Five nights, six calendar days, and an astonishing variety of landscapes. We took this road trip in early June 2016 and still remember it as one of those trips that got the balance exactly right: scenic drives, a lava cave, towering waterfalls, floating icebergs, a hidden geothermal pool, and time to enjoy Reykjavík. We loved our little road trip—and, contrary to what the packed itinerary might suggest, we never felt rushed.
If you’re planning your own first Iceland adventure and love doing your homework before a trip, here’s the route we actually took, where we slept, what we booked ahead, and the choices I’d recommend thinking through. This is a five-night itinerary, not a full Ring Road loop. We traveled in late May and early June, when the long daylight hours worked in our favor.
Editorial note (November 2026): Our experiences and photographs are from 2016. I’ve linked to current operator and safety information where it matters; accommodation listings, pricing, tours, and road access can all change. Treat this as a tested route to adapt—not a guarantee of present-day conditions.
Our five-night Iceland itinerary at a glance
| Day | Route and highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| May 31 · Day 1 | Arrive in Iceland and drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula | Stykkishólmur |
| June 1 · Day 2 | Explore Snæfellsnes: Kirkjufell, scenic stops, short hikes and Vatnshellir lava cave | Stykkishólmur |
| June 2 · Day 3 | Drive south via the Golden Circle: Þingvellir, the Geysir area and Gullfoss | Hvolsvöllur area |
| June 3 · Day 4 | Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon Zodiac tour, nearby Diamond Beach, evening at Seljavallalaug | Hvolsvöllur area |
| June 4 · Day 5 | South Coast waterfall sightseeing, Blue Lagoon and massages | Reykjanesbær |
| June 5 · Day 6 | Walk around Reykjavík, then fly out | — |
Our three overnight bases: two nights in Stykkishólmur, two near Hvolsvöllur and one in Reykjanesbær near Keflavík Airport. Staying in different areas saved us from returning to Reykjavík after every adventure.
Why this route worked for us
Rather than trying to drive the entire Ring Road in less than a week, we focused on the western and southern portions of Iceland. That gave us a day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the iconic Golden Circle, a dramatic journey east to Jökulsárlón, and a chance to finish the trip relaxing in the Blue Lagoon. We also had the freedom to stop whenever the landscape demanded a closer look—which in Iceland is often.
The itinerary is active and driving-heavy, especially on June 3. It suited us beautifully, but the amount of travel is worth considering if you prefer slow mornings and short transfers. We were visiting in early summer; I would not copy these same day lengths into a winter trip without significant changes for daylight and weather.
Day 1: Arrive and head to Stykkishólmur | May 31
We started by heading to Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, our base for the first two nights. It’s a wonderful alternative to spending every night in the capital: a smaller town with access to spectacular drives in almost every direction. After a travel day, having one place to settle into for two nights made exploring the peninsula much easier.
We booked Hólmur-Inn, a bed-and-breakfast in Stykkishólmur, with breakfast included in our 2016 reservation. That particular booking is a piece of our travel history, not a currently verified hotel recommendation; if you’re following our route today, look for lodging in or near Stykkishólmur and check current reviews and availability.
Day 2: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, hikes and a lava cave | June 1
This was our day to drive, hike, explore and follow the scenery around Snæfellsnes. One of the pleasures of this peninsula is its variety: coastal towns, open fields with Icelandic horses, volcanic terrain and mountains that seem to rise directly from the sea. We stopped around Grundarfjörður and admired Kirkjufell, a spectacularly shaped mountain beside the water.
Our most distinctive planned activity was going underground at Vatnshellir Lava Cave. Descending the spiral staircase into a lava tube is a completely different way to experience Iceland’s volcanic landscape. It was an exciting contrast to a day otherwise spent surrounded by vast views and open skies.
Planning tip: Vatnshellir can only be visited with a guide. The national park’s cave information links to booking details. Wear warm layers and sturdy footwear even if the weather above ground is pleasant. If you have a specific tour time in mind, reserve it rather than assuming you can walk in.
