Looking for the best and easiest route to see all of the epic natural attractions on The Ring Road? In this post, we’ll go over the perfect Iceland Ring Road 5-day itinerary to ensure you have a remarkable and unforgettable trip to the Land of Fire and Ice.
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I’m pretty sure we’ve ALL been here before… Wanting to book and plan an extraordinary trip to a bucket list destination but not having any idea where to start?
Luckily for you, this 5 day itinerary has the most must-see attractions on The Ring Road so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything on your first magical trip to Iceland.
This itinerary will focus on Iceland’s natural attractions and won’t have you spending a lot of time in Reykjavik. After all, you did come to see the island, not just it’s capital city, right?
From visiting a stunning iceberg beach to gawking at breathtaking waterfalls and hiking Europe’s largest glacier to climbing basalt columns at a black sand beach and everything in between; this itinerary will be a one-stop shop for all of your Iceland questions.
Iceland Ring Road Trip (5 Days)
Best Time to Visit Iceland
This is a 5-day itinerary which means you’re going to move fast and drive a lot. If you want to slow down and take your time, I’d suggest opting for at least an 8 to 12-day trip to be able to schedule some time to relax.
That being said, I would suggest you visit during the spring or summer months so you have as much daylight on your side as possible.
Ultimately the best time to visit depends on the kind of person you are and what you’re looking to get out of your trip but here are a few pros and cons to help you decide when the best time to visit for YOU is.
Spring/Summer (best months: June – August)
During the spring and summer months the days are longer – averaging about 15-22 hours of sunlight. This means you get to experience the midnight sun BUT also less of a chance to see the Northern Lights.
The weather in Iceland is better/warmer this time of year which also means greener landscapes BUT because of that, it is also peak tourist season. Peak season means higher prices and more people.
Autumn/Winter (best months: September – March)
During the autumn and winter months, there’s a much higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights. The colder months mean fewer tourists and lower prices. Who doesn’t love the sound of that?
There are more ice cave and glacier tours available this time of year, snow-covered landscapes, and frozen waterfalls BUT you also get shorter days; averaging between 4-13 hours of daylight.
The weather is also much more unpredictable (windy, wet, and cold), there are more possible road closures (f roads), and of course, way more darkness means less time for outdoor activities.
Getting Around Iceland
It is no secret that I believe the best way to get around Iceland is by renting a campervan. Even if you don’t rent a campervan, you will need some sort of rental car to drive around The Ring Road.
A campervan is your best option because it is the most inexpensive way to see everything Iceland has to offer. Instead of renting a car and paying for hotels, a campervan combines both transportation and lodging into one affordable price.
Plus, it’ll give you the flexibility to tweak this itinerary to your flight schedule, and your list of must-see attractions, and to be able to choose where you sleep every night at the drop of a hat.
Iceland’s Most Popular Routes
Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a 140 mi (230km) circular road that starts and ends in Reykjavik. It takes about 3 hours to drive this route without any stops.
The Golden Circle may be Iceland’s most popular route but I believe that is because of its proximity to Reykjavik, its short distance, and the possibility to see it all on a day trip.
The top 3 attractions to see on The Golden Circle are Thingvellir National Park, The Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. These 3 attractions are all included in this 5 day itinerary so for that reason, we are going to ‘skip’ The Golden Circle and opt for The Ring Road instead.
The Ring Road
The Ring Road is hands down the best route to see all of Iceland’s top natural attractions. It is the main road (Route 1) that runs in a circle around the whole country and has attraction after attraction conveniently located nearby.
Iceland’s Ring Road’s length is 820 mi (1322km) and takes roughly 20 hours to drive around it without making any stops but don’t worry, you’ll be making plenty of stops!
The South Coast of Iceland
The south coast of Iceland is where most people focus their attention as there are plenty of great places to see here. This itinerary will include about 3 days on the southern coast but we’re not going to stop there because there are a few more attractions in the north that you won’t want to miss.
Plus the farther up north you are, the better the chances of seeing those gorgeous Northern Lights!
