Five days in Iceland by car: Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, waterfalls, black-sand beaches and glacier views, with driving times and where to stay each night.
Updated
Five days with friends, starting with two in Reykjavík and ending on the South Coast around Vík. Look forward to the Sky Lagoon, the Golden Circle stops at Þingvellir and Gullfoss, and a glacier walk near Skaftafell.
Per person for 5 days: a room shared by two, food, local transport and sights. Flights are extra.
Budget
$340
Mid-range
$550
Comfort
$770
A rough guide from typical local prices; yours depends on season and choices.
A travel eSIM gives your phone mobile data in Iceland as soon as the plane touches down: maps, ride apps and messages work at the airport, with no roaming bill and no SIM card to swap. Set it up at home in a few minutes; your own number keeps working for calls and texts.
This trip is planned for driving. Booking ahead is usually cheaper, especially in peak season and for automatics.
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Day 1 · Reykjavík, Iceland
Ease in with a soak at the Sky Lagoon, then walk Laugavegur, climb Hallgrímskirkja for the view and finish with dinner at The Seafort.
Your base for the next 2 nights: Reykjavík
Days 1 to 2 start and end here, so you only unpack once.
Where to stay ↓12:30 PM · 1 hour
Drive the Ring Road west for 50 km, about 45 minutes. Rental cars are easy to collect; take the scenic route along the coast if you have time. Cost is roughly 7,000-8,000 ISK per day for a mid-range SUV.
1A milky-blue geothermal pool fed by runoff from a nearby power plant, with views out to the Atlantic. The water stays around 38–40°C year-round. It's 15 minutes north of the city centre; drive or catch a shuttle bus from your hotel.
Insider tip: Book online in advance to save 500 ISK and skip the queues. Bring your own towel or rent one for 900 ISK.
2Reykjavík's main shopping and eating strip, lined with cafes, galleries, and independent shops. It's a gentle 20-minute walk from Sky Lagoon back into the centre; stop for coffee and people-watch.
Insider tip: Stop at Kaffivín for a flat white and a slice of sourdough; locals go here daily.
A concrete church with an 74-meter tower that dominates the skyline. Ride the lift up for views across the city, the bay, and out to the mountains. It's a 10-minute walk south from Laugavegur.
Insider tip: Go up just before 8:37 PM to catch golden hour light; the queues are shorter than earlier in the day and the views are warmer.
A candlelit spot near the Old Harbour, known for fresh Arctic char and lamb. Book a table by the window for views back over the water as the light fades. It's a 5-minute walk from Hallgrímur.
Insider tip: Order the catch of the day rather than the menu; it's often cheaper and always fresher. Ask for a table with a view when you book.
If you land early
Optional, close to your stay, before the plan above.
Popular experiences worth booking ahead.
Half day
One of Europe's largest glaciers is surreal up close, with ice caves and crevasses you'll explore roped to a guide.
Book now
Half day
Two of Iceland's best waterfalls are an hour apart; you can walk behind Seljalandsfoss and get soaked, then tackle Skógafoss's steep stairs for the view.
Book nowHalf day
Warmer and less crowded than Blue Lagoon, it's set in a volcanic landscape; combine it with a drive through nearby geothermal hot springs and lava fields.
Book nowBook in central Reykjavík, around Laugavegur Street or the Old Harbour: you're within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the thermal pools. Stay near the water if you can; it keeps the evening vibe relaxed.
Want more choice for your 2 nights? See everything in Reykjavík, or an apartment or house (good for families and groups).
Casual vibe, local crowd. Order the fish and chips or lamb stew.
Relaxed downtown spot. Go for the Arctic char or slow-cooked beef.
Day 2 · Reykjavík, Iceland
A full Golden Circle day: walk through Þingvellir, watch Geysir's hot springs, stand beside Gullfoss, and stop at Skálholt on the way back.
Prefer a guide? · Half day
Silfra Fissure lets you swim in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian plates in crystal-clear water; thrilling and unique.
Book this tour
1Walk between two continental plates at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rift valley where you can see the geological drama with your own eyes. The park also has a waterfall and a natural swimming pool if you want to dip in. Drive 50 km northeast from Reykjavík, about an hour.
Insider tip: Skip the main parking lot crowds and park at the far end near Öxarárfoss waterfall for a quieter walk.
2Strokkur geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water 40 meters into the air. There are also hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and colourful mineral deposits all over the ground. Drive 30 km from Þingvellir, about 30 minutes.
Insider tip: Position yourself to the side and slightly back of Strokkur for the best photos and to avoid the spray.
3A two-tier waterfall that drops 32 meters into a narrow canyon, with a roar and spray that fills the air. In August you'll see the full volume of glacial meltwater. Drive 10 km from Geysir, about 15 minutes.
