Iceland 6 Day Itinerary

Iceland 6-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival & Reykjavik Exploration

  • Land at Keflavik International Airport.
  • Pick up your rental car, highly recommended for exploring Iceland. (Note: You should be at least 20 years old to rent a car.)
  • Drive to Reykjavik (~45 min from the airport). Check into your accommodation.
  • Visit Hallgrimskirkja, the iconic church of Reykjavik, and enjoy the panoramic view from its observation deck.
  • Explore the vibrant city center, visit the Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and the colorful houses of Reykjavik.
  • Have dinner at a local restaurant, try traditional dishes like Hákarl (fermented shark) or Pylsur (Icelandic hot dogs).

Day 2: Golden Circle

  • Start early to explore the Golden Circle route. Stops include:
    • Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the location of the Icelandic parliament’s founding in 930 AD.
    • Geysir Geothermal Area to witness Strokkur, the active geyser that erupts every 5-10 minutes.
    • Gullfoss, the magnificent Golden Waterfall.
  • Optional: Visit the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) for a relaxing swim in a warm geothermal pool.
  • Drive back to Reykjavik and rest or explore the city’s nightlife.

Day 3: South Coast Sightseeing

  • Drive along the South Coast towards Vík, stopping at:
    • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where you can walk behind the falls (waterproof gear recommended).
    • Skógafoss Waterfall.
    • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach to see the unique basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar rock formations.
  • Visit Dyrhólaey cliff for a spectacular view of the coastline and possible sightings of puffins (in season).
  • Continue to Vík and spend the night there.

Day 4: Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

  • Drive towards Jökulsárlón, home of the famous Glacier Lagoon.
  • Cruise on a boat among icebergs that have broken off Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.
  • Visit Diamond Beach nearby to see the black sand littered with crystal clear ice chunks from the lagoon.
  • Drive back along the ring road and spend the night in Skaftafell or Höfn.

Day 5: East Fjords & Lake Mývatn

  • Drive through the scenic East Fjords, stopping at charming fishing villages like Djúpivogur and Seydisfjörður.
  • Continue to Lake Mývatn area, known for its unique landscapes and geothermal activity.
  • Visit Dimmuborgir lava formations, Hverfjall crater, and the geothermal area of Namaskard.
  • Explore the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðagígar and enjoy a soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths (similar to Blue Lagoon but less crowded).
  • Spend the night in the Lake Mývatn region.

Day 6: Whale Watching & Departure

  • Drive back towards Reykjavik, stopping at Husavik for a whale watching tour (optional).
  • Return your rental car at Keflavik Airport and depart Iceland with unforgettable memories.

Things to Know

  1. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and waterproof gear.
  2. The local currency is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). Credit cards are widely accepted.
  3. Tap water in Iceland is safe to drink.
  4. English is widely spoken.
  5. Internet coverage is excellent due to the extensive network of data centers powered by renewable energy.
  6. There’s a mobile app called 112 Iceland, which provides essential travel information, including road conditions and weather updates.
  7. Visa requirements depend on your country of origin. Most nationalities do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Please check with the Icelandic embassy or consulate in your home country for specific details.