The Ultimate 5 day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
DAY ONE
Arrive in Iceland
Plan to arrive in Iceland as early as you can so you can make the most out of your first day. Whether you’re renting a van or a car, the company should arrange a shuttle to pick you up from the airport and bring you to your vehicle.
Keep in mind, this process can take up to a few hours if there’s a long line at the rental place so be patient but also ready to go as soon as you get your keys.
*We are going to be saving the last day for some time in Reykjavik so don’t be alarmed that you’re not heading straight there like most other tourists. The city has some good things to offer but this itinerary prioritizes the natural wonders along Iceland’s Ring Road in just 5 days.
If you are traveling in a campervan, now might be a good time to make a stop at a grocery store to stock up on food so you can eat on the go. This is one of the many reasons I recommend a van because it’ll save you a lot of time and money later on.
Visit Blue Lagoon
Your first stop will be the famous Blue Lagoon that Iceland is known for. I think it’s best to hit this right away as it’s close to the airport and you could probably use the spa to relax after your flight.
Some attractions like the Blue Lagoon require a reservation ahead of time. Keep this in mind and book plenty of days before you even arrive to make sure you have your spot reserved. Also, factor in plenty of time to pick up your rental car.
The Blue Lagoon has gained popularity in recent years but it was still one of my favorite places I visited so don’t let the crowds deter you. The earlier your reservation time, the less crowded it will be as well.
Take your time and enjoy your free drink, silica mud mask, and of course the geothermal mineral-rich water. If you have extra time be sure to walk around the little trails they have outside before you leave. It was really neat to see the geothermal waters in their natural state.
If you’re interested, you can check out my blue lagoon reel over here.
Hike Fagradalsfjall Volcano
The Fagradalsfjall volcano (aka Geldingadalir volcano) is just a 15-minute drive from The Blue Lagoon, making it a great, nearby stop. The volcano last erupted in August of 2022 but even if there is no current lava flow, it’s still a really neat site to see.
Fagradalsfjall volcano is one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes so there’s a good chance there will be another eruption sometime near your visit. Depending on the activity level and your interest, you can hike anywhere from 30 mins to 2 hours to see all the different views of this volcano.
After you have spent some time admiring the volcano, you will start your journey to The Ring Road (Route 1). Your driving direction will be counterclockwise.
Walk Behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Your next stop will be roughly a 2-hour drive from the volcano to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Iceland has so many incredible and different types of waterfalls but this one in particular is cool because you can actually walk around the whole thing.
This attraction is right off The Ring Road and has a parking lot where you will then walk a short 10 minutes to get up close to it. Be sure to wear a rain jacket as you will probably get splashed on while you gawk at this dramatic, 200-foot waterfall.
Visit Skógafoss Waterfall
If you are visiting in the summer months when the days are longer then you should still have time to stop at this next waterfall just 30 mins away from Seljalandsfoss.
Skógafoss is another large waterfall that you can walk right up to. They also have some stairs to a viewpoint where you can see the waterfall from the top, for a different perspective. This one is an epic waterfall that was even a filming backdrop for a scene on season 8 of Game of Thrones.
When I visited in early October, it was already dark so we just saw this one from the road and kept driving. Don’t be like me! If you don’t have time to see it on your first day then make time to see it first thing in the morning.
Find a Campsite for the Night & Rest
Here is a good time to find a nearby campsite. If you are saving Skógafoss for the morning then there is Skógar campsite right next to but beware, the reviews aren’t great.
It seems the facilities are not up to par but if you’re like me and just need a place to sleep for the night with low expectations then this place will work just fine.
If you want something nicer, you can head towards Vik which is only 30 mins away to find some better campsites there. You may have to backtrack a little in the morning to get to the glacier but it’s totally doable.
TOTAL DRIVE TIME FOR THE DAY: ABOUT 3.5 HOURS
DAY TWO
If you did not view Skógafoss last night, this is the first thing you want to do this morning. Then continue on with day 2 of 5 on your Ring Road of Iceland tour.
