Planning a road trip to Iceland this summer? This Iceland 6 day itinerary will take you along the island’s South Coast, past epic waterfalls, towering glaciers, iceberg lagoons, dramatic canyons, and much more!
Iceland is one of those countries that will leave you wanting to return time and time again. It’s an incredibly beautiful part of the world and is home to so many natural wonders. The downside? There is so much to see that planning a trip for the first time can be quite daunting! If you’ve never been to Iceland before or have only spent a few days in Reykjavik, a road trip along the south coast is a great introduction to the country’s spectacular landscapes.
I spent 6 days in Iceland exploring the south coast in July and I can honestly say it’s one of the most breath-taking places I’ve ever been. A lot of time and energy went into planning the perfect 6 day Iceland itinerary so I’m sharing it with you to help save you time! This guide also includes lots of information that I discovered during my trip that wasn’t available online so I’m sharing it here to make planning a lot easier. Let’s jump in!
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Planning a 6 day Iceland road trip itinerary
I’ve been to Iceland twice now and have spent countless hours researching where to go, the best time to visit different locations, parking spots and fees, as well as the best photography spots. This 6 day Iceland itinerary is based on my most recent road trip in July 2023 around the island’s south coast.
How to get to Iceland
If you’re coming from Denmark you can take the M/S Norröna ferry, otherwise you’ll need to fly to Iceland. Keflavík International Airport is Iceland’s main airport and is located about 40km west of Reykjavík. The airport is well connected to Europe and North America with over 20 airlines offering regular flights all year round. I always use Skyscanner to find reasonable rates on flights.
Icelandair and WOW Air are the two Iceland-based carriers and offer direct and affordable flights to Iceland. Although the tickets are more expensive than WOW, I’ve always opted to fly with Icelandair as they provide a full-service experience. If you’re flying transatlantic, you can also take advantage of their free stopover program. This is actually what I did during my trip in July. I was flying from Vancouver, Canada, to the UK to see family, and decided to stop in Iceland on the way. I was able to add my stopover, meaning I could stay in Iceland for 6 days (they currently allow you to add a 1 to 7 day stopover) before continuing onto the UK for no additional airfare. You can read more about the program here.
When is the best time to do this Iceland 6 day itinerary?
Iceland is magical all year round but this Iceland 6 day itinerary is based on a summer road trip for two reasons:
- The weather is milder
- The days are longer
In summer, the sun rarely dips below the horizon in Iceland so you can witness almost 24 hours of daylight. This natural phenomenon is known as the Midnight Sun and is due to a tilt in the Earth’s axis. The official Midnight Sun (when the sun is still visible in the sky at 12am) only lasts from mid-June until the end of the month; however, you can still enjoy longer days anytime from May until July. We visited mid-July just past the peak of Midnight Sun and still enjoyed 20 hours of daylight. Sunrise was at 3:45am and sunset was at 11:45pm which allowed us to maximize our time.
In winter, the sun sets and rises much later and there are days where you may only have 4 to 6 hours of daylight. This is a busy road trip so you want as much daylight as possible so you can see all of the sights. If you go in spring or autumn, you will have less available daylight hours so you may not have time to visit all of the stops in this itinerary.
In addition, road conditions are much better in summer (for the most part!) which makes driving much easier and more enjoyable. In winter, some areas may be inaccessible due to snowfall or closed due to winter storms.
A note about Midnight Sun
Summer is peak time for visitors so a lot of the spots in this Iceland 6 day itinerary can get very busy. If you can, use the longer days to your advantage and flip your sleep schedule. A lot of photographers sleep during the day and then explore at ‘night’ to make the most of the Midnight Sun. For example, you could get up at 3 or 4pm and then go to bed after sunrise at 4 or 5am. This isn’t for everyone, but if you can manage it you’ll get a lot of these popular locations to yourself and the roads will be much, much quieter!
Is 6 days enough to see Iceland?
Iceland is quite a big country so you’re not going to see everything in one trip unless you have a month or two! In my opinion, 6 days in Iceland is the perfect amount of time for most people. You’ll get to see a lot of the main sights without feeling rushed and leave feeling like you’ve experienced a lot of what Iceland has to offer.