Don’t overlook the drive between headline attractions. Some of our favorite photographs from this part of the trip are simply of the countryside, the fishing harbor and the Icelandic horses. Allow time for unplanned photo stops—but always pull over somewhere safe rather than stopping on the roadway.
Day 3: The Golden Circle en route to South Iceland | June 2
Instead of treating the Golden Circle as a separate round-trip excursion from Reykjavík, we worked it into our drive south to the farmhouse. This was one of the smartest logistical decisions of our trip: a major sightseeing day that also moved us closer to our next adventures.
- Þingvellir National Park: striking rocky fissures and an extraordinary sense of geological scale.
- Geysir geothermal area: steaming pools and the regular eruptions of Strokkur—worth allowing time for more than one eruption.
- Gullfoss: an immense, thundering waterfall. We were lucky enough to catch a rainbow arching over the falls.
We finished the day at our South Iceland farmhouse Airbnb near Hvolsvöllur, booked for June 2–4. It was a lovely countryside base for exploring the South Coast. The farm setting was part of the experience: green hillsides, sheep and a different pace from the more visited attractions.
Planning tip: the Golden Circle stops can absorb as much time as you let them. Keep an eye on your final accommodation arrival time, particularly if you’re stopping for meals and photographs along the way. Our route was a progression toward the south, not a return to the same hotel in Reykjavík.
Day 4: Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach and Seljavallalaug | June 3
This was our biggest sightseeing and driving day—and it was extraordinary. We drove east along the South Coast to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where enormous pieces of glacial ice float through deep-blue water. We had booked a 2:30 p.m. Zodiac boat tour and saw the icebergs from an entirely different perspective.
I especially recommend considering the Zodiac if you want the more immersive outing, rather than simply viewing the lagoon from shore. According to the current tour operator, Zodiac excursions take about 75 minutes, operate seasonally and require check-in 30 minutes before departure. Weather and ice can affect tours, so advance reservations and some flexibility are wise.
We also visited the black-sand beach beside Jökulsárlón, commonly called Diamond Beach. Pieces of glacial ice wash up onto the black sand, creating a dramatic contrast. The amount and size of ice on the beach change constantly, so no two visits look quite the same. Give yourself time to visit both sides of the road, and stay safely back from the surf.
Then, on the way back west that evening, we visited Seljavallalaug, the historic geothermal pool tucked into a mountain valley. To reach it, we walked through rugged scenery beside a stream. Arriving at the simple concrete pool beneath the mountains felt like discovering an entirely different Iceland from the one we’d seen among the icebergs earlier that day.
I loved this stop enough to write a separate guide to Seljavallalaug. One important caveat for visitors today: this is not a maintained commercial spa. The short approach can be rocky or slippery, the changing shelter is basic, water temperatures vary and there are no lifeguards or routine water-quality assurances. Check current conditions and use your judgment before entering the water; the valley itself is worth seeing.
Would I recommend this day? Yes, for travelers who enjoy a full day out and don’t mind several hours of driving. It worked wonderfully for us in June, but it’s the day to adjust first if road conditions are poor or you want more downtime.
Day 5: Waterfalls and the Blue Lagoon | June 4
As we made our way west, we enjoyed more of Iceland’s spectacular South Coast landscapes, including Seljalandsfoss. The path behind the curtain of water is an experience that a front-facing photograph doesn’t quite convey. Expect spray and slippery footing if conditions allow the route to be open.
We also stopped at Skógafoss, another spectacular waterfall on the South Coast. It’s a powerful sight from below, and the viewpoint staircase gives a sense of the scale of the surrounding landscape.
We then made time for one of Iceland’s most famous experiences: the Blue Lagoon. We’d reserved a 2:00 p.m. entry and arranged 4:30 p.m. relaxing massages. After days of exploring on foot and by car, soaking in the warm milky-blue water felt like a celebration of the trip.
We spent the final night in a simple Airbnb in Reykjanesbær, near Keflavík Airport. This was a practical choice for the last part of our trip, rather than another night farther out on the road.
Planning tip: book the Blue Lagoon ahead of time and review its latest access instructions, operating status and local volcanic-activity information before travel. Conditions on the Reykjanes Peninsula can change. Also allow plenty of time for changing, showering and enjoying the lagoon instead of scheduling it like a quick photo stop.