Take a tour of Sólheimajökull Glacier
Sólheimajökull Glacier is one of the two most popular glaciers in Iceland; being smaller than its counterpart – Vatnajökull Glacier. There are so many different types of glacier tours offered so the options are endless.
If this is your first time on a glacier (like it was mine), it’s such a memorable experience! The view is amazing, it’s so massive that you feel so small, and just another example of mother nature’s powerful beauty. Check out my reel of this enormous glacier from my drone’s point of view – just wait ’til the end!
Make sure you also book a tour ahead of time for this attraction! Most of the tours include a glacier hike and/or ice climbing. If you want to be adventurous, I definitely recommend going for an ice climbing tour. You can read my beginner’s guide to ice climbing here.
After you are done exploring and learning all about glaciers, it’s time to head over toward Vik.
Climb the Basalt Columns at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
It’s a quick 30 min drive to get to your next destination and I guarantee it’s one of the cooler ones! Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach makes you feel like you’re on a different planet. The sand is beautiful and dark, the basalt columns give it a dramatic backdrop, and the ocean’s powerful waves make this an unbelievable place to visit.
Learn all about Iceland’s basalt columns here. These columns are perfect to climb on and get some really great pictures. Be sure to also take a look at the jagged rock formations in the ocean, known as Reynisdrangar.
Spend Time in the Seaside Village of Vik
After visiting the black sand beach, make a pit stop to walk around the town of Vik. If you want to try some of the local cuisine this would be a good time for a quick lunch break.
Depending on how long your glacier tour took and if you still have time in the day, I would suggest driving another hour and finding a campsite near Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. This way you’ll be close to your first attraction for day three.
However, if you like Vik and want to relax for the rest of the day, this would also be a good place to camp for the night. You’ll just make the hour’s drive in the morning instead.
TOTAL DRIVE TIME FOR THE DAY: ABOUT 2.5 HOURS
DAY THREE
Hike Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
We’re starting off day 3 of 5 on the Ring Road in Iceland with Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon; another breathtaking attraction you don’t want to miss. It’s a gorgeous green canyon with waterfalls and a river flowing right through it. Iceland has so much natural beauty – it’ll certainly amaze you.
This canyon has a few viewpoints and the parking lot is quite nearby so it won’t take you more than a 15 min walk to reach the first sight. Once you have spent enough time mesmerized by this view, it’s time to head to another waterfall.
Take a quick look at my reel of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon to get a better idea of what you’re in for!
Hike up to Svartifoss Waterfall
You’ll continue driving on The Ring Road for about an hour and 15 mins before you reach the Skaftafell Nature Preserve. Here you will park your vehicle at the visitor center and start your hike up to Svartifoss.
The hike is a rather easy to moderate 1-mile trail uphill which will take you about 45 mins one way. You’ll pass two other waterfalls on the way there which makes it an enjoyable hike.
This waterfall is special in that it’s surrounded by those basalt columns we saw at the black sand beach. It makes for quite a gorgeous and different view from some of the other waterfalls in Iceland.
Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon & Diamond Beach
About a 45 min drive away, your next attraction is the stunning Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon & Diamond Beach. I know I keep saying it but it’s because it’s true; Iceland is one of those rare, magical places that has such astonishing natural beauty where each attraction is better than the last.
Here you are right by Vatnajökull Glacier which feeds into the iceberg lagoon – hence where it gets its name. This beautiful lagoon is filled with huge icebergs and the water is so clear and blue that it’s quite reflective. Here’s another spot where you feel like you’re on a different planet.
The Iceberg Lagoon feeds into the ocean and this is where you find Diamond Beach. Many of those icebergs break off and wash up on the black shore here. It truly looks like there’s diamond ice all across the beach. Here you also get to experience another rare black sand beach!
Check out my reel of this Diamond Beach from my drone’s point of view – it’s so marvelous.
You can spend as much time here as you’d like. There are all kinds of tours here from kayaking to boat tours, to glacier hikes, ice climbing, and ice cave tours. Just make sure you book your tours ahead of time.