This itinerary focuses on the Southern Region as it’s very accessible from the capital city of Reykjavik and Keflavík International Airport. There is so much to see in this part of Iceland, from raging waterfalls and mossy canyons, to black sand beaches and glaciers. If you’re lucky enough to have a few extra days, I’ve included some suggestions on how you could spend them later in this blog post.
Only have 3 days?
I’ve put together a 3-day Iceland road trip itinerary for those of you who are planning to stop over in Iceland for a few days before flying elsewhere. Read now >
Do you need to rent a car for this 6-day Iceland itinerary?
While there are a number of great tours around the South Coast, this 6 day Iceland itinerary is designed for travellers with their own vehicles. You will definitely need to hire a car for this road trip! If you’re flying into Keflavík International Airport you can pick up your hire car from the airport. Make sure you book in advance to get the best price. I personally use Auto Europe for car rentals as they have great rates.
Alternatively, you could rent a campervan instead for this 6 day Iceland road trip. Happy Campers and Lava Car Rental are two of the top recommended companies and have a range of RVs you can book depending on your needs. A campervan rental is usually more expensive than a car but you don’t have to pay for hotels which can be pricey. My advice is to work out the costs for both options and see what is cheaper.
Looking for other beautiful destinations with rugged landscapes? Consider visiting the Norwegian Fjords! Read more: Cruising the Norwegian Fjords – Everything you need to know
Driving in Iceland
Driving in Iceland is quite straightforward, especially if you’re travelling from North America or Europe. That being said, you should check out SAFETRAVEL.IS before your trip. It has lots of great information about driving in Iceland, an overview of road signs, and safety tips. It’s also a fantastic resource during your trip for finding up to date information on road conditions and closures, traffic webcams. Other useful websites include:
There are also a few important rules you need to know before setting out on this 6 day Iceland itinerary:
Don’t stop in the middle or on the side of the road
The roads are not very wide and a lot of accidents happen when tourists stop on the side of the road to take photos. It’s very hard for other cars to pass you if there is oncoming traffic. There are a number of pull in areas where you can stop safely.
Your car lights must be on at all times
Weather conditions can change quickly in Iceland affecting the visibility so car lights are required by law to be on all the time. The ‘Auto’ setting is not enough – make sure you switch your lights to ‘ON’ before you start driving.
Give way to oncoming traffic at single lane bridges
You must stop for oncoming traffic. The speed limit is 50 km/h and the car that arrives first has the right of way. Make sure you slow down as you approach a single lane bridge.
It’s illegal to go off-road
In order to protect the Icelandic wilderness, off-road driving is not permitted. You must stay on the F-roads or gravel roads in these remote areas to prevent destroying flora and fauna.
Give way to vehicles in the inner lane on roundabouts
Cars in the inner lane have the right of way on 2-lane roundabouts in Iceland. If you are in the outer lane, you must give way to them. The opposite is true in most other countries so make sure you remember this rule.
Stick to the speed limit
There are a number of speed cameras on this route. While you’ll see a lot of people breaking the speed limit, make sure you stick to it or you face some hefty fines if caught! The general speed limits are:
- Cities: 30 – 50 km/h (20 – 30 m/h)
- Paved highways: 90 km/h (55 m/h)
- Gravel tracks or F-Roads: 80 km/h (45 m/h)
Don’t drive down any F-Roads unless you have a 4×4 vehicle
If you plan on driving down any F-Roads, you must have a proper 4×4 vehicle. It is illegal to drive them otherwise.
The ultimate 6 day Iceland itinerary
There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Iceland. This 6-day Iceland itinerary is based on my own experiences but you can easily tailor this to your own travel style and add or cut any stops you see fit.
You’ll be starting and ending your road trip in Reykjavik, more specifically, Keflavík International Airport. You can pick up your car from the airport and drive to Reykjavik. Alternatively, you could modify this Iceland itinerary and go straight to Vik on day one, and then spend two days in Reykjavik at the end of your trip.
