See the best of Iceland in 5 days

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Iceland Travel Insights

Marvel at Iceland's rugged beauty and powerful waterfalls, like Goðafoss
Map of 5 Days in Iceland - 7 Unique Road Trip Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Iceland - 7 Unique Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

Have only five days to explore Iceland? While it might be tempting to stay in Reykjavík and do day trips from there, we recommend heading out into the countryside using one of these unique itineraries that help you make the most of your time.

Skaftafellsjokull Glacier cuts through the mountains in the south of Iceland
Map of 5 Action-packed days in South Iceland (+ extensions)
5 Action-packed days in South Iceland (+ extensions)

Pack your short trip to Iceland with adventures away from the crowds while still experiencing the most popular sights. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who have lots of energy and want to make the most of a short visit to Iceland.

Thingvellir national park
Map of Introduction to the Land of Fire and Ice in 5 days
Introduction to the Land of Fire and Ice in 5 days

This 5-day itinerary lets you experience the main highlights of Iceland: Iceland’s capital Reykjavik, the scenic South Shore, the famous Golden Circle, the popular Blue Lagoon, many other glaciers, waterfalls, natural formations, and if you’re lucky the elusive Northern Lights.

Volcanic Trails: The Wild Strútur Trail - 5 Days
Map of Volcanic Trails: The Wild Strútur Trail - 5 Days
Volcanic Trails: The Wild Strútur Trail - 5 Days

This trek will take you along the south side of the imposing Torfajökull Volcano with its distinctive red, pink, orange, and blue-green stone, past the deep blue Álftavötn Lakes, and into the black desert of Mælifellssandur. Enjoy some of Iceland's most unique, interesting landscapes as you cross the wilderness on foot.

Vik blanked with a light snow
Map of Winter Self-Drive in the West, Golden Circle & South Coast - 5 Days
Winter Self-Drive in the West, Golden Circle & South Coast - 5 Days

This chilly, scenic self-drive tour is perfect for nature lovers and adventure fiends. Visit the famous Golden Circle, explore vibrant Reykjavík, and get off the beaten path for tours of ice caves and craters, snorkel trips between tectonic plates, and walks behind ice-covered waterfalls.

The incredible skies of Iceland reflected in the crystal water
Map of Laugavegur Hut-to-Hut Trek - 5 Days
Laugavegur Hut-to-Hut Trek - 5 Days

Hike Iceland's best-known trail from the geothermal valley of Landmannalaugar, through the Þórsmörk valley, and along the base of the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. On the 35-mile-long Laugavegur trail, you'll see colorful rhyolite mountains, cross black sand deserts, venture into canyons, and hike between birch tree groves. After each long day of exploring, stay the night in cozy, rustic mountain huts.

Hverfjall Crater rises in the distance of the Dimmuborgir lava fields
Map of Tour of the North: Akureyri, Lake Myvatn, Waterfalls & Geothermal Hotspots - 5 Days
Tour of the North: Akureyri, Lake Myvatn, Waterfalls & Geothermal Hotspots - 5 Days

For a unique Iceland experience, avoid the crowds of the south altogether. This trip has it all: volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, nature baths, whale watching, fjords, and more. Below are two great ways to experience the north: all the highlights with only a fraction of the people. You can maximize your time by taking a domestic flight over the beautiful highlands of the interior to Akureyri, or you can drive one way and fly from Akureyri back to Reykjavík.

Núpsstaðarskógar to Skaftafell Trek - 5 Days
Map of Núpsstaðarskógar to Skaftafell Trek - 5 Days
Núpsstaðarskógar to Skaftafell Trek - 5 Days

If you only have a week in Iceland, consider this compact and well-timed tour. Bookended by two days in Reykjavik — one to get ready and one to relax and recover — the tour takes the best advantage of a limited schedule, while also showing you plenty of unforgettable natural wonders, including glaciers, mountains, valleys and an iconic waterfall.