Vatnajökull Glacier
You are already in Vatnajökull National Park and very close to the glacier. These two locations are pretty interchangeable depending on which one you visit first.
I would recommend really looking into different tour companies and comparing all of the possible tours offered here for you to do. Or maybe you want to do a few. I would definitely recommend at least doing an ice cave tour.
If I’m not mistaken, I believe this is the only glacier they offer ice cave tours at so take advantage of this opportunity. We booked our excursion through Arctic Adventures but there are many tour companies out there.
They take you down into a gorgeous blue ice cave that almost feels like it’s melting around you. I’ve never done anything like this and it was such a unique and amazing experience. You can see my reel of this epic blue ice cave right over here.
Drive towards Höfn to Find a Campsite for the Night
When you’re all tired out from a day full of jam-packed excursions, head towards the town of Höfn where there are plenty of campsites for you to choose from. Relax and rest up for day four as it’s going to be more driving than the other days.
And just like that you’re more than halfway done with your 5-day Iceland Ring Road trip!
TOTAL DRIVE TIME FOR THE DAY: ABOUT 3 HOURS
DAY FOUR
From Höfn you’re going to start driving for about 2.5 hours to get to the town of Egilsstaðir. From here you can decide whether or not to take the detour to Seyðisfjörður or to just continue on The Ring Road to Stuðlagil Canyon.
Seyðisfjörður Rainbow Road
The town of Seyðisfjörður can be optionable if you are short on time. It’s about a 30 min detour from The Ring Road one way. Besides just the rainbow road, it’s a lovely little seaside town nestled in between fjords. The drive into the town was a gorgeous scenic route.
That being said, I personally loved this little rainbow road leading up to a blue church. It’s a great place for some photos and there’s a small coffee shop nearby to grab a coffee and some pastries.
I say it’s optionable because some people may not think the small rainbow road is worth the drive. It is up to you but I think if you have time, this town is a hidden gem to experience.
Stuðlagil Canyon
From the town of Egilsstaðir, you will continue on the main road for about an hour until you get to Stuðlagil Canyon. Basalt columns tower on both sides of this canyon with a beautiful turquoise-blue river running down through it.
There is an east and west side access to the canyon. The west side has a ton of stairs to walk down before you get to a platform for the viewpoint. The access to this one is much shorter (although way more stairs) but you don’t get to actually walk down into the canyon like you do on the east side – just make a note of this before you follow google maps to this side (like we did).
The east-side access is much better. The hike is a little longer, maybe about 30-40 mins one way but it’s so worth it. You can walk straight down into the canyon and get beautiful photos.
Dettifoss Waterfall
Dettifoss waterfall is going to be the next stop on your 5-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary. This attraction holds the title of Europe’s most powerful waterfall. It’s a massive waterfall for sure.
The hike isn’t very long from the parking lot, probably about 20 to 30 mins. There are a few viewpoints along the way as well. It’s a nice look into such a powerful force of nature and one of the biggest waterfalls on the island.
The Long Drive Back Towards Reykjavik
From Dettifoss begins the long drive heading back to Reykjavik. It’s about 7 hours until the next attraction from here. I would recommend driving at least halfway before you decide to camp for the night but if you have more energy, I’d say keep driving until you can.
The closer you get today, the more time there is for activities tomorrow.
The Northern Lights
If you’re visiting between October and April, your chances of seeing The Northern Lights are much higher. Take advantage of being in the north and look for them while you drive at night.
There are so many pull-offs along The Ring Road that it’s easy to find a secluded place to park and turn off your headlights for total darkness. Now let your eyes adjust for a few minutes and look around at the night sky.
Keep in mind, The Northern Lights are a phenomenon and there’s no guarantee that you will see them. Even if you do get so lucky, they do not often look as vibrant as they do in photos. Just keep that in mind so you’re not disappointed.
TOTAL DRIVE TIME FOR THE DAY: ABOUT 6.5 to 9.5 HOURS (depending on how much you want to drive)
DAY FIVE
The final day of your 5-day Iceland Ring Road trip! Depending how far you go the night before, determines how much time you will have to spend in Reykjavik.
