I’ll be honest, Iceland wasn’t a must-see destination for me - until I went. And I’m here to tell you why you should add it to your list, because I cannot wait to go back. Read on for a 5 day itinerary, what to pack, as well as some helpful hints.
What to bring:
Packing can be daunting, especially when traveling somewhere with such different weather and terrain. Here’s my list along with links:
Layers + Bathing Suit - I wore active leggings + t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, hoodies, jackets
Reusable Water Bottles - because you’re hiking and you can fill up in streams!
Waterproof Phone Pouch - obviously so your phone doesn’t get wet but also so you don’t drop/lose your phone
Car Charger & Portable Charger - since you’re out of the house the majority of the day, you’ll need a charge to make sure you can take all those photos
Fast Drying Towel - I found this extremely helpful after getting wet from waterfalls or swimming in hot springs
Sleep Mask - depending on the time of year you go, there can be a lot of light, even when you’re supposed to be sleeping
Suntan Lotion & Sunglasses - the sun is actually strong in Iceland so make sure you protect yourself
Snacks - we brought protein bars, nuts, and pretzels to snack on while traveling and hiking
Where to stay:
If you’re following my itinerary, you’ll be mostly be visiting the South Coast (which is a great place to stay). The first two nights we stayed in Vik, on the South Coast. The last two nights we stayed in Grímsnes, which is only about an hour outside Reykjavík.
5-Day Guide
Day 1
Upon arrival get yourself a rental car, because believe me, you’ll need it - unless you’re going to schedule day trips from Reykjavik. We decided to road trip it ourselves.
First stop: Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is only about a thirty minute drive from the airport. Not to mention it’s a spa, so it’s the perfect, relaxing way to begin your Icelandic vacation. If you don’t know about Blue Lagoon, here’s a quick overview: It is a natural, geothermal spa, and in 2012 it was named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic. Besides the transformative spa experiences, the site also serves research and development, sustainability, culinary enjoyment, and a renowned line of skin care.
Make sure you book before you go. With the Comfort ticket, you’ll get a towel, drink, and clay mask. This stop was one of my favorites of the trip.
We stayed a little over two hours and were able to freshen up (much needed after our flight) before hitting the road to our Airbnb in Vik. We had about a three hour ride, but we broke it up by chasing waterfalls.
Second stop: Lunch at Tryggvaskáli
After flying and then relaxing, we worked up an appetite. Thanks to Google reviews and friend recommendations, we stopped for a bite at a very authentic restaurant, Tryggvaskáli. If you have a chance, make sure you grab some food here for lunch or dinner.
Third stop: Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
Park in the corner lot (so you don’t have to pay) and take a little stroll to the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. You can walk around it fully, so be sure to wear your rain gear and hiking boots. It is massive, with a 200 ft drop, and gorgeous.
Follow the path to the left to find the second waterfall, Gljúfrabúi. It’s a little bit secret, as you have to wade through a shallow river, but it’s one of Iceland’s best kept.
Fourth stop: Skógafoss Waterfall
One of biggest and most beautiful waterfalls, Skógafoss has an astounding width of 82 feet and a drop of 197 feet. Warning: there are nearly 500 steps to the top, and the climb is pretty steep. Take your time, the view is worth it.
Fifth stop: Dinner & Beer
Since we were staying on a farm in Vik, we stopped for dinner at the Ströndin Pub. We tried the “must-have” Icelandic hot dog, which was actually pretty good, and relaxed with some Viking pints. It was late and actually hailing/snowing, so we ran into the first spot we could find. But Vik actually has a few good restaurants you could choose from.
Day 2
Wake up early and make sure you have a full tank and food for the road. We stopped at an N1 gas station that had pre-made sandwiches that definitely came in handy. This day’s adventures are in areas where there aren’t many options for food so its best to pack some beforehand. We drove to the farthest stop first and made our way back to our Vik Airbnb.
