My 5-Day Iceland Itinerary for Road Trippers in 2025

Let me tell you a secret about Iceland: it refuses to be tamed into a perfect itinerary. Trust me – after ten visits chasing waterfalls and getting lost on F-roads, I’ve learned that the hard way. My first trip in 2017? Total rookie move, trying to cram the entire Ring Road into five days. These days, I know better.

Here’s what a decade of exploring this wild island has taught me: the best moments happen when your rental car’s GPS fails somewhere between Vík and nowhere, and you stumble upon a hot spring that’s not in any guidebook. But don’t worry – I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to. Like that time I forgot crampons in winter (rookie mistake #247), or when I thought I could outrun an Icelandic storm (spoiler: you can’t).

This isn’t your typical Iceland itinerary. It’s a love letter to the places that kept me coming back, mixed with hard-earned wisdom about what actually works. No sugar-coating, no Instagram fairytales – just real talk about how to experience this incredible island without falling into tourist traps or missing the good stuff.

• Read also: My Multi-Week Iceland Road Trip Guide

5-Day Iceland Itinerary at a Glance

Here’s a high-level overview of my ultimate 5-day itinerary in Iceland. NOTE: This itinerary is pretty aggressive, mainly designed for young people in their 20s and 30s. As such, many travelers will find that this itineraryu is better suited for 7-10 days.

Day 1 – Explore Reykjavik & Set the Stage

• ✈️ Arrive in Iceland → Airport tips & transport
• 🚗 Rent a Car → Best rentals & insurance
• 🏙️ Explore Reykjavik → Top attractions
• 🍽️ Where to Eat → Best restaurants
• 🌅 Sunset Viewpoint → Hallgrímskirkja

Day 2 – Northern Lights & Road Trip to the Westfjords

• 🌌 Northern Lights Chase → Best locations & tips
• 🚙 Drive to the Westfjords → Scenic stops & Kirkjufell
• 🏔️ Most Photographed Mountain → Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss
• 🛏️ Overnight Stop → Best places to stay

Day 3 – Remote Beauty of the Westfjords

• 🌊 Explore Ísafjörður → Things to do & where to eat
• 🏞️ Dynjandi Waterfall → Scenic highlight
• 🦜 Látrabjarg Cliffs → Best puffin-spotting location
• 🛏️ Overnight in Laugarbakki → Hidden hot springs nearby

Day 4 – Fire & Ice on the Golden Circle

• 🌊 Hraunfossar & Barnafoss → Lava waterfalls
• ❄️ Langjökull Glacier → Drive past or take a tour
• 🌋 Golden Circle Must-Sees:
  • Þingvellir National Park → Walk between continents
  • Haukadalur Geysers → Watch Strokkur erupt
  • Gullfoss Waterfall → Iceland’s ‘Golden Falls’
• 🛁 Best Hot Springs → Secret Lagoon vs. Fontana

Day 5 – Waterfalls & Farewell

• 🌊 Skógafoss → Hike up or chase rainbows
• 🚗 Fimmvörðuháls Hike (Optional) → 26 hidden waterfalls
• 🛁 The Blue Lagoon → Or try these less touristy options
• 🛫 Departure from Keflavik → Rental car, duty-free & last Icelandic treat

🔗 Click on any link to jump straight to that section!

Day 1 — Reykjavik

My Wow Air flight to Reykjavik arrived at 4:45AM- just in time to catch the sunrise! When I boarded the plane, it was 80 degrees in Boston. When I landed in Iceland, it was a chilly 30 degrees. A few layers was simply not enough! As my visit occurred in early October, I can only imagine the wrath of Iceland in those frigid winter months…

From the airport, I took a shuttle bus to the rental car company down the road—called Blue Car Rental. This place had unbeatable deals- $800 for a 5-day trip in a 7-seater Mitsubishi Outlander (Iceland ain’t cheap). In Iceland— a country renowned for being one of the most expensive countries in the world—Blue Car Rental offered the best deals for new cars. In typical circumstances, I may have considered a sedan- but due to Iceland’s notorious dirt roads and rocky paths, it made sense to choose a massive SUV with all-wheel drive.