This 6 day Iceland itinerary will take you along part of the Ring Road. As the name suggests, this road goes all the way around the island and is one of the most popular road trip routes. You’ll be sticking to the southern part of the Ring Road for this itinerary as there isn’t time to complete the entire loop. However, as I mentioned earlier, if you have more than 6 days in Iceland, I’ve included some options for extending your trip later on.
- Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik and explore the city
- Day 2: Reykjavik to Vik
- Day 3: Explore Vik
- Day 4: Vik to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Day 5: Vik to Reykjavik (via the Golden Circle)
- Day 6: Explore Reykjavik
Below you’ll find an itinerary map for this 6 day Iceland road trip which features pins for each day’s scenic stops, hiking trails and places to eat. You can save the map by clicking on the star next to the title and use it to help gauge daily driving distances.
Iceland road trip itinerary day 1: Reykjavik
Today you’ll be exploring one of my favourite cities in the world – Reykjavik! It’s a quaint city with lots to see, both in the day and at night. As the majority of international flights seem to arrive first thing in the morning, you should have most of the day to explore Reykjavik. The airport is about a 40-minute drive to the city so it makes sense to pick up your rental car from the airport and drive into Reykjavik.
The nice thing about today’s agenda is that you can do as much or as little as you like. It’s a good idea to take it a bit slower on your first day as the rest of this 6 day Iceland itinerary is going to be jam-packed! Here are a few suggestions on how to spend the day in Reykjavik:
Go shopping along Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur
One of the best things to do in Reykjavik is to simply wander through the city centre. Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur are the two main streets of Reykjavik. On Laugavegur, you’ll find lots of well-known and local clothing stores, as well as souvenir shops, restaurants and bars. Skólavörðustígur, also known as Rainbow Street, has more local shops than Laugavegur. It also leads straight to Hallgrimskirkja church and is a popular photography spot. If you want to learn more about the city and discover some hidden gems, I recommend joining a walking tour. This is one of the most popular city walking tours. Alternatively, the Reykavik ‘Hop-On, Hop-Off’ bus is a great way to see all the main sights without worrying about parking.
Visit Hallgrimskirkja church
This famous church sits at the top of the hill overlooking the city of Reykjavik. It’s a beautiful landmark in its own right but it also offers incredible 360 degree views of the city. If you have time, you can pay to take the elevator to the top. On a clear day, you’ll get lovely views of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the distance. The church is open daily and the tower is open from 9am to 7:45pm in the summer months. It costs ISK 1300 for adults and ISK 200 for children aged 7 to 16 years old. You can find more information on their website.
Check out Harpa Concert Hall
The Harpa Concert Hall is another famous landmark in Reykjavik. This impressive glass building is an architectural masterpiece. It changes colour throughout the day depending on the light and is especially beautiful at sunset. Some city walking tours do visit the inside of the Harpa so if you’re keen to go inside it may be worth booking a tour. Don’t miss the nearby Sun Voyager which is another of Reykjavik’s iconic landmarks. Located along the waterfront, the steel sculpture resembles a Viking long-ship and is one the most photographed spots in the city.
Walk along Tjörnin Lake
This picturesque lake is located in the heart of the city. It’s a lovely place to sit and enjoy a coffee or a quick bite to eat. Close by, you’ll find the Monument to the Unknwon Bureaucrat, Reykjavik City Hall, and Parliament House.
Soak at the Sky Lagoon
Iceland is known for its hot springs and geothermal pools. Most people have heard of the Blue Lagoon, but the recently opened Sky Lagoon is a must-do when visiting Reykjavik. It’s only a 10 minute drive from the city centre and is located right on the ocean so you can enjoy beautiful coastal views from the lagoon. The facilities are lovely and clean and their 7-step ritual experience was so relaxing. You can buy tickets to the Sky Lagoon which includes the 7-step ritual or you can opt for a ticket that includes a bus transfer from the main bus terminal in Reykjavik. We went for the 8pm slot so we could watch sunset from the lagoon and it didn’t disappoint! You can check opening hours here.