First stop: Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach
These two spots are literally across from each other. Jökulsárlón is a large glacier lagoon and one of Iceland’s natural crown jewels. It’s definitely colder here than Vik, so make sure you pack your layers. There are also boat and kayaking tours if you’d like to explore more than just on foot.
Next up, Diamond Beach. This strip of black sand got its name from the icebergs that wash up and are sprinkled along the shore. It’s a beautiful sight to see, with the stark contrast of black sand and white crystals. We were lucky enough to see a herd of seals swimming by.
Second stop: Fjallsárlón
Another glacial lake, Fjallsárlón isn’t too far from the first stop. This lagoon is about a tenth of the size, which allows you to get much closer to the calving glacier. Boat tours are also available here.
Third stop: Svartifoss Waterfall
Yes, you’ll have to hike about an hour uphill (1.5km) to see this waterfall, but it’s well worth it. This waterfall is very different from the first day’s falls. . This waterfall gets the nickname “Black Falls” from its black columnar basalt formation.
Note: make sure you pay for parking before hiking into Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park
Fourth stop: Fjaðrárgljúfur
Even though it’s not on too many guides of Iceland, this magnificent and massive canyon should be on your list. Created by progressive erosion by flowing water from glaciers through the rocks over a long period of time, this river canyon is about 100 meters deep and 2 km long. The bedrock is said to be from the Ice Age, nearly 2 million years old! We hiked the canyon’s edge, enjoying the view from above. You can also walk inside the canyon but note you’ll need to walk through the river often.
Fifth stop: Dinner at The Soup Company
In Iceland, it’s always the perfect day for soup. And let me tell you, this was one of my favorite meals. The Soup Company is located in Vik, family-owned, and just the coziest place. I got the trio, so I could pick 3. I felt a little bad eating the Lamb Soup, since I had been driving past grazing sheep all day… But I had to try the traditional dish, and it was delish.
Northern Lights
Before we dive into my amazing experience, I’d like to touch on what the Northern Lights really are. They occur high above the surface of the earth, where the atmosphere has become extremely thin. The lights are created by electrically charged particles that make the thin air shine, like a fluorescent light.
We hoped, but we did not expect to see Aurora Borealis. Usually the time of year to see them is from late September to late March - we were there Labor Day weekend. I downloaded an app, Aurora, to track our chances of seeing the sights. The app is packed with info and extremely helpful. While relaxing and having a beer after a long day, I got an Aurora push notification stating we had a 28% chance of seeing the Northern Lights in our area right then. We were staying on a farm, so we weren’t by any light sources (this is the best way to see them). After bundling up, bringing our beer and heading into the middle of a field, we looked up. It starts out slow and faint, white hazy lines across the sky. We stayed outside nearly two hours, freezing our butts off, but it paid off. It happens quickly, with green and purple brush strokes across the sky. Honestly, it was the most amazing, unbelievable thing I have ever seen in my life - and it was my favorite part of the trip.
Day 3
We hit the first two stops by Vik before traveling onto the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s popular sightseeing routes - and you can do it in a day!
First stop: Reynisfjara
This black sand beach is the most famous on the South Coast of Iceland. The sand, powerful waves, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks are what brings the crowds.
Second stop: Dyrhólaey
This peninsula is a 120-meter promenade with views of Iceland’s South Coast, a historic lighthouse, and a naturally formed arch in the cliff. Mind you, it is a narrow and bumpy ride to the top so just take your time.
Third stop: Kerið Crater
Two hours away, we got to our first stop on the Golden Circle. Kerið Crater is a 3,000-year-old crater lake. Vivid red slopes and aquamarine water make this a sight to see. You can walk around the entire crater as well as down to the base of it. There is a fee for this attraction.
Fourth stop: Skálholt Cathedral
32 Catholic bishops sat here until the Reformation to Lutheranism in 1540. It is one of the most historical attractions in Iceland. There is also a crypt exhibition, if interested.