Arriving in Reykjavik

Upon arriving in Reykjavik, it was mesmerizing to watch the sun rise over the quaint seaside city. At only 120,000 people, Reykjavik is one of the tiniest capitals I’ve ever seen. At the top of the hill overlooking the city lies the Hallgrímskirkja, a contemporary Lutheran church that embodies the unique and unconventional landscape of Iceland. The church interior is comprised of a simple elegance, unlike the grandiose and gleaming appearance of other European churches. One of the highlights of the day was taking an elevator to the top of the church to admire the breathtaking views over the city.

During the day, it was exciting to explore the charming city by foot. Though Reykjavik is small and its streets can be feasibly covered in one day, there is truly so much to appreciate in this coastal capital. Reykjavik, as a relatively modern city with abundant commerce, is the perfect launch pad to begin a journey through the rest of the island.

Practical Information for Visiting Reykjavik

Flights & Immigration:

• Most international flights land at Keflavík Airport (KEF), about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.
• Iceland uses the Schengen visa system, so U.S. and EU travelers get 90 days visa-free.
• Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK), but credit cards work everywhere—even for small purchases like hot dogs.
• Language: Icelandic is the official language, but everyone speaks English fluently.

Airport Transfer Options to Reykjavik:
If you’re renting a car right away (like you did), that’s ideal for road-tripping. But many travelers might want to compare their options:

• 🚗 Rental Car (Best for road trips)
  • Pick up directly at KEF Airport or take a free shuttle to off-site rental locations like Blue Car Rental or Lagoon Car Rental.
  • 4WD recommended in winter but not always needed for summer if sticking to main roads.
• 🚌 Flybus or Airport Direct Shuttle (Best for those staying in Reykjavik only)
  • Takes ~45 minutes from KEF to Reykjavik BSÍ Bus Terminal.
  • Flybus has an option to drop you directly at major hotels.
• 🚕 Taxi (Expensive, but fast)
  • Costs 20,000 ISK ($140 USD) to Reykjavik.
  • Not recommended unless you’re splitting costs.

Reykjavik Rental Car Tips

You got a great deal with Blue Car Rental (smart choice), but adding more context will help readers:

• Best Rental Companies: Blue Car Rental, Lagoon Car Rental, Go Car Rental, Northbound.
• Costs: Expect $70-$150 per day for an SUV with insurance.
• Do I need 4WD?
  • Yes if visiting the Westfjords, Highlands, or in winter.
  • No if sticking to Golden Circle and South Coast in summer.
• Mandatory Car Insurance in Iceland:
  • Gravel Protection is a must (roads outside Reykjavik are full of loose stones).
  • Sand & Ash Protection is worth considering if traveling south near Vík (winds can cause paint damage).
  • Iceland doesn’t have toll roads, but some tunnels require payment (~1,500 ISK).

Exploring Reykjavik – Key Attractions

Your description of Hallgrímskirkja is great, but adding more must-visit spots makes this section more valuable.

🗺 Reykjavik Highlights for Day 1 (Walkable City Center):

• ☀️ Hallgrímskirkja Church
  • Best Time to Visit: Morning for fewer crowds, or sunset for golden-hour views.
  • Cost: Free to enter, 1,200 ISK (~$8) for the tower view.
  • Fun Fact: Inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava columns!
• 🎨 Harpa Concert Hall
  • A modern glass structure with a mesmerizing honeycomb design.
  • Free to visit, great for photos. Try going inside to see the colorful light reflections.
• 🌊 Sun Voyager Sculpture
  • 5-minute walk from Harpa along the waterfront.
  • Best for sunset photos—it looks like a Viking ship, symbolizing Icelandic exploration.
• 🍽️ Where to Eat in Reykjavik?
  • Budget: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur 🌭 – The famous Icelandic hot dog stand loved by Bill Clinton.
  • Mid-Range: Íslenski Barinn 🍻 – Cozy Icelandic gastropub with local lamb and fish dishes.
  • Upscale: Dill 🌿 – Iceland’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, showcasing Nordic flavors. Book ahead!