Explore the black-sand lava beach of Reynisfjara
Map of Iceland South Coast Road Trip - 5 Days
Iceland South Coast Road Trip - 5 Days

In less than a week, this classic self-drive tour allows you to visit the best highlights along Iceland's south coast including waterfalls, black sand beaches, basalt columns, cliffs, canyons, glaciers, and icebergs at your own pace. Start and end the trip in Reykjavik for two nights in Europe's most northerly capital—a growing city known for buzzing restaurants and nightlife.

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfalls with Kirkjufell in the distance
Map of Iceland West Coast & Golden Circle - 5 Days
Iceland West Coast & Golden Circle - 5 Days

This fast-paced itinerary combines popular Icelandic highlights with off-the-beaten-path gems for a fun road-trip adventure. After a day in Reykjavik, you'll head west for hiking, lava fields, and small fishing towns along the rugged and remote Snaefellsnes Peninsula (called "Iceland in miniature"). You'll then hit the blockbuster sights of the Golden Circle before finishing with your choice of lesser-known natural attractions on your way to the airport.

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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Iceland
Travel specialist Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
active 2 mins ago

Guðmundur Óli Pálmason

Born in Reykjavík, Iceland, and from a young age I was already travelling all over Iceland with my parents. After a short stint as a driver guide on modified SUVs in 2004, I came back to it full...

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Travel specialist Adam Warszawski
active 1 day ago

Adam Warszawski

During several years of my Icelandic adventure, I worked in hotels and got to know the local tourism really well. But most importantly, I've had the chance to explore countless amazing places...

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Travel specialist Emanuela Grieco
active 18 hours ago

Emanuela Grieco

I am an Italian Travel Designer mostly based in Iceland. Traveling has been my passion since I was young, being always fascinated by other cultures and people. In 2005, after living and...

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Travel specialist Jenny Booth
active 4 hours ago

Jenny Booth

I love Iceland! I love the people, the scenery and the culture. After living in Iceland and going on many adventures myself, I have the knowledge and experience to work with others to plan a trip...

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Trip Reviews for Iceland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

A gorgeous gem of a destination
Iceland | Mar 21 - Mar 28, 2026

R
Rob W.
Solon, OH | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2026
Iceland in the winter can be a challenge but a wonderful challenge if your guide prepares you!. Gummi was a great guide through KimKim! In a short but action packed week we were able to see the Snaefellsnes peninsula, reykjavik, the golden circle, a lava cave, a glacier, ice caves, northern lights, number of waterfalls, Vik, and a whale watching tour. Make sure your rental has studded tires and use the weather and safe roads apps to check on things everyday. I really can't say enough about... Read more

Iceland in the winter can be a challenge but a wonderful challenge if your guide prepares you!. Gummi was a great guide through KimKim! In a short but action packed week we were able to see the Snaefellsnes peninsula, reykjavik, the golden circle, a lava cave, a glacier, ice caves, northern lights, number of waterfalls, Vik, and a whale watching tour. Make sure your rental has studded tires and use the weather and safe roads apps to check on things everyday. I really can't say enough about our service. We had to make many adaptations but missed on nothing. We got some great personal recommendations and also hit the big attractions. Iceland is a wonderful gem. Next time we will see it in summer!

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Mar 31, 2026

Thank you for the kind review Rob!
You certainly got ALL THE WEATHER 😅 haha! What a week! But I'm so happy you still got to experience everything and we made it all work.
Teamwork is dreamwork!

I'm looking forward to having you back in summer. I'm sure there will be less need for daily modifications then 😊

Take care and all the best,
Gummi

Read all Iceland reviews

From the very beginning, Noga planned an amazing Icelandic adventure.
Iceland | Mar 22 - Mar 30, 2026

Spongie
Spongie K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2026
From day one, Noga planned an incredible trip with all the sights and attractions we wanted for our first Iceland adventure. From how easy it was to get around Reykjavik to our Blue car rental for the driving part of the trip, everything went smoothly. You can't predict Iceland's unpredictable weather, and some outdoor activities were canceled due to a blizzard. Nick and Maria were quick to adjust our itinerary. Our car rental's AI system still had glitches even after being turned off. I... Read more