Insider tip: The upper viewing platform is closer to the falls and gets misted; bring a waterproof jacket or embrace the water.
A historic turf-roofed church and cultural site in the foothills. It's a quieter stop than the main Golden Circle sights, with views over the valley and a good cafe for a rest break. Drive 20 km from Gullfoss, about 25 minutes.
Insider tip: The cafe serves good coffee and local baked goods; the turf-roofed bishop's house is photogenic.
A volcanic crater lake with deep blue water and red-brown lava walls, formed about 3,000 years ago. A short loop walk goes all the way around the rim. On the drive back to Reykjavík, it's a quick detour that adds drama without much time lost.
Insider tip: Go in late afternoon when the sun hits the crater walls; the blue water pops against the rust-coloured rock.
3:50 PM · 1 hour 15 minutes
Drive back to Reykjavík, about 55 km and an hour. Grab an early dinner in town or rest up for tomorrow. You've seen the heart of Iceland today.
Prefer a guide? · Full day
Þingvellir's rift valley, Geysir's spouting hot spring, and Gullfoss waterfall are Iceland's three heavyweight sights and you can see them all in a self-drive circuit.
Book this tourCosy spot near Reykjavík harbour. Order the rye bread soup and coffee before you drive out.
At Thingvellir National Park. Lamb stew hits different after tectonic plates and geysers. Book ahead.
In Laugavatn village on your way back. Fresh trout, slow evening light, local vibe.
Day 3 · Vík, South Coast, Iceland
Drive the South Coast past two big waterfalls and the small hidden one at Gljúfrabui, then end on the black sand at Reynisfjara.
Your base for the next 3 nights: Vík
Days 3 to 5 start and end here, so you only unpack once.
Where to stay ↓Getting here: Reykjavík to Vík by Self-drive via Route 1 and Route 249 (3.5 hours).
9:00 AM · 3.5 hours
3.5-hour drive east along the scenic south coast. Stop for fuel in Hveragerði (1 hour out) or wait until Selfoss. Pick up a packed lunch in Reykjavík before you leave or grab one at N1 petrol stations en route.
1A 60m waterfall you can walk behind. The loop trail takes 20 minutes and rewards you with spray, a rainbow on clear days, and a perspective most visitors miss. 10 minutes off Route 1, 45 minutes west of Vík.
Insider tip: Start the loop clockwise to get the behind-the-waterfall shot first, before crowds thicken. Wear waterproofs.
A hidden waterfall tucked into a rocky alcove, fed by a glacier. A short 10-minute walk leads you into a moss-covered grotto. The approach crosses a stream; locals call it the 'secret' falls, though it's gaining crowds. 5-minute drive from Seljalandsfoss.
Insider tip: Go immediately after Seljalandsfoss while you're still wet. The grotto is magical in afternoon light but fills with tour groups by 3 PM.
3A powerful 60m waterfall with a full-width curtain of water. The main viewpoint gives you the iconic shot; a steep trail climbs behind it for a rare aerial view. 25 minutes east of Gljúfrabui on Route 1.
Insider tip: Climb the right-hand stairs to the upper viewpoint. Midges can be thick on calm days; a head net or insect spray helps.
4Black sand beach backed by basalt cliffs with roaring waves and sea stacks. Walk the shore at golden hour (post-8:23 PM today) for the best light and fewer crowds. 25 minutes east of Skógafoss; park in the main lot and descend wooden stairs to the sand.
Insider tip: Arrive by 5:45 PM to settle in. Do your first wander now, then return to the village for dinner and come back for golden hour around 8:30 PM.
A simple, friendly spot serving fish and chips or lamb soup in central Vík. Expect no frills and strong coffee. Book ahead for groups of four or more, especially on weekends in August. 2-minute walk from the main road through the village.
Insider tip: Sævarborg is cash-friendly and local. If it's full, Halldórskaffi (50m away) does decent burgers and has a long bar.
Popular experiences worth booking ahead.
Half day
This is Iceland's largest glacier and you'll walk inside a real ice cave with a guide who knows the safest routes and hidden crevasses.
Book nowFull day
Þingvellir (UNESCO site where continents meet), Geysir (active hot spring erupting every few minutes), Gullfoss (70-meter waterfall) in one loop from Reykjavik.
Book now
Half day
Two of Iceland's most accessible and dramatic waterfalls on the same road; you can walk behind Seljalandsfoss if water levels allow.
Book now2-3 hours
Soak in naturally heated mineral water with views of lava fields (Sky Lagoon near Reykjavik is newer and less crowded than Blue Lagoon).