Extra Tips for Reykjavik

• 🅿️ Parking: Free on Sundays but paid (~250 ISK/hr) on weekdays. Download the “Parka” app to avoid confusion.
• 🌧️ Weather: Even in summer, Reykjavik is windy & chilly—a waterproof jacket is a must.

Day 2 (Part One) – Aurora Sighting

A little past midnight began the experience of a lifetime. The aurora borealis, dancing about the midnight sky, was such a spectacular sight to witness. We trekked nearly 45 minutes south of Reykjavik to a place called Kleifarvatn, a desolate lake that sets the perfect scene for a late-night light show. I will never forget the captivating performance of green, yellow, and red lights swaying in a deliberate yet unforeseen way across the sky.

🌟 When & Where to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

• Best Time of Year: September to April (Winter is peak season).
• Best Time of Night: Between 10 PM and 2 AM, but they can appear earlier or later.
• Best Conditions:
  • Clear skies (Check the cloud cover forecast at vedur.is).
  • Low light pollution (Drive 30-45 min outside of Reykjavik).
  • High solar activity (Check the aurora forecast at Aurora Forecast).

📍 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Reykjavik

Kleifarvatn is an excellent choice, but here are some other great locations for travelers who may want options:

• 📍Kleifarvatn Lake (Best for solitude & reflections on water)
  • Drive time: ~45 min from Reykjavik.
  • Why go? A remote, mirror-like lake with minimal light pollution.
• 📍Grótta Lighthouse (Best for short drives from Reykjavik)
  • Drive time: ~10 min from city center.
  • Why go? Easy access + a lighthouse backdrop for photos.
• 📍Thingvellir National Park (Best for Golden Circle travelers)
  • Drive time: ~45 min.
  • Why go? A UNESCO site with dark skies and epic landscapes.
• 📍Reykjanes Peninsula (Best for a coastal setting)
  • Drive time: ~50 min.
  • Why go? Volcanic landscapes + ocean views = incredible contrast.

📸 Aurora Photography Tips

• Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings.
• Set ISO to 800-3200, aperture to f/2.8, and shutter speed to 5-15 seconds.
• Use a tripod to keep your shots crisp.
• Download the “My Aurora Forecast” app for real-time alerts.

Alternative Option: Don’t want to DIY it? Guided aurora tours (starting at ~$80) provide warm buses, pro photographers, and expert guides who track the best spots.

Day 2 (Part Two) – Iceland Road Trip

The entirety of day 2 was spent on the road—driving 3 hours from Reykjavik to Kirkjufell, and then 5 hours north to Ísafjörður in the Westfjords. The road trip was inspiring, as we encountered more waterfalls than cars and more sheep than people! The highlight of this journey was visiting Kirkjufellsfoss, a scenic waterfall with an exceptionally picturesque mountain in the background. Though Kirkjufell is a detour from the Westfjords, it was a worthwhile pit-stop to experience nature at its finest.

🚙 Driving Tips for Westfjords

• 🛑 Gas Up! There are very few gas stations in the Westfjords. Always fill up in Borgarnes or Stykkishólmur.
• 🚧 Road Conditions:
  • Summer (May–Sept): Most roads are fine for regular cars.
  • Winter (Oct–April): Many Westfjords roads are closed due to snow.
  • Check conditions at road.is before driving!
• 🐑 Watch for sheep! Icelandic sheep roam freely, and they often dart into the road.

⛰️ Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss – The Most Photographed Mountain in Iceland

You already mention Kirkjufellsfoss, but let’s add depth to help readers plan their stop.

📍 Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss

• Drive Time: ~2.5 hours from Reykjavik.
• Why Go?
  • Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as “Arrowhead Mountain.”
  • The waterfall + mountain combo makes for stunning photos.
• Best Photo Tip:
  • Use a wide-angle lens to capture both the waterfall & mountain.
  • Visit at sunrise or sunset for golden lighting (midday is too harsh).
• How Much Time to Spend?
  • 30-45 minutes is enough to enjoy the views & snap photos.
• Nearby Lunch Spot:
  • Bjargarsteinn Mathús (Cozy seafood spot with an insane fish stew).