From day one, Noga planned an incredible trip with all the sights and attractions we wanted for our first Iceland adventure. From how easy it was to get around Reykjavik to our Blue car rental for the driving part of the trip, everything went smoothly. You can't predict Iceland's unpredictable weather, and some outdoor activities were canceled due to a blizzard. Nick and Maria were quick to adjust our itinerary. Our car rental's AI system still had glitches even after being turned off. I contacted Nick, who immediately reached out to the car rental company, and within minutes, we knew it was safe to drive. Our safety was the top priority, and with our expert team of Noga, Maria, and Nick, every question and concern was answered instantly. We can't praise our dedicated team of Noga, Maria, and Nick enough! 🥰

Hotel Reviews
Blue Hotel Fagrilundur
Bláskógabyggd

We stayed two nights at the Blue Hotel. Our room was nice, clean, and comfortable enough for two people. They offered breakfast, which they called continental-style, but it was definitely more than that. They had a great coffee machine that served everything from lattes to espressos to hot chocolate. They also had bacon, beans, and a scrambled egg station for hot food. The breakfast included the usual cereals, yogurt, meats and cheeses, along with a variety of breads and mini pancakes with different toppings. There were hot tubs outside, and many guests used them. The hotel provided each guest with a fluffy robe and slippers, which was a nice touch.

Authenticity & Character
The Blue Hotel had a typical minimalist Scandinavian style, yet it was comfortable. Their reception area and breakfast room were in a separate building, designed in a more log-cabin style, but very charming.
Location
There was a charming restaurant called Mika across the street, and we dined there both nights. The tomato farm was next door, and we had lunch at the new wine bar and cafe. We shared a delicious appetizer and their famous tomato soup with bread. Location was great as it was within 15 minutes of waterfalls, geysers, and our lagoon to take a wonderful soak.
Staff
All of the staff were friendly and eager to assist.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels
Reykjavík

Our room was sufficient and offered enough space for two. It was clean and comfortable. I still can't get over not having a top sheet or washcloths. It must be a European thing, and I will remember to pack washcloths. The staff was excellent. When we needed a cab, we just went to the front desk; they pressed a button, and a cab driver arrived in the lobby to pick us up within minutes. Breakfast was included with our stay. There was a variety of cereals, yogurts, meats, and cheeses, wonderful bread including their rye bread, a tasty tuna salad, and I happened to like pickled herring, which was available every morning. They also had hard-boiled eggs and some fruit. It was definitely enough to start your day and get you through.

Authenticity & Character
This appeared to be a contemporary hotel. It had an elevator, a breakfast room, and a place for happy hour, but no food was served after breakfast.
Location
It could have been more centrally located. Reykjavik is a walkable city, but we had severe winds and blowing snow, which made it a little more difficult to walk to the areas we wanted to visit.
Staff
The staff was friendly, kind, and personable, and their English was flawless. I needed medication kept refrigerated, and they accommodated me.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Noga Heyman
Noga
Noga Heyman
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Apr 01, 2026

Thank you, Spongie! I loved working with you and am so glad you had a successful trip in beautiful Iceland. We really appreciate your thorough review of the hotels, as we use this valuable information to improve trips for future travelers. I hope you're settling in nicely at home and we look forward to hearing from you when you're ready to plan your next adventure!

Read all Iceland reviews

Iceland Adventure
Iceland | Feb 16 - Feb 21, 2026

C
Cindy H.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 30, 2026

Noga and the KimKim team made planning our Iceland adventure effortless and stress-free. The itinerary was well paced, and filled with stunning locations and unique hotels. All of the pre-trip info was clear, organized and incredibly helpful. The KimKim app kept everything organized so we could just enjoy the trip. Noga and the team were very responsive before and during the trip, and they had truly thought of every detail. We would highly recommend working with her and the KimKim team.

Local specialist: Noga Heyman
Noga
Noga Heyman
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Apr 01, 2026

Thank you, Cindy! It was wonderful working with you and Jim and I'm so glad you had a fantastic trip to Iceland. I hope you'll consider kimkim again for your next adventure 😊

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