If you need some ideas, check out my Reykjavik city guide >
Where to stay in Reykjavik
Reykjavik has a great selection of hotels and guesthouses. I recommend staying in the centre of the city known as Miðborg (Midborg). Also known as the 101, Miðborg is where you’ll find the major landmarks listed above. Accommodation here can be more expensive as you’re in the heart of the city; however, you can usually find some good deals. Here are my top picks:
Iceland road trip day 2: Reykjavik to Vik
Wake up early and get ready for a busy day of exploring waterfalls, beaches and cliffs along Iceland’s South Coast!
First Stop: Selfoss
Driving time: 1 hour (59 km/ 37 miles)
This might not be the most exciting stop on this 6 day Iceland itinerary but it is an important one. Selfoss is the largest town in South Iceland so it’s a great place to stop, fill up on gas, and pick up some groceries. There are a few decent sized grocery stores such as Krónan and Netto. The next town you’ll get to is Vik and it has fewer options so I recommend stocking up here before continuing to the next stop.
Second Stop: Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui
Driving time: 1 hour (71 km/ 44 miles)
Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most remarkable waterfalls. Plunging over 60 meters, it’s renowned for its distinctive feature – a pathway that takes you behind the cascading waterfall. This is such a unique and awe-inspiring experience and offers the chance to take some incredible photos, especially at sunset. Just make sure you bring a rain jacket and some waterproof trousers as you will get drenched from the spray very quickly!
A lot of people walk around Seljalandsfoss and then leave; however, there is actually another waterfall very close by. Follow the trail north away from the car park area for about 5 minutes and you’ll arrive at Gljufrabui. You’ll be able to see it peeking out behind the canyon walls but in order to get it to it you’ll have to walk through the small canyon. There is normally a little stream that you have to walk through so I only recommend doing this if you have waterproof clothing and shoes. The spray can be very strong once you’re inside the canyon so I also suggest having a change of clothes ready back at the car!
Visitor Fees
The parking lot at Seljalandsfoss is quite big so unless you arrive during the middle of the day (12 to 2pm), you should manage to find a parking spot. There are often parking attendants there to help direct drivers and there is a separate section for coaches. Parking costs 800 ISK and will last you the whole day. There are a few machines in the car park where you can pay with card.
Third Stop: Skógafoss
Driving time: 11 mins (4.6 km/ 2.9 miles)
Out of all the waterfalls we visited during our 6 days in Iceland, I think Skógafoss was my favourite. It’s so powerful and dramatic! If you plan to walk up close to the waterfall, you’ll need to bring a rain jacket as the spray is very strong.
For a different perspective, climb the stairs on the right hand side of the waterfall to the top of the cliff. It’s a good workout but the views are worth it. Once you’re at the top, you can either just enjoy views from the viewing platform, or you can continue along the Skógá Trail. This will take you along the Skógá River for about 8km (5 miles) and you’ll see more waterfalls and canyons. It’s one of the most underrated experiences along Iceland’s South Coast. If you don’t have enough time to do the whole trail, you can just walk along the first 1 or 2 km to take in the scenery.
There is also another waterfall close to Skógafoss that is worth visiting before you leave – Kvernufoss. The trail starts just behind the Skógar museum and takes about 20-30 minutes. Like Seljalandsfoss, you can walk behind Kvernufoss for some cool photos.
DRONES: There is a sign right before the waterfall stating that drones are not allowed at Skógafoss. Please respect the rules.
Visitor Fees
You don’t have to pay for parking at Skógafoss but there is a small fee to use the restrooms (around 200 ISK) which is payable on card.
Fourth Stop: Dyrhólaey
Driving time: 45 mins (54 km/ 33 miles)
Lying at the southern tip of Iceland, Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula with panoramic views. From the summit, you’ll get wonderful views of Iceland’s iconic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach on one side and the Endless Black Beach on the other. You’ll probably recognize these beaches from popular Hollywood films and TV shows such as Game of Thrones, Vikings and Rogue One.
Dyrhólaey is also one of the best places to see puffins during the summer months. During our visit to Dyrhólaey, we saw puffins on the clifftops at both the western (Endless Black Beach viewpoint) and eastern ends of the peninsula. However, the eastern end (right next to the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach viewpoint) provided better viewing opportunities.