🔧 Suggested Improvement: Consider staying overnight in Grundarfjörður (next to Kirkjufell) instead of driving all the way to Ísafjörður in one day.

🚗 The Epic Drive to Ísafjörður

While Ísafjörður is a great off-the-beaten-path destination, it’s a long drive from Kirkjufell. Instead of pushing all the way north in one go, you could break it up:

🚗 Option 1 – Stay in Stykkishólmur (Easier Drive, More Scenic Views)

• Why?
  • Cute coastal town with colorful houses & great seafood.
  • Take the Baldur Ferry across Breiðafjörður Bay to avoid extra driving.
• Top things to do in Stykkishólmur:
  • 📍 Súgandisey Cliff Walk – Best panoramic views of the fjords.
  • 🍽️ Narfeyrarstofa – One of Iceland’s best seafood restaurants.

🚗 Option 2 – Stay in Patreksfjörður (Gateway to the Westfjords)

• Why?
  • Closer to Dynjandi Waterfall & Látrabjarg Cliffs (puffins!).
  • More reasonable drive (~4 hours instead of 5+ to Ísafjörður).
• Top things to do in Patreksfjörður:
  • 🏖️ Rauðasandur Beach – A rare red-sand beach in Iceland.
  • 🐦 Látrabjarg Cliffs – Best place in Iceland to see puffins (May-Aug).

📍 Ísafjörður – Westfjords’ Largest Town

Your description of Ísafjörður is great! To enhance it, let’s add:

• 🏡 Where to Stay?
  • Tjöruhúsið Guesthouse (Cozy & right by the water).
  • Hotel Ísafjörður (More modern, best for comfort).
• 🍽️ Where to Eat?
  • Tjöruhúsið – Legendary seafood buffet, often ranked #1 in Iceland.
  • Húsið Café – Best for breakfast & coffee before a long drive.
• 🗺️ What to Do?
  • Hike up Naustahvilft (Troll Seat) – Easy hike for stunning fjord views.
  • Kayak in the Fjords – Rent from Borea Adventures.
  • Visit the Westfjords Heritage Museum – If you love Viking history!

The long drive through the Westfjords to Ísafjörður was idyllic. The winding cliff-side roads, which define the scenic Icelandic fjords, make for an adventurous expedition. Thankfully, the roads were decently paved and there wasn’t any snow during our drive to this remote region of Iceland!

Day 3 – North West of Iceland

We began the third day of our Iceland trip by exploring the largest city in the Westfjords— Ísafjörður. With a population of only 2,500, you can probably imagine that we did not need a full day to see it all. But the seaside port was so serene, and had some of the best seafood I’ve ever eaten. The long trek to get there was well worth it!

☕ Breakfast & Coffee Spots in Ísafjörður

• Húsið Café – Cozy café with great coffee & Icelandic pancakes.
• Gamla Bakaríið – The best bakery in town, known for fresh kanilsnúðar (cinnamon rolls) and rúgbrauð (dark rye bread).

🗺️ Morning Activities

✅ Explore Ísafjörður’s Historic Center

• Stroll around Tjöruhúsið, one of Iceland’s oldest wooden houses (built in the 1700s).
• Visit Ísafjörður Maritime Museum, showcasing the history of Westfjords fishermen & Viking-age navigation.
• Walk along the harbor for fjords + fishing boat views.

🚶 Short Hike: Troll’s Throne (Naustahvilft)

• Trailhead: 5 min drive from town.
• Distance: ~2 km roundtrip.
• Time: ~45 min to 1 hour.
• Why Go? Panoramic views over Ísafjörður from a massive mountain “seat”.

After leaving Ísafjörður and the Westfjords, we stopped in a northern Icelandic village called Laugarbakki. Sitting in a convenient location along the Ring Road, Laugarbakki was the perfect overnight rest stop en route to the central and southern parts of the island. We stayed at the North West Hotel, a quaint family-run accommodation that was one of the highlights of the trip. The owner was very friendly and interested in learning about the cultures and customs of his guests. The North West Hotel also offered a delicious continental breakfast that included local cuisines such as my personal favorite, smoky lamb. The breakfast was included with the room rate, which saved us at least a couple thousand Icelandic Krona (1 USD = 100 Krona).

