What’s the most reliable form of transportation in Iceland for a 5-day visit?

There are buses, taxis, and walking tours in the city. However, they become more sporadic and expensive the further away you get from Reykjavík. For maximum travel flexibility and the ability to dive deeper and longer into individual vacation spots, renting a car and driving yourself wherever you wish to go can’t be beat.

What’s the best type of accommodation for 5 days in Iceland?

Reykjavík offers many places to stay, with most of them only a short distance away from the places you want to visit. One way you can decide between hotels or private rentals, like on Airbnb, is to determine what nightly rate you are willing to pay. Beyond price, a good way to determine where to stay is to compare their locations with your itinerary, ensuring that the accommodation you eventually choose is centrally located to everything you want to see.

Is five days enough time to visit Iceland?

A well-planned vacation can let you visit everything you want and in the timeframes you want, and have all the fun you hope for without ever feeling stressed. Take a little time thinking and planning your trip, and five days in Iceland can leave you with a lifetime of memories. Want more suggestions on what to do while visiting Iceland? Discover some of the best things to do in Reykjavík.

5 Day Itinerary in Iceland

Landmannalaugar, Iceland, on a misty day

You have five whole days in Iceland. Amazing! But there’s a drawback: you only have five days in Iceland.

It’s just enough time to explore the highlights of the island, but not quite enough to see everything available.

So what do you choose? And how?

To help make the most of your time, we’ve put together a complete self-drive itinerary for five carefree days in Iceland. We explain everything you should know about planning your stay, renting a car, and exploring the Land of Sagas.

First: How to Prepare

The best way to prepare for a trip to Iceland is to make your plans well in advance.

This includes:

Carefully studying what Iceland has to offer. This allows you to tailor your experience to your personality and tastes.
Packing for the weather. Iceland’s weather is highly variable, so it pays to wear layers and plan for weather changes.
Bringing more ISK than you think you need. Food and alcohol are expensive, so be sure to budget enough money for the kind of vacation you want.

Renting a car. Iceland Car Rental offers fast, simple, affordable vehicle rentals to accommodate trips of any length.

Iceland Travel Itinerary for 5 Days

View of Reykjavík overlooking Faxaflói Bay.

All international flights enter Iceland through Keflavík Airport, 50km (31 miles) from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, which is located in southwest Iceland. Once you touch down and pick up your rental car, the world is your oyster.

Now, here’s what we suggest doing in Iceland over the next five days:

Day 1: Touring the City

We’ll start in the heart of Reykjavík. This is the largest city in Iceland, with quite literally dozens of things to see, do, and experience.

On your first day, we recommend starting with:

Hallgrímskirkja: The largest church and second-largest building in Iceland, this famous landmark can be seen from everywhere in Reykjavík. It was named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, an Icelandic poet and minister.
Perlan Wonders of Iceland Nature Museum: This distinctive building features a rotating glass dome and an ice cave, as well as exhibitions on the Northern Lights and a volcano show. It sits atop Öskjuhlíð Hill, and six large water towers, four of which hold much of the hot water for Reykjavík. One has been converted into the ice cave, while the other has been turned into a planetarium.
The Harpa Concert Hall and Convention Center: This award-winning building serves as a cultural hub in Reykjavík. This striking building has a bistro and restaurant, and hosts numerous concerts every year.

After a long and busy day, you can enjoy a meal at one of Reykjavík’s best restaurants.

Day 2: Culture and Shopping

Now that you've settled into the rhythm of Reykjavík, Day two is all about immersing yourself in Icelandic culture. This means plenty of time for shopping, strolling, and savoring the city’s creative energy.

Let’s start here:

Thjodminjasafn, the National Museum of Iceland: From ancient artifacts to modern history, Thjodminjasafn introduces you to 1,200 years of Icelandic history. This is a great first stop for those wanting to explore Icelandic heritage. From interactive exhibitions and games to costumes for dressing up, this museum has something for everyone.
Laugavegur: Also known as ‘the shopping street,’ Laugavegur offers both shopping and entertainment opportunities, including atmospheric restaurants, bars, and art restaurants.
Walking Tour(s): A great opportunity to see even more sights from the streets! You may also have opportunities to stop for food and drinks, as recommended by local guides and experts.

As an added plus, there are plenty of hotels nearby to accommodate you.

Day 3: The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a 230-kilometer (140-mile) long scenic route that introduces you to many different sights of Iceland, including the Geysir geothermal area.

Strokkur Geyser erupting in Iceland on the Golden Circle.

So fill up your rental car and prepare to visit:

Thingvellar National Park: You can walk or swim between two tectonic plates in this park, and visit the Langjökull Glacier.

Gullfoss Waterfall: Enjoy stunning views of the winding Hvítá River, as you’re cooled by a mist that can be felt from the viewing platform.

Strokkur Geyser: A year-round wonder near the scenic cascades of Faxafoss.

To cap off your day, we recommend spending the night in Laugarvatn, located roughly one hour east of Reykjavík.

Day 4: The Far Reaches of Iceland

As you venture farther from Reykjavík, Iceland’s dramatic landscapes begin to take center stage.

Prepare your camera for:

Skógafoss Waterfall: A bit of a drive, the Skógafoss Waterfall is one of the largest in Iceland and is well worth a visit.

Reynisfjara Beach and Dyrhólaey: Famous for its black sand, basalt columns, and dramatic cliffs, with sweeping views and a natural stone arch nearby.

Vík: After your visit to the black sand beaches, be sure to explore this charming fishing town, which is home to the picturesque red-roofed church Víkurkirkja. This is also the perfect spot to spend the night before your final day of adventures in Iceland.

The famous Vík Church in Iceland

Day 5: On the Way Home

Your Icelandic adventure is winding down. But take heart! You’ll have a few more days to enjoy a few last sights before heading back to the airport.

There’s still plenty to see before you make your way to the airport, including:

Helgufoss Waterfall: This serene, picturesque waterfall is the perfect place for a picnic.
Reykjavík Park and Zoo: A charming stop, especially if you’re traveling with family. The park offers a mix of small animals, walking trails, and playgrounds.

Höfði House: This quaint little building is famous for hosting the 1986 summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Want to finish up your time in Iceland with a quick and famous meal? Try a hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur! Learn more about your food options in Iceland.