Dyrhólaey Peninsula is split into two sections (upper and lower), each of which has their own parking lot. I recommend parking at the lower section (there are restrooms here) and walking along the clifftop to the upper section. The hiking trail is about 1km in each direction with 100m elevation gain. It is a bit rocky in places so make sure you have shoes with good grip. You can also drive between the two parking lots. The road is quite steep and windy but is usually possible with a 2WD or 4WD. In winter, the road can be quite dangerous and is only suitable for 4×4 vehicles.
During puffin nesting season (April to August), the road to the upper section is often closed and visitor hours are restricted. You can still park at the lower section and walk up.
DRONES: Due to puffins and other birds nesting in the area, drones are not allowed at Dyrhólaey. Please respect the rules.
Visitor Fees
Parking is free at Dyrhólaey and there is no charge to visit. There are restrooms at the lower parking lot which cost 200 ISK payable by card.
Fifth Stop: Vik
Driving time: 20 mins (18 km/ 11 miles)
Your final stop for the day is the cute town of Vik. This small coastal town is one of the most beautiful places along Iceland’s South Coast. You’ll have a full day exploring Vik tomorrow so you can just relax tonight after a busy day of driving.
For food, I recommend dinner at Smiðjan Brugghús or Black Crust Pizzeria. If you’re staying at Hotel Vik, Berg Restaurant is also fantastic.
Where to stay in Vik
Vik is a small town but there are some lovely places to stay. Accommodation in Iceland is definitely on the more expensive side, but there are options for all budgets:
Iceland road trip day 3: Vik
Today is one of the more leisurely days on this 6 day Iceland itinerary! Tomorrow will be another long day of driving and hiking, so make the most of a quieter day exploring the charming town of Vik.
First Stop: Sunrise at Vík i Myrdal Church
Perched on a cliff overlooking the town of Vik, this beautiful church is one of the most photographed spots on the South Coast of Iceland. The hills surrounding the church are normally covered with purple lupines. Behind the church, you can see the black sand beach and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Because of its position, it’s actually one of the best places to watch sunrise in Vik.
Watching the sun light up the cliffs was one of the most memorable experiences during our trip to Iceland. Although it does mean you’ll be getting up at around 3/ 3:30am, I would suggest trying to catch one sunrise on this 6 day Iceland itinerary if you can. And you can always head back to bed afterwards!
Second Stop: Black Sand Beach Vik
Once you’ve had your coffee and breakfast, head down to the Black Sand Beach for a morning walk. It’s less busy than its popular neighbour Reynisfjara Beach but it has some beautiful views of the towering cliffs and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
In the summer months, it’s also another hot spot for puffins as they nest in the cliffs above the beach. We had so much fun watching them fly back and forth from their nests to the sea as they did their morning fishing. Their nests were too high in the cliffs for us to photograph them but watching them fly over our heads in big groups was lovely!
Third Stop: Reynisfjara Beach
Driving time: 11 mins (11 km/ 7 miles)
Although Reynisfjara Beach is literally just around the corner from the Black Sand Beach, it’s not accessible on foot. Instead, you’ll have to jump in the car and drive back along Route 1 and down Route 215.
This beautiful stretch of coastline is one of my favourite stops on this 6 day Iceland itinerary. The beach is covered in black pebbles and there are some incredible basalt columns close to the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. These columns were formed when magma cooled slowly and cracked into columns. You can climb a few of the lower columns and sit on them for some great photos. Just behind the columns, you’ll find Hálsanefshellir Cave where you can see the different layers of basalt formations.
As beautiful as this beach is, it is also one of the most dangerous due to sneaker waves. The waves can rise suddenly and the current is very powerful and can drag you out to sea. There have sadly been a number of fatalities due to these waves. There is a zone system at the beach with lights which indicates the danger level. Make sure you take the time to look at the boards at the entrance to the beach and check the lights and tide charts before entering.
Visitor Fees
Parking is free at Reynisfjara Beach and there is no charge to visit.
Fourth Stop: Sólheimajökull Glacier
Driving time: 25 mins (31 km/ 19 miles)
Sólheimajökull Glacier is only a 25-minute drive from Vik, making it a great place to explore during your time here. The glacier is about 8km long and 2km wide. Sadly it is shrinking due to global warming and has receded a lot in the past decade.