🚙 Ísafjörður → Dynjandi Waterfall (1.5 hrs, 90 km)

Driving Tips:

• 🛑 Gas up before leaving Ísafjörður! Next reliable gas station is in Patreksfjörður (~3 hrs away).
• ⚠️ Expect gravel roads! Some stretches are unpaved and can be steep + winding.
• 🐑 Watch for sheep—they roam freely and tend to surprise drivers!

📍 Stop: Dynjandi Waterfall (Iceland’s Most Majestic Cascade)

• Why Go? Often called the “crown jewel of the Westfjords”, Dynjandi is a 100-meter-tall waterfall that cascades down like a wedding veil.
• How Much Time? ~45 min to hike up close to the falls (moderate effort).
• Photo Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire waterfall.

🎥 Fun Fact: The sound of Dynjandi is so powerful, you can hear it from the parking lot!

🚙 Afternoon: Coastal Villages & Cliffside Drives

After Dynjandi, you originally went straight to Laugarbakki—a solid rest stop, but this route misses some iconic Westfjords highlights.

🔀 Alternative Route: Ísafjörður → Patreksfjörður

Instead of heading directly east, drive south along the fjords to see red sand beaches & puffin cliffs before cutting back inland.

📍 Rauðasandur (Red Sand Beach)

• Drive Time: ~1 hr from Dynjandi.
• Why Go? Unlike Iceland’s black sand beaches, Rauðasandur is a rare red-orange stretch of coast.
• What to Do?
  • Take a beach walk—you’ll feel like you’re on Mars.
  • Spot seals sunbathing on the shoreline.

📍 Látrabjarg Cliffs (Best Puffin Spot in Iceland!)

• Drive Time: ~45 min from Rauðasandur.
• Why Go? These 440m-high cliffs are home to thousands of puffins (May–August).

🚗 Evening: Driving to Laugarbakki (3 hrs, 180 km)

🚙 Westfjords → Laugarbakki (Where You Originally Stopped)

• Why Stay Here?
  • Perfect halfway point on the way to South Iceland.
  • North West Hotel offers a budget-friendly & cozy stay.
• What’s nearby?
  • Hvítserkur Rock (~30 min detour) – A dragon-shaped sea stack rising out of the ocean!
  • Local Hot Springs – Ask the hotel staff about secret hot pools nearby.

Day 4 – Fire and Ice (The Ultimate Icelandic Contrast)

We began the day by driving south to Hraunfossar, the most beautiful waterfall I’ve ever seen. The autumn foliage was in full swing, making Hraunfossar a picture-perfect stop on our journey down south. Interestingly, the Hraunfossar’s water did not originate from the mountains, but rather the lava beds deep within the Earth. Water from beneath the Earth seeps through lava on its passage up to the waterfall. You’ll have to see it to believe it!

🌅 Morning: Hraunfossar & Barnafoss – The Lava Waterfalls

📍 Stop 1: Hraunfossar (The Lava Waterfalls)

• Why Go? Unlike Iceland’s usual thunderous waterfalls, Hraunfossar is a series of gentle cascades flowing from an ancient lava field—a rare phenomenon.
• Best Viewpoint: Walk along the viewing platform to see the turquoise water against autumn foliage (especially stunning in September–October).

🔹 Hidden Detail: The water seeps through porous lava, making this one of Iceland’s most unique natural wonders.

📍 Stop 2: Barnafoss (The ‘Children’s Falls’)

• Why Go? Just a 5-minute walk from Hraunfossar, Barnafoss is wilder & more intense, with violent rapids rushing through a narrow canyon.
• Dark Legend: Named “Children’s Falls” after a folklore tale where two kids fell in and drowned—their mother destroyed the stone bridge in grief.

(Check out the most magical places in West Iceland)

Next, we drove by Langjökull (Iceland’s second largest glacier) on our way to the Golden Circle. The rocky roads adjacent to the glacier resembled the lunar landscape- as there was no vegetation anywhere to be found. Though the rocky paths were treacherous, it was cool getting up close to a massive glacier.

