Horizons, changed into waterproof layers, and drove just a few minutes to Seljalandsfoss. This is the famous waterfall you can walk behind—and yes, you will get wet! Keep your phone and camera protected.

From Seljalandsfoss, follow the path to Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall partially hidden inside a narrow canyon. We visited around sunset, which made an already beautiful experience feel even more magical.

Afterward, we returned to our hotel and ate the food we had picked up in Reykjavík. It was a long first day, but starting immediately helped us make the most of our limited time.

Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls, Vík and Jökulsárlón

Route: Seljalandsfoss → Nauthúsagil Ravine → Skógafoss → Kvernufoss → Dyrhólaey → Reynisfjara → Vík → Fjaðrárgljúfur → Jökulsárlón
Approximate driving time: 4 hours, not including stops
Hotel: Hótel Jökulsárlón

Day two was packed with waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and one of the places I was most excited to see: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Sunrise Waterfalls and Nauthúsagil Ravine

If you do not get enough time at Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi the night before, return around sunrise when there are usually fewer visitors. Since I’m all about getting the pictures and videos, it was a little too dark the night before, so we went back for better lighting.

From there, we continued to Nauthúsagil Ravine, a mossy canyon with a stream and waterfall tucked inside. You do need to climb up a small waterfall, but there are chains to hold onto. Make sure to wear your waterproof shoes.

We stopped at Faxi Bakery for coffee and pastries before heading to Skógafoss. We liked their cheese scones and danish, but didn’t care for their cinnamon rolls.

Skógafoss and Waterfall Way

At Skógafoss, take photos from the base before climbing the staircase beside the waterfall. The stairs lead to the beginning of Waterfall Way, one of my favorite ways to experience this area. We hiked an out-and-back section for around 90 minutes, but you can turn around whenever the weather, trail conditions, or your energy tells you to.

Kvernufoss

Kvernufoss is only about a 10-minute drive from Skógafoss, followed by a short and relatively easy walk through a gorge. You can walk behind this waterfall too, and it felt much quieter than some of Iceland’s more famous stops. Don’t skip this one! It’s beautiful!

Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara and Vík

We continued toward Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach to see the basalt columns, sea stacks, and dramatic coastline.

Important safety warning: Reynisfjara is known for dangerous sneaker waves. Stay far back from the water, obey all warning signs and never turn your back on the ocean.

In Vík, we ate lunch at Black Crust Pizzeria, photographed Vík Church, and stopped at Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach. We loved the pizza! It was about $90 for two pizzas and two sodas.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

From Vík, it was approximately a 50-minute drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur. The trail is about two miles round trip and leads to several viewpoints over the winding green canyon. We allowed about an hour for the walk and photos.

Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach at Sunset

We reached Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach near sunset. You need to visit both sides of the road: the lagoon is filled with floating icebergs, while pieces of ice wash onto the black sand at Diamond Beach.

During our visit, the lagoon side had more ice at sunset. The light was beautiful, and this ended up being one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.

We checked into Hótel Jökulsárlón, used the hot tub, and had a late dinner at the hotel’s restaurant (9:30 pm), Gunna á Leiti. There are not many late-night dining options in this area, so reserve dinner or carry food with you. This was the most amazing hotel, and I would definitely stay here if I returned to Iceland.

Day 3: Glacier Lagoon, Múlagljúfur Canyon and Vestrahorn

Route: Hótel Jökulsárlón → Jökulsárlón → Diamond Beach → Múlagljúfur → Fjallsárlón → Stokksnes and Vestrahorn → Hótel Jökulsárlón
Approximate driving time: 3 hours 50 minutes with Stokksnes
Hotel: Hótel Jökulsárlón

Diamond Beach at Sunrise

Yes, we went back! We arrived at Jökulsárlón before sunrise and checked both sides of Diamond Beach. Conditions change constantly as the tide moves the ice, and this time we found much more ice on the beach than we had the night before.

If seeing large pieces of ice is important to you, visit at both sunset and sunrise if your schedule allows. One visit can look completely different from the next.

Jökulsárlón Kayak Tour

We booked a 9:30 a.m. kayak tour through GetYourGuide. Unfortunately, our tour was canceled because of the wind, so I cannot give you a personal review. It looked incredible, though, and I would book it again on a future trip. This is also a good reminder not to build an Iceland itinerary that depends on every weather-sensitive activity going exactly as planned.