Book nowBook accommodation in central Vík village, walkable to the black sand beach and restaurants. You're perfectly placed for early starts to glaciers and waterfalls on the next two days.
Want more choice for your 3 nights? See everything in Vík, or an apartment or house (good for families and groups).
Grab coffee and a rye bread sandwich before heading out. They open at 8am, which gives you an early start on the coast.
Simple spot in central Vík. Try the Arctic char or lamb stew. Book ahead; it's popular with tour groups.
Between Vík and Skaftafell, closer to your glacier prep. Fish soup and local trout. Fill up here before heading inland.
Day 4 · Vík, South Coast, Iceland
Spend the day on a guided Vatnajökull walk on the Skaftafell route, then have a warm meal at Kaffi Hornid and a look from the Vík overlook.
6:15 AM · 1 hour 15 minutes
1-hour drive from Vík to the Vatnajökull National Park car park. Check in at the visitor centre, then walk 30 minutes to the glacier base where your guide meets you. The trail climbs through birch forest and moraines before you reach the ice.
Strap on crampons and walk 2-3 hours on the glacier itself. Your guide leads you across blue ice, into meltwater channels, and past crevasse fields. No technical climbing, but solid fitness needed. Cost around 9,500 ISK (70 USD) per person with a licensed guide operator based at Skaftafell.
Insider tip: Wear layers: it's cold on the ice, but you'll warm up hiking. Waterproof gloves are essential; bring or rent from the guide.
11:00 AM · 1 hour 15 minutes
Drive back to Vík, 1 hour. Stop for a late lunch in town before the afternoon rest.
Simple seafood café on Vík's main street. Order the fish soup and a lamb sandwich. Quick, filling, and budget-friendly after an exhausting morning on the ice.
Insider tip: Go early to avoid the lunch rush; they run out of soup by 2 PM.
Prefer a guide? · 2-3 hours
Walk the black volcanic sand, explore sea caves, and watch waves crash against basalt columns; go early to beat tour buses.
Book this tour
3Drive 10 minutes from town. This quieter angle of the black-sand beach and basalt cliffs sits just above the Reynisfjara car park. Sit with a coffee and watch the light shift across the sand for an hour before heading back to rest.
Insider tip: Golden hour starts around 8:23 PM tonight; come back here at 8 PM if you have energy for a second wind and the best light of the day.
Early fuel before the drive: fish soup, rye bread, strong coffee. Open 8am.
In Höfn, on your way back. Lamb stew or fresh fish. Quick turnaround, packed tables.
Back in Vík. Grilled Arctic char, creamy mushroom sauce. Cosy, reliable, worth the wait.
Day 5 · Vík, South Coast, Iceland
Your last day on the South Coast hits the waterfalls you've skipped, sinks into a geothermal pool, and ends with basalt sea cliffs at golden hour. A perfect wind-down before heading home.
1Start early to beat crowds at this thundering two-tier fall hidden in a ravine. The short walk (15 mins each way) is easy and the spray hits different before mid-morning heat kicks in. Drive 15 minutes east from Vík.
Insider tip: Wear waterproof layers or embrace the soaking. Stand on the lower platform for the best photo angle without the midday glare.
2A smaller, often quieter cousin to Skógafoss with the same drama and a rocky gorge you can walk behind. The trail is gentle and the light through the mist is incredible. 20 minutes west from Systrafoss.
Insider tip: Walk behind the curtain of water if you're steady on wet rocks. The caves and shadow play beat the front view.
Hike into a geothermal valley where a warm river runs through moorland and you can soak in natural pools heated to 38-40°C. The 4km round-trip walk is moderate (1.5 hours), rewarding at the end. 25 minutes drive north from Kvernufoss.
Insider tip: Bring a swimsuit under your hiking clothes. Go midweek if possible; weekends pack out. Arrive before 1 PM to claim a good soak spot.
4A peninsula jutting into the sea with 120m basalt cliffs, puffin colonies (though scarcer in late August), and views back to Vík and glaciers. The drive loops the headland in 1.5 hours with multiple pull-outs for photos. 30 minutes drive south from Reykjadalur.
Insider tip: Skip the 200kr lighthouse interior. Stay on the cliffs during golden hour from 8:20 PM for the best light on the arch and black sand beach below.
5Walk Vik's main street for supplies or a last coffee, then stand on the black sand with basalt columns framing the sunset. It's your home base's signature view, quiet by evening. 10 minutes drive from Dyrhólaey.
Insider tip: Golden hour peaks around 9 PM. Face the columns and have the sun behind you for silhouettes on the sand.
Fuel up with lamb soup and fresh bread before heading out early to beat crowds at waterfalls.
Grab wraps and coffee in tiny Vík village. Quick, good, right on the drive between sites.