Fifth stop: Gullfoss Waterfall
One of Iceland’s iconic waterfalls, Gullfoss is massive, surreal, and breathtaking. Rain gear is a must here, because there are 2 drops and a mighty spray. The first is 36 feet, the second 69 feet. Canyon walls on either side reaches heights of 230 feet.
Sixth stop: Strokkur
Found in the Geysir Geothermal Area, Strokkur is the greatest active geyser on site. Every five to ten minutes, this geyser blasts water to heights around 45-65 feet. Just be ready for the smell of sulfur (rotten eggs).
Seventh stop: Þingvellir National Park
If you have time, explore this park as much as you can. It is absolutely gorgeous, and there are so many pieces to it. Our goal was to walk between the continents. Talk about being in two places at once! There is a continental divide in the park: Iceland is the result of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates’ turbulent interactions.
Eighth stop: Kaffi Krús
Last but not least, dinner. Thanks to our Airbnb host, this recommendation did not disappoint! It’s a cozy restaurant with delicious food. Don’t forget to take some cake to go. My favorite was the Chocolate Pear. It’s located in Selfoss, only twenty minutes from where we were staying.
Day 4
After a long night of relaxing in our hot tub, we were ready to hike.
First stop: Brunch at Skyrgerðin
Only five minutes from our stop, this restaurant is authentic and amazing! Not to mention totally adorable. They have a variety of dishes, including vegan options. We had the baked brie for an appetizer, and I tried the vegan burger.
Second stop: Reykjadalur
I didn’t know I had wanted to swim in a hot spring in the middle of the mountains, until I got to Reykjadalur. It’s a pretty intense hour and a half uphill hike, but the views are unparalleled and there’s nothing like the hot spring river when you get there. It’s extremely hot and relaxing - and we brought a couple of beers with us to cool off. Stay here for as long as you want, and then hike back (it’s much easier on the way down). It’s easiest to wear your swimsuit there, then get changed before the hike.
Third stop: Hallgrímskirkja Church
We stopped in Reykjavík for our last stop of the day. This Lutheran church is 244 feet high, the largest church in Iceland. Its tower can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. The inside is glorious, but the biggest draw of this landmark is its 360° view of Reykjavík. Mountains meet water, and they both meet architecture.
There’s a cute, little restaurant right across the street with authentic Icelandic cuisine. If you’re in the area, check out Kaffi Loki. About an hour drive back to our Airbnb, it was truly scenic with the sunset in the rear view.
Day 5
Last but certainly not least, our last day brought us to Reykjavík. We explored the town, ate super delish food, and bought a few souvenirs before heading to the airport. Make sure you check out Messinn for some lunch - their seafood is to die for. Not to mention, the bill was one of the cheapest we saw during our trip.
Helpful Hints
Get familiar with the Króna, Iceland’s currency - but don’t bring cash. Iceland uses cards, just make sure you bring a credit card without foreign fees.
Rental Car - You don’t need to opt in for any of the additional coverage if you’re following my itinerary (or one like it without off-roading).
When driving, DO NOT SPEED. This is VERY important. I have friends who returned home and received mail with a speeding ticket.
Meals - Some of the food can get expensive, so a lot of people will buy groceries and cook themselves. It’s up to you. We ate out, because we are foodies and wanted to experience the cuisine.
Water from streams, faucets, etc. is okay to drink - and you should! It was the best water I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting.
Download some Google Maps onto your phone before your road trip. These come in handy if your GPS loses signal or if you don’t want to use data.
Nearly everyone speaks English, so don’t worry about not being able to pronounce any of the Icelandic words.
Save money by opting for Airbnb’s instead of hotels or bed & breakfasts. And definitely opt for a hot tub - at the end of a long day of driving and hiking, a relaxing jacuzzi is much needed.
If you want alcohol, buy some beer duty-free at the airport. It’ll be the best price. We bought a variety pack of Viking and loved every one!
It’s A LOT of driving, but there are a lot of pull-off’s that are very scenic. So take a break and take a picture whenever you need to.
All the photos and videos are my own. If you have any questions or need help planning your trip to Iceland, please reach out!