There are seasonal food trucks near the lagoon, but bring a packed lunch or snacks as a backup.

Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike

Múlagljúfur Canyon was our main hike of the day. Depending on your turnaround point, expect approximately four miles round trip and about two to three hours on the trail. Bring water, lunch, and layers, and check the conditions before starting.

The views over the canyon, waterfalls, and glacier made the climb worth it.

Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Fjallsárlón is a quieter glacier lagoon about 10 minutes from the Múlagljúfur trailhead. We spent around 20 minutes enjoying the glacier and iceberg views. It is an easy addition if you are already visiting Jökulsárlón.

Stokksnes and Vestrahorn

We then drove toward Höfn and Stokksnes for sunset at Vestrahorn. We grabbed a quick snack in Höfn, explored the Viking village, and walked onto the reflective black-sand area often called Mirror Beach.

Bring waterproof boots if you want to walk through the shallow water for reflection photos. We waited for sunset, but you can make this a much shorter stop if you need to save time.

We ate dinner at Ishusid Pizzeria before driving about 80 minutes back to Hótel Jökulsárlón for another well-earned visit to the hot tub. It was good pizza!

Day 4: Iceland’s Longest Zipline, Reykjavík and Sky Lagoon

Route: Hótel Jökulsárlón → Hveragerði → Reykjavík → Sky Lagoon → Reykjavík
Approximate driving time: 6 hours
Hotel: Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Centre

This was our longest driving day, so we left Hótel Jökulsárlón around 7:00 a.m. and drove west toward Hveragerði. We stopped at Faxi Bakery for coffee and pastries along the way.

Mega Zipline in Hveragerði

Mega Zipline is Iceland’s longest and fastest zipline, stretching approximately one kilometer over a gorge, river, and waterfalls. After checking in and getting fitted with our helmets and harnesses, we rode up in an off-road buggy before flying side by side over the canyon.

We chose the seated Free as a Bird experience so we could take in the views. There is also a headfirst Fast as a Falcon option and a separate free-fall experience. It was such an amazing way to see Iceland’s scenery and an experience I will never forget.

An Afternoon in Reykjavík

We drove about 45 minutes to Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Centre (we really liked this hotel!), left our luggage, and explored the city on foot. An easy walking route includes:

• Hallgrímskirkja
• Rainbow Street
• Laugavegur
• Sun Voyager
• Reykjavík’s harbor
• Famous Hot Dogs
• Pastries in the black building just down from Rainbow Street; get the Vindabrauð

Hlemmur Food Hall is a convenient lunch stop with plenty of options. The pizza we tried there was amazing.

Sky Lagoon

We returned to the hotel to change, and then drove about 15 minutes to Sky Lagoon. We allowed about two hours for the lagoon and ritual experience. Reserve a time in advance, especially if your schedule is tight.

We originally planned to eat at Reykjavík Kitchen afterward, but ended up using our Hilton credits at the hotel’s restaurant instead.

Day 5: The Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Route: Reykjavík → Ytri Tunga → Búðir → Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge → Arnarstapi → Snæfellsjökull National Park → Kirkjufell → Borgarnes → Reykjaboo Hot Springs→ Keflavík
Approximate driving time: 6 hours 50 minutes
Total day: Approximately 10–11 hours
Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavík Keflavík Airport

Our final full day was dedicated to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It is sometimes described as “Iceland in miniature” because you can see beaches, lava fields, waterfalls, cliffs, mountains, and a glacier in one region.

Ytri Tunga and Búðir Black Church

We left Reykjavík early and drove approximately two and a half hours to Ytri Tunga, where you may be able to spot seals along the shore. We then visited the small black church at Búðir, surrounded by lava fields and wide-open views.

Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge and Arnarstapi

Rauðfeldsgjá is a narrow gorge tucked into the mountainside. We allowed around 30 minutes to explore before continuing to Arnarstapi.

At Arnarstapi, we walked an easy section of the coastal path to see the cliffs and dramatic rock formations. We ate lunch at Stapinn Café. The other food was just okay, but get the caramel apple pie!

Snæfellsjökull National Park

We continued around Route 574 through Snæfellsjökull National Park, stopping at marked viewpoints for glacier, lava-field, and coastal photos.

Because one of our planned hot-spring experiences was canceled, we had extra time to add a few stops. We visited Skarðsvík Beach, a rare golden-white sand beach, and Svöðufoss, which became one of our favorite waterfalls. You can climb the path beside the waterfall for beautiful views from above.

Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss

Our last major sightseeing stop was Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss. This is one of Iceland’s most recognizable views, with the waterfall in front of the cone-shaped mountain. Allow at least 30–45 minutes for the walk and photos.

Reykjaböð Hot Springs

We had planned to go to the new hot springs mentioned above, but it closed that day for maintenance. It would have been a great ending to the day. It’s brand new, and it looks so dreamy! You may need to leave a little earlier in the morning or move a little faster at each stop to fit this in.

We stopped for dinner at Pufan Pizza in Borgarnes, then drove to the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavík Keflavík Airport. Staying close to the airport made our 9:00 a.m. flight the next morning much easier. We booked the hotel for 50,000 Marriott points.

Practical Tips for an Iceland Road Trip

Keep Waterproof Gear Accessible

Do not bury your rain jacket, rain pants, and dry socks at the bottom of your suitcase. Keep them in the car where you can grab them quickly. Waterproof phone protection is also helpful at Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi and Kvernufoss.

Carry Food and Water

Services become more limited as you travel along Iceland’s southeast coast. Keep snacks, water and an easy meal in the car, and do not let your fuel tank get too low. You can drink Iceland’s water straight from the tap. There are also water fill stations at many stops.

Add Time to Every Drive

Drive times in Iceland are estimates, not guarantees. Wind, rain, road conditions, and photo stops can all slow you down. Add at least 15–30 minutes of buffer to longer drives and protect timed reservations first if weather forces you to cut something.

Paying for Gas

Some unmanned gas stations require a PIN or app. Check whether your rental-car keychain includes a discount tag, and ask the rental company how it works before leaving. If you have trouble paying at the pump, use stations with an open store where you can pay inside.

Credit Cards and Cash

We did not take out any Icelandic króna and never needed cash. We used credit cards throughout the trip.

Parking

Download the Parka app before your trip. We used it to pay for parking at many of Iceland’s popular sights. Always check the posted signs because parking rules and fees vary.

What to Pack for Iceland

I purchased almost all new clothing for Iceland, and I was so glad I did! A quality rain jacket and waterproof pants are absolute must-haves. You’ll also want comfortable hiking boots, waterproof rain boots, and warm base layers.

Almost everything I purchased came from Amazon, except for my red Columbia rain jacket—which I loved! I’m hoping to create an Amazon list with everything I packed, and I’ll come back and update this post with the link once it’s ready.

Is Five Days in Iceland Enough?

Five days were enough to experience the Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón, Reykjavík, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula—but this is definitely an ambitious itinerary. It works best for travelers who do not mind early mornings, long driving days, and frequently changing hotels.

If you prefer slower travel, skip the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and add that time to the South Coast. But if you are like us and love squeezing every possible adventure into a trip, this route covers an incredible variety of Iceland in five days.

Things we wanted to see but didn’t have enough time

Even with our very full itinerary, we only explored part of Iceland. A few places still at the top of my list include:

• North Iceland: I would love to stay near Akureyri, soak at Forest Lagoon, and visit Goðafoss. I also want to see Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, and possibly go whale watching in Húsavík.
• Glymur Waterfall: Glymur is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, but the hike requires several hours. We considered adding it to our final day but decided our Snæfellsnes itinerary was already full.
• The Icelandic Highlands: Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk and Kerlingarfjöll look incredible. Many Highlands roads are seasonal F-roads that require the correct vehicle, so I would plan a future summer trip specifically around this region.
• The Westman Islands: Also called Vestmannaeyjar, these islands are located off Iceland’s South Coast. I would love to take the ferry to Heimaey, hike around the volcanic landscapes, and see the puffins during their nesting season.
• The Westfjords: This remote region is home to Dynjandi, a huge tiered waterfall, along with Rauðasandur Beach and Látrabjarg’s dramatic bird cliffs.
• East Iceland: We reached Höfn and Vestrahorn but did not continue through the Eastfjords or visit Stuðlagil Canyon.

Basically, we saw a LOT in five days (and probably my choice for top spots), but we are still left with enough saved places for an entirely different Iceland trip. 😂

Iceland was every bit as beautiful as I hoped it would be. From walking behind waterfalls to watching icebergs drift through a glacier lagoon, every day felt completely different—and I would do this trip again in a heartbeat.