Sit down for Arctic char or lamb while the sun barely sets. Book ahead, worth the drive to Skaftafell area.
What travellers ask about each place on this trip, answered.
What travellers ask about Reykjavík, answered.
Solheimajökull is 3 hours south and easiest for beginners (crampons provided, no ropes). Vatnajökull in the southeast is more remote but spectacular. Most August tours run once or twice daily; book at least 2 days ahead.
Skip the pricey Blue Lagoon (8,000-13,000 ISK) in August crowds. Head to Secret Lagoon near the Golden Circle (free, 20 minutes from Route 1, quieter) or Sky Lagoon in Reykjavík (4,500 ISK, fewer tourists, better views).
Expect 12-15°C (54-59°F), often windy and changeable. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, and sunglasses. The sun barely sets, so bring a sleep mask if you're sensitive to light.
Spoken here: Icelandic. English is spoken fluently almost everywhere, especially by people under 40.
Useful phrases
• Halló (HAHL-oo): Hello
• Takk (TAHK): Thank you
• Já (YOW): Yes
• Nei (NAY): No
• Hversu mikið? (KVEHR-soo MIK-ith): How much?
Roads are good but narrow and winding; gravel sections are common in the highlands. Flash floods can close routes quickly, so check road conditions daily at road.is before heading out.
Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire. It’s free and works from any phone, including a foreign mobile.
Tipping isn't expected but is appreciated. Round up at cafes or leave 5-10% at restaurants if the service was good. Most places include service in the bill.
A licence in English (or with an official translation) is usually all you need; an International Driving Permit is cheap and avoids questions at the rental desk. Most rental companies need you to be 21 or older and charge extra under 25.
Watch out for:
• Fill up fuel in Reykjavík or at N1 stations on the road; petrol is pricey (around 200 ISK/litre) and pumps are scarce in remote areas.
• Book the glacier walk (Vatnajökull or Sólheimajökull) a day ahead online; they fill up fast in August and you need a guide.
• Drive the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) in a loop from Reykjavík; allow 8-10 hours with stops and it's best done as your first full day to adjust to the light.
• Skip the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavík (overpriced and crowded); soak at Sky Lagoon or Mývatn Nature Baths instead, or find smaller hot springs like Laugavellir en route.
What travellers ask about Vík, answered.
Yes, if you're focused. You'll do a glacier walk, hit 2-3 waterfalls, explore Reynisfjara, and soak in a hot spring. A fourth day lets you tackle the Golden Circle or explore more of the coast without rushing.
Barely. It's 5-6 hours driving from Vík return, leaving one full day. Do it as your own thing from Reykjavik beforehand, or skip it for more glacier time and waterfalls. August has long daylight so an early 6am start makes it feasible.
Sólheimajökull (near Vík, 2.5 hours, ISK 12,500) is most accessible. Vatnajökull (further east, 4 hours, ISK 15,000) is bigger but longer driving. Both are reliable and suitable for no experience needed. Book now.
Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are both 2+ hours north. Skip them; instead, soak at Seljavallalaug (30 min drive, free, natural pool) or Laugavellir (45 min drive, geothermal river). Both are worth the drive and quieter than the famous pools.
Expect 12-14°C (54-57°F) with occasional rain and wind. Pack layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, and gloves. Bring sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Spoken here: Icelandic. English is widely spoken in Vík, hotels, and restaurants, but signs on hiking trails and in villages are often Icelandic only.
Useful phrases
• Halló (HAHL-oh): hello
• Takk (TAHK): thank you
• Já (YOW): yes
• Nei (NAY): no
• Hvar eru salernir (KHVAR AY-roo SAH-lair-nir): where's the toilet
Rivers swell with meltwater in summer, so don't cross unmarked streams and respect all warning signs near waterfalls. Keep your vehicle fueled (petrol stations are sparse) and carry a charged phone.
Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire. It’s free and works from any phone, including a foreign mobile.
Tipping is optional and not expected. Round up restaurant bills or leave 5-10% for good service if you want to, but most locals don't tip.
A licence in English (or with an official translation) is usually all you need; an International Driving Permit is cheap and avoids questions at the rental desk. Most rental companies need you to be 21 or older and charge extra under 25.
Watch out for:
• Book glacier walks (Vatnajökull, Sólheimajökull) in advance during August; they fill up fast and operators require minimum group sizes.
• Hit the Golden Circle as a day trip from Reykjavik before heading south to Vík, not the other way around.
• The black sand beaches (Reynisfjara, Skaftafell) get crowded by midday; start hikes early or go late evening in the endless daylight.
• Fill your petrol tank in larger towns like Vík or Skaftafell village. Smaller villages have limited or no fuel options.
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