🧊 Midday: Langjökull Glacier & The Golden Circle Begins

Your itinerary mentions driving past Langjökull, but let’s add options for those who want to experience the glacier up close.

❄️ Option 1: Into the Glacier Tour (For Adventure Seekers!)

• Where? Depart from Húsafell (~30 min drive from Hraunfossar).
• What? Ride a super jeep & walk inside a man-made ice cave carved into Langjökull.
• Time? ~3-4 hours.
• Worth It? Absolutely! A rare chance to explore Iceland’s frozen underworld.

🚗 Alternative: Drive the Kjölur Route (For Off-Roaders)

• If you’re driving a 4×4, consider the Kjölur Route (F35)—an epic gravel road cutting through Iceland’s highlands with surreal views of Langjökull.

🌋 Afternoon: The Golden Circle’s Must-See Trio

The second half of the day consisted of the three heavy hitters of the Golden Circle: Þingvellir, Haukadalur, and Gullfoss.

📍 Stop 3: Þingvellir National Park – Where Continents Collide

• Why Go? Walk between the Eurasian & North American tectonic plates—Iceland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Hiking Option: Take the Almannagjá Gorge trail (~30 min, easy).
• Snorkeling? You can swim between continents at Silfra Fissure, one of the clearest dive sites in the world.

🔹 Hidden Detail: The Vikings founded the world’s first parliament here in 930 AD—making this spot a blend of nature & history.

Þingvellir National Park was such a scenic destination—known for its unique geological formations and authentic natural beauty. The site is so captivating that the Vikings chose this spot as a meeting place when they arrived in Iceland in the 10th century to create the world’s oldest parliament. Since 2004, Þingvellir National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site– well deserved!

📍 Stop 4: Haukadalur Geothermal Area (Home of the OG Geyser)

• Why Go? Watch Strokkur erupt every 5-10 minutes, shooting 100+ feet into the air.
• What’s Cool? The word “geyser” comes from Geysir, a now-dormant hot spring nearby.

🔹 Photo Tip: Set your camera to burst mode to capture Strokkur’s eruption at its peak.

After Þingvellir, we drove down the road another 40 miles to reach the Haukadalur geothermal area. Its two famous geysers are called Geysir and Strokkur. Though Geysir no longer erupts, Strokkur launches water over 100 feet in the air every 5-10 minutes. Strokkur reminded me why Iceland is called the Land of Fire and Ice!

📍 Stop 5: Gullfoss – The Mighty ‘Golden Falls’

• Why Go? One of Iceland’s largest & most powerful waterfalls, where glacial meltwater plunges into a canyon.
• Best View? Walk to the upper platform for a head-on view of the falls.
• Winter Tip: Wear microspikes—the mist turns trails icy in colder months!

🔹 Fun Fact: In the early 1900s, developers tried to turn Gullfoss into a hydroelectric dam, but a local farmer’s daughter fought to protect it—and won!

Before sunset, we had just enough time to check out Gullfoss. This iconic waterfall is one of the largest and most majestic in Iceland. The power of the falls was so profound and intense—I noticed a lot of parallels to Niagara Falls in the U.S. After a long day of driving and sightseeing, Gullfoss was the perfect place to enjoy nature’s untouched beauty.

🛁 Evening: Hot Springs & Relaxation

📍 Option 1: Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) – A Quieter Alternative

• Why Go? Iceland’s oldest natural swimming pool, much less touristy than the Blue Lagoon.
• Extra Perk: Small geysers bubble around you while you soak!
• Book? Recommended, but not always necessary.

📍 Option 2: Fontana Geothermal Baths (A Lakeside Spa)

Cool Experience: They bury bread in the ground & let the geothermal heat cook it!

Why Go? Relax in steaming pools by a scenic lake, with a traditional rye bread baking demo.

Day 5 – A waterfall paradise and farewell to Iceland

Our last day in Iceland was a bit more subdued—characterized by a visit to Skógafoss and the Blue Lagoon prior to returning to the airport. Like the rest of Iceland’s waterfalls, Skógafoss is an awe-inspiring sight. On a sunny day, Skógafoss emits a rainbow that perfectly fits into the scene of the rushing and misty falls. A truly stunning and scenic place in southern Iceland!