Once you arrive at the glacier, the viewpoint is just a 15-minute walk from the car park. Seeing the vivid electric blue and volcanic ash black ice caps is such an impressive sight to see up close. If you want to get a better view, you can join a guided hiking tour. There are a number of guided tours that will take you on a hike over the ancient ice cap. They will provide all of the equipment and show you how to use it properly. For safety reasons, hiking on the glacier without a guide is not allowed.
To get to Sólheimajökull Glacier, put ‘Sólheimajökull Glacier Parking Lot’ into your GPS or Google Maps. From Route 1, the parking lot is only 4km away.
Fifth Stop: Seljalandsfoss
Driving time: 45 mins (62 km/ 39 miles)
If you’re a photographer or you just want to experience the Midnight Sun during your 6 days in Iceland, I highly recommend driving back to Seljalandsfoss for sunset. I know it may seem silly to drive back to the waterfall but if the weather looks good, I promise it will be worth it!
We did this on our 6 day Iceland itinerary and it was so magical to see the glow of the Midnight Sun on the waterfall. The best time of the year to experience this is mid-June to end of June as the sun sets in the perfect place, illuminating the water and creating that golden glow. You may have seen photos of Seljalandsfoss with the sun glowing behind the waterfall on Instagram. These shots were taken in the peak of the Midnight Sun season. When we went the sun was no longer setting in the right spot to get that glow but we still got a rosy sunset.
Iceland road trip day 4: Vik to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
You’ll be starting day 4 bright and early. This is a big day with lots to see and quite a bit of hiking. There will be 4.5 hours of driving in total so start early and give yourself lots of time to take it in. I recommend driving all the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon first as that’s the furthest point. That way you can then make your way back to Vik stopping along the way depending on how much time you have.
First Stop: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Driving time: 2 hours 23 mins (193 km/ 120 miles)
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. The lagoon is formed by the melting Breiðamerkurjökull glacier which gives way to shimmering blue icebergs. These float calmly along the surface before making their way slowly out to sea.
As you walk around the lagoon, keep an eye out for seals which play hide-and-seek among the ice. If you want to get closer to the icebergs, you can join a boat tour or a kayaking tour which will take you in between these majestic ice sculptures.
DRONES: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is located in Vatnajökull National Park. Flying a drone within the national park is not allowed. Please respect the rules and help protect local wildlife.
Visitor Fees
There are two parking lots at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. If the main car park is full, you can go across the road and park in the overflow car park. Both cost 1000 ISK for 24 hours. There are a few machines in the car park where you can pay with card.
Second Stop: Diamond Beach
Driving time: 4 mins (900 m/ 0.5 miles)
Your next stop is less than 5 minutes away from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Breidamerkursandur is a jet-black beach at the mouth of the river. The icebergs that float in the lagoon drift along the river out to the ocean. They are polished by the North Atlantic waves before being washed onto the beach. These sculpted icebergs cover the black sand beach like diamonds. That’s why Breidamerkursandur is called Diamond Beach.
The amount of ice on the beach will depend on the tide cycle and the amount of ice in the lagoon. Sometimes you’ll find a beach covered in ice, while other times there will be very little. Nevertheless, it’s still a unique sight to see ice on the beach!
Visitor Fees
There is a large car park next to the beach. You could walk from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon car park but just be careful as the road is very narrow. The fee is 1000 ISK for the entire day. However, if you have already paid for parking at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you don’t need to pay again. That’s because all three parking areas are covered by a single fee.
Third Stop: Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Driving time: 10 mins (10.5 km/ 6.5 miles)
Fjallsárlón is another iceberg-filled lagoon next to Vatnajökull Glacier. It’s a smaller version of Jökulsárlón but is equally as beautiful. You can drive up to the parking lot and get some incredible views of the Fjallsjokull glacier. Like Jökulsárlón, there are a number of boat and kayaking tours that will take you out onto the lagoon if you want a different perspective.
Visitor Fees
Parking is free at Fjallsárlón and there is no charge to visit.