Remember The Golden Circle we were ‘skipping’? Well now is your chance to see those top 3 attractions. The first stop is Thingvellir National Park.
Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park
Thingvellir National Park is located between two tectonic plates which creates the rift valley that you’ll see. It’s known for being a place where you can walk between two continents – Europe and North America.
There is also the option to go snorkeling in between this rift to see the tectonic plates up close. This is the only place in the world where you can do this. You need to book a tour in advance but they provide you with dry suits and everything else you will need.
The Geysir Geothermal Area
Your next stop is about 40 mins away and it is to see active geysers. Located in Haukadalur Valley, there are two geysers – the Great Geysir and Strokkur. The former seldom erupts but the latter erupts every 10 mins or so.
You’ll likely get to see Strokkur erupt if you wait around long enough. Even besides these two geysers, this geothermal area is still a fun place to explore. You can see hot bubbling pools of water and steam coming out from everywhere.
Gullfoss Waterfall
If you haven’t had enough of waterfalls by now, Gullfoss waterfall is about a 10 min drive from the geothermal area. Gullfoss is another beautiful and powerful waterfall nestled in between a valley.
Summer is the best time to visit this waterfall because you can walk right up to it and admire it from up close. During the winter months, there tends to be ice on the ground so you can’t get as close.
Either way, it’s a nice waterfall to visit if you feel like you haven’t seen enough yet! If not, it’s just as easy to head back towards Reykjavik.
Spend the rest of the day in Reykjavik
It’s about an hour and a half drive back to Reykjavik where you can now take the rest of the day to relax and explore the city. After being out in nature for 5 days, it’s nice to see the hustle and bustle of city life again.
If you have the flexibility and time to book 6 days total in Iceland, then it would be great to take another full day to take in Reykjavik after the 5 days on Iceland’s Ring Road.
Hallgrimskirkja church is a must-see and you won’t miss it judging from its height. Svartifoss was part of the inspiration when they built this church. They wanted to capture Iceland’s raw, natural beauty but in a modern way.
Here there are plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as gift shops to do any souvenir shopping. It’s a great way to relax after a jam-packed 5 days living on the road.
TOTAL DRIVE TIME FOR THE DAY: ABOUT 6 HOURS
I hope this itinerary was exactly what you were looking for or at least helped you decide what to see and how to do it. Iceland is easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen on this Earth. Nature is just so spectacular and magical. If you end up doing this 5-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary, I hope it’s just as memorable for you as it was for me!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days in Iceland enough?
5 days in Iceland is doable if you are okay with skipping some things here and there or if you don’t mind driving a lot with very little rest in between. If you visit during the summer, you should have plenty of daylight.
This is a 5 day itinerary for just The Ring Road. I’d recommend another day or two to spend in Reykjavik before you fly back home.
In the end, 5 days is enough time to see a lot of attractions but certainly not all of them. A country like Iceland deserves way more than just 5 days or at the very least, a second trip to see the rest of the country.
Is the Ring Road in Iceland the same as the Golden Circle?
No, it’s not. The Golden Circle is a 140 mi (230km) circular road that starts and ends in Reykjavik. It only takes about 3 hours to drive around and can easily be done in a day. There are 3 (major) attractions along this road.
The Ring Road is the 820 mi (1322km) main road that circles all of Iceland. It takes roughly 20 hours to drive without any breaks but holds tons of amazing and popular attractions right along the road.
If you are short on time The Golden Circle is a great option to see some of what Iceland has to offer but if you have the time, The Ring Road is definitely the superior route to take.
How long is the Ring Road in Iceland?
Iceland’s Ring Road is 820 mi (1322km) in length and takes roughly 20 hours to drive around the whole thing. The road encircles the whole island of Iceland.
For more Iceland information, you may also like:
- How To Spend A Marvelous 3 Days In Reykjavik (Iceland stopover)
- Iceland Basalt Columns: 8 Astonishing Places to See Them
- Ice Climbing Iceland: Beginner’s Guide & Everything You Need to Know
