Iceland
5-Day Icelandic Roadtrip Itinerary
Planning an Iceland road trip? We’ve got you covered!
This 5-day Iceland itinerary follows the route we took during our winter trip, with a day-by-day breakdown of where we went, what we saw, where we stayed, and where we ate along the way.
Inside, you’ll find our stops and experiences throughout the trip — from Reykjavík and the South Coast to glaciers, ice caves, hot springs, and some of Iceland’s most unforgettable scenery.
This is the itinerary we actually followed, along with our personal recommendations and thoughts from the road, so you can use it as a starting point for planning your own Iceland adventure.
Iceland 5-Day Roadtrip Itinerary
Iceland is one of those places that feels almost too incredible to be real — dramatic waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, hot springs, and landscapes that seem to change around every corner.
We spent five days road-tripping around Iceland in the winter, and this guide is a look at how we planned our trip, where we went, what we loved, and what we’d do differently next time.
From our favorite experiences and places to eat to practical tips for navigating an Iceland road trip, we’re sharing everything we learned along the way to help you plan your own adventure.
Start with our FREE, downloadable 5-day itinerary, then explore the rest of our Iceland favorites and tips below!
My Favorite Experiences
Crystal Ice Caves Tour
Exploring a crystal ice cave deep within the glacier was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip. Led by expert guides, we hiked across the glacier above Breiðamerkurjökull before venturing inside the stunning blue ice formations.
All necessary hiking gear—including crampons and safety equipment—was provided, making the adventure both safe and accessible, even for first-time glacier hikers.
We booked our excursion through Viator
Mr. Iceland Horse Farm Experience
One of my favorite experiences in Iceland! Hosted by Hordur, a lifelong Icelandic farmer and horseman, this unique adventure begins with a personalized riding lesson, followed by a scenic horseback ride through the breathtaking Icelandic countryside.
The day ends with an authentic homemade Icelandic meal prepared with ingredients from his own farm. If you have the time, I’d also recommend staying in one of the B&Bs on the farm—the views overlooking the horse fields are absolutely beautiful!
More than just a horseback ride, it’s an unforgettable opportunity to experience Icelandic culture, connect with a local, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Hvammsvik Hot Springs
One of my favorite hidden gems in Iceland! If you're hoping to skip the crowds of the Blue Lagoon, Hvammsvík offers a peaceful geothermal experience surrounded by breathtaking coastal views. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring and one of the most relaxing stops on our trip.
The facilities include modern locker rooms, towels and bathrobes, plus a cozy café and swim up bar so you can enjoy a beverage during your soak—making it an easy and comfortable experience from start to finish.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
A visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is an absolute must while exploring Iceland. Watching massive icebergs drift across the glacial waters is breathtaking on its own, but visiting at sunset made the experience truly unforgettable. As the sky glowed with soft shades of pink and gold, the entire lagoon came to life, creating one of the most magical views of our trip.
The glacier lagoon is located roughly 5 hours from Reykjavík and made for some incredible views during the roadtrip down the southern coast.
Things I’d Do Differently for my Next Visit to Iceland
Every trip teaches you something, and Iceland was no exception. While I loved our winter road trip and wouldn’t change the overall pace of the trip, there are a few things I’d do differently if I were planning a return visit.
For starters, I’d give myself more time. Five days let us see a lot, but Iceland has so much to explore that I’d love to slow down and spend more time in each place rather than trying to fit everything into one trip. I’d also plan for more time in Reykjavík—especially at the beginning of the trip—to give myself a little more time to adjust after arriving and enjoy the city before hitting the road.
I’d also love to experience Iceland in the summer. Our winter visit came with beautiful snowy landscapes, but we had very limited daylight, with only a few hours of true daytime. A summer trip—with nearly 23 hours of daylight—would completely change the experience and give us more flexibility for exploring. I’d love to use that extra daylight to venture farther north and northeast, see more of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, and hopefully add a whale-watching or boat experience to the itinerary.
And while our winter road trip was one of my favorite parts of the trip, I’d be even more intentional about building flexibility into the schedule next time. Iceland’s weather and road conditions can change quickly, and between snow, road closures, and volcanic activity, having a little extra wiggle room can make a big difference.
Most importantly, I’d leave more room to simply slow down. One thing I loved about Iceland was the relaxed, unhurried feeling of the country, and next time I want to embrace that even more—less checking things off the list and more enjoying the scenery, stopping when something catches my eye, and letting the trip unfold.
Because if Iceland taught me anything, it’s that sometimes the best part of the adventure is the part you didn’t plan.
Ready to Explore?
Use our itinerary as a starting point, save the places that catch your eye, and make the trip your own. I've also included our Google Map of recommendations so you can easily visualize the route, explore our favorite stops, and start planning your own Iceland road trip.
Click the photo for access to my interactive map.
Happy exploring, and enjoy the land of fire & ice!
