5-Day Iceland Itinerary: Summer/Winter

Jan In Iceland - (janiniceland)
Itinerary created by
Jan In Iceland
What you’ll do

What to Expect

This 5-day Iceland itinerary is designed for those who want to experience Iceland’s most breathtaking landscapes, from whale watching in Reykjavík to an unforgettable glacier hike in Skaftafell and the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You’ll explore Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, visit hidden hot springs, and witness some of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.

This itinerary is suitable for both summer and winter, with seasonal notes provided where necessary. In winter, adjustments may be needed due to daylight hours and road conditions.

This is for those who:

✅ Desire a mix of adventure and relaxation, including whale watching, glacier hiking, hot springs, waterfalls, and glaciers
✅ Are happy to drive more to see as much as possible in a short timeframe
✅ Want a well-structured plan but with room for flexibility
✅ Are visiting in either summer or winter and want guidance on seasonal adjustments

💡Customisability & Arrival/Departure Timing

This itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted based on your arrival and departure times. If your flight leaves early on Day 5, you may need to skip some activities or rearrange them based on your schedule.

🗺️ Day 1: Arrival – Golden Circle & Hot Spring

✈️ Arrival time :

📍Main Stops:
Thingvellir (optional – can skip in favor of Brúarfoss)

Brúarfoss – A hidden gem with blue waterfalls. (winter: can be icy but still worth a short stop if accessible).
✔ Geysir & Gullfoss
Brúarfoss – A hidden gem with blue waterfalls (summer: hike takes ~1 hr; winter: can be icy but still worth a short stop if accessible).
Secret Lagoon or Hrunalaug Hot Spring – A more natural, less touristy hot spring experience.

🚗 Drive to overnight stay: Hella or Hvolsvöllur area (closer to Day 2 locations)

🔹 Winter Note: Roads here are generally fine in winter, but start early to maximize daylight. If conditions are tough, consider skipping Brúarfoss.

✍🏻 Notes : If you'd like to visit Blue Lagoon you can do that first thing after arrival and then skipping Secret Lagoon/Hrunalaug hot springs

1

Keflavík International Airport
Keflavík International Airport
Iceland's international Airport
Category
Public Transport

23.3 km (14.5 mi)

23 min

✈️ Airport:

  • Visit Duty Free store (save 30-50%) If you need to buy any alcohol/tobaco

  • Pick up the car. There's a free car rental shuttle right outside the hall next to Flybus parking (easy to find, just follow the signs)

ℹ️ Car Rental

Car Rental name :

Reservation number :

2

This one is optional

Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon
Luxurious spa retreat in Iceland
Category
Hot Spring
Est. Price
$$$

93 km (57.8 mi)

1 hr 18 min

ℹ️ In my opinion þingvellir National Park is a little overrated, but if you enjoy visiting historical landmarks you will enjoy it.

  • if you decide to skip it, it it better to take road nr.1 towards Selfoss and then road 35 and 355 to Brúarfoss

3

This one is optional

Öxarárfoss
Öxarárfoss
Picturesque waterfall in Þingvellir National Park
Category
Waterfall
Est. Price
$

2.7 km (1.7 mi)

4 min

4

This one is optional

Þingvallakirkja (Þingvellir church)
Þingvallakirkja (Þingvellir church)
Church and parliament buildings
Category
Culture

46.2 km (28.7 mi)

46 min

5

Brúarfoss
Brúarfoss
Stunningly blue waterfall in Iceland
Category
Waterfall
Est. Price
$

18.8 km (11.7 mi)

20 min

6

Geysir-Strokkur
Geysir-Strokkur
Famous Icelandic geyser erupting water
Category
Sightseeing

9.8 km (6.1 mi)

10 min

7

Gullfoss Falls
Gullfoss Falls
Majestic waterfall on Golden Circle
Category
Waterfall

28.7 km (17.8 mi)

26 min

🍽️ You can have lunch at Friðheimar where they grow tomatoes and serve what's considered the best tomato soup in Iceland.

ℹ️ You will need a reservation here.

8

Friðheimar
Friðheimar
Icelandic tomato farm and restaurant
Category
Sightseeing
Est. Price
$$

11.6 km (7.2 mi)

12 min

9

Choose the option that fits you the best

Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon
Geothermal oasis in Iceland
Category
Hot Spring
Est. Price
$
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Cozy and small hot spring
Category
Hot Spring
Est. Price
$

45 km (28 mi)

34 min

💭 if you don't feel like sitting in hot springs, take a little detour to more off the beaten path sites, waterfalls Hjálparfoss and Háifoss (4x4 required)
🔹 Winter Note: Háifoss is not accessible in the winter.

10

This one is optional

Hjálparfoss
Hjálparfoss
Beautiful quiet waterfall
Category
Waterfall

17.3 km (10.7 mi)

16 min

11

This one is optional

Háifoss
Háifoss
One of my favourite waterfalls!
Category
Sightseeing

70.9 km (44.1 mi)

1 hr 8 min

🛏️ Check-in & dinner

  • Dinner at the hotel or one of the restaurants in the area

  • Use recommended accommodation below, pick your own from my map or use booking sites like booking.com or airbnb.com

  • Stay in the area of Hella or Hvolsvöllur for shorter drive the next day

12

Choose the option that fits you the best

Glass cottages Iceland
Glass cottages Iceland
Luxurious eco-friendly glass cottages
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$

14.7 km (9.1 mi)

14 min

13

This one is optional

Valhalla Restaurant
Valhalla Restaurant
Viking-themed eatery
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
Any

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