Fourth Stop: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Driving time: 1 hour 30 mins (121 km/ 75 miles)
After a lot of driving, it’s time to stretch your legs and see one of Iceland’s most majestic canyons. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is about 100 metres deep and a little over 1km long. It’s believed that the canyon was formed during the end of the last Ice Age around 9000 years ago. Follow the trail from the car park up the moss-covered rocky cliffs. It’s a relatively short trail (3km/ 1.8 miles round-trip) which provides gorgeous views of the canyon and the Fjaðrá river below. The final viewpoint looks out to a pretty waterfall so it’s worth doing the whole trail if you have time.
DRONES: The use of drones is allowed as long as wildlife is not disturbed. Please respect other visitors if you plan to fly a drone here as it’s a popular trail.
Visitor Fees
Parking costs 1000 ISK for the whole day. You can pay at the machines with card.
Fifth Stop: Vik
Driving time: 50 mins (68 km/ 42 miles)
After you’ve finished hiking at the canyon, it’s time to head back to Vik for the evening. If the weather is nice, grab some food and sit on the Black Sand Beach.
Iceland road trip day 5: Vik to Reykjavik (via the Golden Circle)
Today is a fun one! You’ll be exploring one of the most scenic routes in Iceland on your way back to Reykjavik – the Golden Circle. The three official stops are Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir National Park. However, if you have more time, there are so many more interesting places to see along the way. Here’s a complete guide to exploring the Golden Circle.
First Stop: Kerið Crater
Driving time: 1 hour 48 mins (144 km/ 89 miles)
The first stop on today’s itinerary is the beautiful Kerið Crater. It’s believed that Kerið Crater was once a volcano but it collapsed after erupting and fell in upon itself. At some point following the collapse, the crater filled with water. Whatever the cause, there’s no denying that it is one of the best sights on the South Coast. The contrast of the red-soil walls and lush green moss against the deep blue lake is striking. You can do the shirt walk to the rim of the crater, or you can choose to walk down to the lake.
Visitor Fees
Parking costs 400 ISK and will last you the whole day. There are a few machines in the car park where you can pay with card.
Second Stop: Gullfoss
Driving time: 45 mins (56 km/ 35 miles)
Once you’re finished at the crater, it’s time to drive to your next destination – Gullfoss waterfall. In English, Gullfoss means ‘golden falls’ which is an appropriate name for one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. The waterfall’s unusual, cascading shape makes it very photogenic. There are several viewing platforms around Gullfoss that offer different angles of the waterfall and canyon. Make sure you stay on the designated paths as the terrain can be quite slippery due to the spray.
Visitor Fees
Parking is free but there is a small fee to use the restrooms (about 200 ISK) which is payable by card. However, there are some restrooms in the Visitor Centre that are free to use.
Third Stop: Strokkur Geysir
Driving time: 9 mins (10 km/ 6 miles)
Located in the Haukadalur geothermal area, Strokkur Geysir is one of the most memorable stops on this 6 day Iceland itinerary. Here you can witness the geyser erupt every 8 to 10 minutes, spouting boiling hot water 30 metres into the air. It’s a thrilling spectacle to watch! There are also a few smaller geysers that erupt in the area that you can see from the trail. For safety reasons, make sure you don’t get too close. Always ensure the wind is behind you when you’re facing the geyser so that the water is blown away from you.
Visitor Fees
You can park in the main car park for free. It’s a short walk from the parking lot to Strokkur.
Fourth Stop: Thingvellir National Park
Driving time: 54 mins (65 km/ 40 miles)
Thingvellir National Park is both a geological wonder and a site of great historical importance. It’s where Iceland held its first parliament over one thousand years ago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates separate, creating large fissures. Visitors can book guided tours to snorkel in one of the fissures called Silfra, which is one of the top dive sites in the world according to National Geographic. If you’re interested, this is a great Silfra snorkelling tour. If snorkelling isn’t for you, check out the different hiking trails in the park. You can find more information here.
Visitor Fees
Entrance to the park is free of charge but you do have to pay for parking. A day pass costs 750 ISK and is payable by card at the machines in the car park.
