Iceland 5-Day Self-Drive Tours & Itineraries

Explore 13 self-drive trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Iceland.

Driving through Iceland? Why not embark on one of kimkim's 5-day self-drive itineraries in Iceland, like excursions through Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Akureyri, and Mývatn Area? Or perhaps go from east to west, exploring cities like Egilsstaðir, Jökulsárlón and Reykjavík. If you're ready to explore the North, enjoy a scenic adventure with volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, nature baths, whale watching, and fjords in Akureyri back to Reykjavík.

See more Iceland Self-Drive Tours & Itineraries.

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

For a unique Iceland experience, avoid the crowds of the south completely. This trip has it all: volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, nature baths, whale watching, fjords and more. Below are 2 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 Reykjavik.

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.

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 alike. Visit the famous Golden Circle, explore vibrant Reykjavik, and get off the beaten path for tours of ice caves and craters, snorkel trips between tectonic plates, and walks behind ice-covered waterfalls.

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.

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.

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.

Iceland's Skógafoss waterfall
Map of Iceland Winter Highlights: Vík, Golden Circle & Reykjanes - 5 Days
Iceland Winter Highlights: Vík, Golden Circle & Reykjanes - 5 Days

Take in Iceland's winter wonderland with this five-day, self-drive tour. See crashing waterfalls and ice caves along the Ring Road and visit the city of Vík for glacier hikes and ice climbing. Then it's on to the Golden Circle and astonishing views of the aurora borealis dancing in the night sky. Snorkel in the underwater world of the Silfra fissure and relax in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon before closing your trip on the Reykjanes Peninsula, with its erupting geysers and bubbling hot springs.

Diamond Beach, Iceland
Map of Iceland South Coast Winter Adventure - 5 Days
Iceland South Coast Winter Adventure - 5 Days

If your goal this winter is to reconnect with nature amid the spectacle of ice and snow, then there are few better places for it than Iceland. This five-day jaunt may be quick, but it packs in some of Iceland's most incredible natural highlights as you enjoy a road trip around the stunning South Coast. During the excursion, you'll visit waterfalls, see the northern lights, hike glaciers, visit sparkling ice caves, and ride ATVs on volcanic beaches.

The northern lights over Iceland
Map of Iceland Winter Escape: Golden Circle & Northern Lights - 5 Days
Iceland Winter Escape: Golden Circle & Northern Lights - 5 Days

You can experience some of the best of Iceland in a mere five days. This brief itinerary maximizes sightseeing by putting you on a road trip around the waterfalls, national parks, and geothermal areas along the famous Golden Circle route. Along the way, you'll see the northern lights, fly over glaciers, and take a well-deserved soak in the legendary Blue Lagoon.

Reindeer in Iceland
Map of Winter Wonders & Wildlife in Iceland - 5 Days
Winter Wonders & Wildlife in Iceland - 5 Days

This five-day, self-drive tour provides the perfect winter exploration of Iceland. Start with a drive along the Ring Road to the sights and sounds of crashing waterfalls, then search the night skies for northern lights via horseback. Spot wild reindeer herds along the shores of eastern Iceland, or head to Jökulsárlón glacier Lagoon with its massive floating icebergs. Visit Mosfellsdalur and take a dogsled ride along snow-covered trails before ending your tour with views along the Reykjanes Peninsula.

 A statue of Leif Erikson outside the Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavík
Map of Iceland Winter Holiday: In the Footsteps of Vikings - 5 Days
Iceland Winter Holiday: In the Footsteps of Vikings - 5 Days

Iceland is for you if your dream of a winter getaway involves more ice and snow than sun and sand. Even with five days, you can enjoy its highlights on a road trip around Reykjavík and along the famous Golden Circle to waterfalls and geothermal areas. You can also stop to see full-size replicas of Viking ships, embark on mountain hikes, visit museums, and glimpse the unforgettable northern lights.

Other durations: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days