5 Days in Iceland - 5 Winter Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Iceland Winter Highlights

Discover Iceland's famous highlights on this five-day classic winter itinerary, perfect for first-time travelers to Iceland. Start and finish in Keflavík, stay two nights in Vík exploring the nearby waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljarlandsfoss, and drive the Golden Circle. Enjoy peaceful evenings under the northern lights and soak in the Blue Lagoon.

Welcome to Iceland! After arriving at Keflavík airport, you'll immediately begin your three-hour drive to Vík, stopping to explore the iced waterfalls of Seljarlandsfoss and Skógafoss. Your first day continues in exciting "Game of Thrones" fashion with a guided tour of Katla Ice Cave, weaving around giant curves of ice in "dragon glass" cave. After a restful evening, continue on the Ring Road to the largest glacier in Europe in Skaftafell nature reserve, where you'll be fitted with glacier hiking gear to test your ice-climbing skills.

On Day 3, you'll begin your drive around the Golden Circle, stopping at Hjörleifshöfði Cave, famous for its Yoda-shaped silhouette inside, and an Icelandic history museum in Skógar, before spending the evening searching for the spectacular light show of the aurora borealis. Continuing along the Golden Circle, you'll enjoy an action-packed day snorkeling above the Silfra fissure and exploring Law Rock, then spend your evening soaking in the naturally heated waters of Blue Lagoon. After checking out the highlights around Reykjanes Peninsula, drive back to Keflavík Airport to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Holiday in the Footsteps of Vikings

Take in rich Viking history and discover geothermal wonders on this five-day trip exploring Iceland's western coast. Ideal for those looking for a mixture of highlights and off-the-beaten-path adventures, you'll travel up the coast to Arnarstapi, hike Akrafjall overlooking Snæfellsjokull glacier, and explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula, as well as have time to explore the highlights of famous Golden Circle and Reykjavík.

Begin your Iceland winter adventure discovering rich Nordic history at the Viking Museum and Akranes Folk Museum, both a short drive from Keflavík Airport. As you continue to Borgarnes, your home for the evening, hike up Akrafjall standing 1,820 feet (555 m) tall, for incredible views across Faxaflói bay. Drive north to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where the charming fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar transport you back to simpler times, and Mount Kirkjufell provides a spectacular backdrop to the nearby waterfalls.

Next, drive the Golden Circle, stopping at Silfra fissure, the otherworldly Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss' icy waters surging 105 feet (32 m). Rejuvenate in the Secret Lagoon, then head to Reykjavík for a full day of sightseeing. Walk along the waterfront and check out one of Reykjavík's 60 museums before heading out for a whale watching tour on Faxaflói and an aurora borealis cruise. If time allows, check out more highlights surrounding Iceland's capital city on your way to Keflavík Airport. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Iceland South Coast Winter Adventure

Hike atop Sólheimajökulll glacier, visit the Crystal Blue Ice Cave, and chase the northern lights on this adventure-filled tour of Iceland. Ideal for those looking to explore Iceland's dramatic nature, you'll tick off Golden Circle highlights and travel along the South Coast with stays near Vík and the tiny village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur before heading back to Reykjanes Peninsula.

From Keflavík Airport, you'll jump right into exploring Iceland's famous natural highlights along the Golden Circle. Visit Þingvellir National Park, home to Law Rock, hike to the top of Gullfoss, and top off your first day with a Jeep tour chasing the dancing aurora borealis. Hop on the Ring Road to discover the impressive waterfalls of Urriðafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and challenge yourself with a hike atop 600-year-old ice on Sólheimajökulll glacier.

After spending the night in Vík, you'll make your way to Jökulsárlón, where seals and small whales play among the iceberg-laden lake, and the Crystal Blue Ice Cave invites you inside its magical blue world. On your drive back to Reykjanes Peninsula, stop at Eldhraun lava field, created by one of the greatest eruptions in recorded history, and embark on an ATV ride along black-sand beaches. Before your Iceland trip ends, visit the geothermal wonders of Gunnuhver Hot Springs and walk between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates on the Bridge Between Continents. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Golden Circle & Northern Lights

From driving the famous Golden Circle to soaring about Skaftafell nature reserve, this winter itinerary packs an abundance of epic scenery into five days. Spend your evenings soaking in the Secret Lagoon, Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool, and Blue Lagoon, and by day, discover the endless frozen waterfalls and otherworldly volcanic landscapes of the south coast.

Pick up your rental car from Keflavík Airport and go exploring the Golden Circle for a day. Stop at Law Rock, the world's first parliamentary system, ponder the depth of Silfra fissure, visit Secret Lagoon, and end your day on a photography tour capturing the aurora borealis. Continue east along Ring Road to discover the power of water at Urriðafoss and Skógarfoss, and end your day with a soak in the geothermal waters of Seljavallalaug Pool—the oldest swimming pool in Iceland.

Another scenic drive brings you to Jökulsárlón, Iceland's deepest lake, followed by Diamond Beach, famous for its gemstone-like iceberg fragments. Enjoy a scenic flight above Vatnajökull, Iceland's largest glacier, and the sprawling lava fields of Skaftafell before beginning your journey back to Reykjanes Peninsula. Rejuvenate in the healing mineral waters of Blue Lagoon, and check out highlights of Reykjanes Peninsula, including the geothermal wonderland of Krýsuvík, then head to Keflavík Airport for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Winter Wonders & Wildlife

Explore by horseback, discover wild reindeer, watch playful porpoises, and experience sled dogs' power on this wintry wildlife-filled itinerary. Starting in Keflavík, you'll travel along Iceland's southern coast, past Kirkjubæjarklaustur, to Höfn before beginning your drive around the Golden Circle.

Your wildlife-filled trip begins at Keflavík airport, where you'll pick up your rental car and drive east along Ring Road, stopping to watch the mighty waterfalls of Urriðafoss, Seljarlandsfoss, and Skógafoss. After arriving in the small village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, bundle up and head out for an Icelandic horseback journey under the aurora borealis. Wildlife encounters continue at Diamond Beach, where seals, porpoises, and small whales can be spotted, and Austerland, where Iceland's wild reindeer population graze.

Stop for a scenic hike to Kvernufoss and check out the volcanic landscapes of Eldhraun lava field on your way to Vík, then delight in an evening of fun as you head out on a snowmobile tour of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Tick off Golden Circle highlights and travel to Mosfellsdalur, where you'll take in Iceland's unforgiving tundra on a sled dog tour. Lastly, check out the bubble mud pools of ​​Gunnuhver Hot Springs and other Reykjanes Peninsula highlights on your way to Keflavík Airport for your flight home. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Iceland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Iceland? Check out these other five-day Iceland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.