Day 6: A final walk through Reykjavík | June 5
Before flying home, we made time to wander around Reykjavík. The city made a pleasant final contrast to our days of waterfalls, mountains and wide-open landscapes. We walked through colorful streets and visited Hallgrímskirkja, the distinctive church overlooking the city.
Another lovely thing to do in Reykjavík is stop for a hearty Icelandic-style breakfast. Ours included an assortment of breads, savory dishes and pastries—a delicious way to fit one more local experience into our final morning.
I wouldn’t try to fit a long list of activities into a departure day. We enjoyed having time to walk around, but the right amount of sightseeing depends entirely on your flight time, luggage arrangements and how much time you need at Keflavík Airport.
Where we stayed—and how I’d book the route today
- Nights 1–2: Stykkishólmur. A two-night base for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula; we stayed at Hólmur-Inn.
- Nights 3–4: Hvolsvöllur area. A countryside base for the Golden Circle-to-South-Coast transition and the glacier lagoon day; we used a farmhouse Airbnb.
- Night 5: Reykjanesbær. A practical last-night base near Keflavík and the Blue Lagoon.
Our 2016 lodging choices illustrate the geographic strategy more than they are timeless recommendations for specific listings. For a new trip, compare locations, current availability, cancellation policies and guest reviews. A charming property isn’t a bargain if it adds a long detour to every day’s drive.
What to book ahead
- Rental car: choose a vehicle suitable for your season, route and comfort on Icelandic roads. Understand the rental company’s rules for gravel roads and insurance.
- Accommodation: secure the three overnight bases before you lock in activities.
- Jökulsárlón Zodiac tour: reserve a departure with enough driving and check-in buffer. Check seasonal operations on the official booking page.
- Vatnshellir lava cave: book a guided tour, not an independent cave visit.
- Blue Lagoon and any treatments: reserve the entry and spa appointments you actually want, and check current access guidance.
A few Iceland driving and safety lessons
The freedom of having our own car was central to this trip. But the weather, wind, road surfaces and daylight should always shape your plans. Check Iceland’s official road conditions, the Icelandic weather forecast and Safetravel each day. Use designated pullouts for photographs, obey closures and build in extra time for unexpected stops.
One more distinction: we visited at the beginning of June. In another season, particularly winter, I’d recommend a considerably more conservative itinerary. Long daylight does not eliminate weather risks, but it did make our style of travel easier.
Was five nights enough? Our verdict
Absolutely. We loved this five-night Iceland road trip. It was full, varied and memorable, but it did not feel too rushed. We wouldn’t slow it down or remove any of the experiences. We had enough time to enjoy what we chose to do.
Would we stay longer if we could? Without question. Not to change the pacing of this trip, but because there was so much more of Iceland we wanted to see. That’s an important distinction when you’re planning with limited vacation days: you don’t have to see the entire country to have a fantastic trip.
What we’d add with more time: the Westfjords
The region I was most curious to explore next was the Westfjords, Iceland’s wild northwestern corner. The winding fjords, small communities, remote beaches and waterfalls sound like a natural extension of the scenery we loved on Snæfellsnes.
This would be a separate extension, not a day trip. The official Westfjords Way is roughly 950 kilometers, and Visit Westfjords recommends allowing at least four to five days for the full touring route. With extra time, I’d look into attractions such as Dynjandi waterfall, but I wouldn’t squeeze the whole region into this existing five-night schedule. We did not visit the Westfjords on this trip; consider this our wish-list addition.
Final thoughts
If your goal is to see dramatic scenery, experience a variety of Iceland’s landscapes and make the most of five nights, this is a road trip I’d happily recommend as a starting point. It wasn’t about collecting the most stops possible. It was about choosing a route that connected the experiences we were most excited about—and enjoying all the incredible places in between.
Have more time? Keep going. Have five nights? Don’t dismiss what you can experience. We loved every part of our little Iceland road trip.
For more on one of our most memorable stops, read our Seljavallalaug guide, or see our original Iceland driving story.
Leave a Reply