🌅 Morning: Skógafoss – Iceland’s Most Photogenic Waterfall

📍 Stop 1: Skógafoss – The Mighty 200ft Cascade

• Why Go? One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, with a nearly perfect rectangular drop of 60m (200ft).
• Best Viewpoints:
  ✅ Base of the waterfall – Feel the mist on your face (waterproof gear = must).
  ✅ Hike to the top – 527 steps lead to a panoramic view of the falls & river.

🔹 Hidden Detail: If it’s sunny, you’ll likely see a rainbow in the mist. (Best time? Morning, when the sun is behind you!).

🌿 Bonus: Fimmvörðuháls Waterfall Hike (Optional)

• If you have extra time & energy, follow the Fimmvörðuháls trail from Skógafoss to find 26+ hidden waterfalls.
• Time? 1-2 hours round trip for a short version, full trek is 8+ hours.
• Worth It? Yes if you love off-the-beaten-path adventures!

🛁 Midday: The Blue Lagoon (Or Better Alternatives!)

📍 Stop 2: Blue Lagoon – Iceland’s Most Famous Spa

• Why Go? Relax in the milky blue geothermal waters before your flight.
• Pro Tips:
  ✅ Pre-book at least a week in advance (it sells out fast!).
  ✅ Use the silica mud mask—it’s free & great for the skin.
  ✅ Avoid wetting your hair (the minerals make it stiff).

🔹 Hidden Detail: The Blue Lagoon is man-made—the water comes from a geothermal power plant, but it’s still naturally heated & mineral-rich.

To wrap up this magical trip, we made our way westward to the globally renowned Blue Lagoon. We bought our tickets over a week in advance, knowing that they sell out rather quickly! The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa surely did not disappoint.

The warm natural water, rich in minerals such as sulfur and silica, makes for a soothing and relaxing spa experience. National Geographic even considers it one of the 25 wonders of the world. The extraordinary outdoor bath also has a swim-up bar, where you can enjoy a cold drink while soaking in the oasis around you.

The lagoon provides silica mud and algae masks, which are allegedly good for the skin, but at the very least, they make for a goofy photo opportunity.

The Blue Lagoon was truly an unforgettable end to a perfect vacation. Though we did not get to explore everything that Iceland has to offer, we have plenty of reasons to return. Iceland—thank you for your hospitality and natural wonders, and for making this trip such a memorable experience.

🔥 Alternative Hot Springs (Less Touristy)

If you want a more authentic experience, consider these Blue Lagoon alternatives:

1️⃣ Sky Lagoon (Closer to Reykjavik, Infinity-Style Views)

• Why Go? Newer, stunning infinity-edge lagoon overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
• Cool Feature? 7-step Icelandic ritual, including a cold plunge & sauna.
• Time from Skógafoss? ~2 hrs.

2️⃣ Reykjadalur Hot Spring River (For Hikers)

• Why Go? Soak in a natural hot river after a 40-min scenic hike.
• Best Part? No crowds, no tickets, just raw nature.
• Time from Skógafoss? ~1.5 hrs.

3️⃣ Hvammsvík Hot Springs (Luxury Meets Wild Nature)

• Why Go? Tide-filled hot pools in a fjord, blending luxury with nature.
• Less Crowded? Yes—better than the Blue Lagoon for a more tranquil vibe.
• Time from Skógafoss? ~2.5 hrs.

✈️ Evening: Keflavik Airport & Departure Tips

🏆 Pro Tips for a Smooth Departure:

✅ Return your rental car at least 3 hours before flight (they inspect for damage).
✅ Fuel up before dropping off your car (gas stations near the airport close early).
✅ Duty-Free Shopping? Icelandic skincare & spirits (like Brennivín schnapps) are cheaper here than in Reykjavik.

🔹 Final Icelandic Treat: Grab a last-minute cinnamon bun from Brauð & Co.—arguably the best in Reykjavik!

Hope you enjoyed my five-day Iceland itinerary! To follow my journey through Europe and around the world, feel free to connect with me on Instagram: @Global.Viewpoint!

Happy Travels! -Jon