Fifth Stop: Reykjavik
Driving time: 47mins (51 km/ 31.6 miles)
Make your way back to Reykjavik in time for dinner. There are so many great restaurants but I highly recommend Reykjavik Fish Company. They have a few locations but I love the one down by the harbour (Tryggvagata 8, 101). Food can be very expensive in Reykjavik but the Fish Company is great value for money. The food is delicious and the portions are very generous. Next door is an amazing steakhouse called Steikhúsiðk. We went there back in 2013 and it was so good that we went back again on our recent trip. It’s hands down the best steak I’ve ever had!
Iceland road trip day 6: Reykjavik and travel home
After an epic 6 day Iceland road trip, it’s sadly time to head home! Depending on where you’re travelling back to, you may have some time in the morning to explore more of Reykjavik before your flight home. If you need some ideas, check out my Reykjavik city guide.
More things to do on an Iceland road trip
This 6 day Iceland itinerary will give you a taste of the south coast’s epic scenery. If you have more time and want to see more of Iceland, you could continue on to some of the below destinations:
- Reykjanes Peninsula: Most visitors will get a glimpse of the Reykjanes peninsula as they fly into Iceland as the airport is close by.Home to the Fagradalsfjall volcano as well as the Blue Lagoon, this area is a UNESCO Global Geopark and has a number of geological wonders.
- Eastern Region: Characterized by small villages, rugged coastlines, and narrow fjords, East Iceland is where you’ll find the highlands. It’s a great area for outdoor adventures as well as music and arts festivals. This region is home to Stuðlagil Canyon and Hengifoss, two of Iceland’s most iconic sights.
- Northern Region: North Iceland is home to many historic coastal towns. If you’re looking to go off the beaten track and discover some of Iceland’s most unique landscapes, the Northern Region has a lot to offer. Some highlights include the Arctic Coast Way, Arctic Henge, Aldeyjarfoss, and Dettifoss.
- Western Region: Although it’s close to the capital, West Iceland is a completely different experience. Here you’ll find the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as ‘Iceland in Miniature’ as you can see all of Iceland’s diverse, natural elements in one place.
- Westfjords: The northwest corner is a true Icelandic wilderness. It’s one of the most remote parts of the country where you can experience dramatic landscapes and see arctic foxes and puffins in their natural habitats.
What to pack for this 6-day Iceland itinerary
Temperatures and conditions can vary drastically in Iceland, even in the summer months. I’m currently working on a complete Iceland packing guide but below I’ve suggested some items that you should pack for this 6 day Iceland itinerary. This is based on what I found most useful during our trip.
Insulated jacket
Make sure you have at least one warm insulated jacket such as the Patagonia Down Jacket or Nano Puff Jacket.
Waterproof coat
If you’re visiting waterfalls you’ll need a waterproof coat as the spray can be intense! I took my Patagonia waterproof shell as it can easily go on top of my Patagonia puffy jackets but a parka like like the Columbia South Canyon Sherpa is also ideal. Look for something with a fleece lining to keep you nice and warm but make sure it’s also waterproof.
Sweaters/ Fleeces
For mid-layers, you’ll probably want some sweaters and fleeces. One of my favourite breathable mid-layers is the Patagonia Snap-T Fleece Pullover.
Waterproof hiking boots
You’ll be doing quite a bit of walking on this 6 day Iceland itinerary so I recommend taking a comfortable and sturdy pair of hiking boots. You’ll want something waterproof for rainy days and waterfalls hikes. I took my Keen Hiking Boots and they were perfect for all the walking we did.
Swimwear
If you’re planning to visit any of Iceland’s hot springs, don’t forget your swimsuit!
Backpack
Choose a bag with hip and chest straps to reduce the strain on your back and neck. I have an Osprey daypack which is really comfortable and spacious. Patagonia also has a great selection.
Stay tuned for a comprehensive Iceland packing guide!
Planning an Iceland road trip: Final thoughts
Iceland is one of my favourite destinations and I can’t wait to go back and explore more of this wild and beautiful country. I hope this guide helps you plan your own Iceland road trip. If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them!
Love from Steph
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