Iceland equals adventure. Volcanic, rugged, ethereal and enchantingly beautiful, there is virtually a swoon-worthy view at every turn, making Iceland not only one of the world’s most striking islands but also one of the best destinations to explore on a road trip.
Even if you only have five days in Iceland, driving will give you the freedom to maximise every minute – especially in the long, nearly endless summer days – and if you opt for a campervan, you’ll have even more control with the added bonus of saving money on accommodation and dining along the way.
Practicalities For Exploring Iceland by Campervan
This five-day Iceland itinerary is designed with campervans in mind, including suggested campsites for overnight stays (wild and off-road camping are prohibited in Iceland) near the main attractions and key stops – though you’ll certainly pass other villages, viewpoints and detours along the way. Keep in mind that when planning your trip, July and August can see prices skyrocket for rentals, while in winter, some campsites shut down. Still, this itinerary works even in winter as it avoids any of the F-roads (mountain roads that close in winter); you’ll just need to research year-round campsites.
The best time to visit Iceland for fairer prices, reliable road conditions and still decent weather is usually around May and September. One of the key factors to consider when planning your trip is what type of campervan rental in Iceland is best for you, and also best for the season. If you plan on going on the F-roads in summer, you’ll need to take a 4×4 vehicle. In winter, you’ll want to ensure there is a proper heating system.
Companies like Campervan Reykjavik (which is based at Keflavik – the airport’s location – despite its name) have a wide range of different options, ranging from rooftop tents to campervans and fully-contained motorhomes. The latter are usually far more costly and not entirely necessary, as most campsites have showers, kitchens, toilets (fewer options in winter), which are often included in the campsite fees, though at some locations it’s an extra charge, which would then be offset by going self-contained. Regardless of the type of vehicle, you have to stay in a campground or, with prior permission, on private land. Essentially, do your research, determine when and where you want to go, and then select the most suitable vehicle.
5 Days Iceland Itinerary
To make the most of your five days in Iceland, aim to arrive early on day one and depart in the evening of day five. If flights don’t allow this, and you’re arriving later on day one or leaving earlier on day five, consider swapping day four or five (closer to the airport) with day one, and then making day one (The Golden Triangle) day two of your Iceland itinerary.
Day 1: The Golden Circle
After an early arrival and collecting your camper, begin your five-day Iceland itinerary following “The Golden Circle” – though you’ll end around Selfoss, ready to continue east tomorrow, rather than doing the full loop. This well-trod route threads together many of the highlights near Reykjavik and is a beautiful introduction to Iceland.
Route: Keflavik Airport – Silfra – Thingvellir National Park – Haukadalur – Gullfoss – Selfoss
Driving distance: 230km (142 miles); approx 3:30 hours
Stay at: Around Selfoss makes the most sense, journey-wise. However, consider Úlfljótsvatn, a spacious lakeside camp with good facilities about 20 minutes from Selfoss. Full opening is from June until late September; limited winter opening until November.
Silfra and Thingvellir National Park
Start your five days in Iceland with one of the most unique experiences in the country: snorkelling or scuba diving in the frigid waters of Silfra, a rift where the continents’ tectonic plates meet. You’ll need to pre-book the experience and allow around two hours. Right nearby is the visitor centre for the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park – a spectacular and historic location due to being the site of Iceland’s historic parliament – where you can collect info and maps for a hike in the park.
Haukadalur, Strokkur and Gulfoss Waterfall
The geothermal valley of Haukadalur is fascinating, so plan to spend around an hour here appreciating the geothermal pools, fumaroles and watching the mighty Strokkur Geyser erupt high into the sky. It’s a short drive to the impressive valley-dominating Gulfoss Waterfall.
Day 2: South Coast Falls and Beaches
Spend the second day of this Iceland five-day itinerary hopping between swoon-worthy waterfalls and epic coastal views as you drive east along the south coast. Don’t stress about stopping at each waterfall or village along the way today; you might want to save one for leg-stretching on the way back on day four.
Route: Seljalandsfoss – Skógafoss – Vik and Reynisfjara Beach
Driving distance: 205km (127 miles); approx 3 hours
Stay at: Vik Camping is located just outside the village centre and operates from May until November.
Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui, and Skógafoss Waterfalls
This trio of impressive waterfalls is only around 30 minutes apart. The first you’ll reach is Seljalandsfoss, my favourite, as you can actually walk behind the cascade, which is just incredible. Gljúfrabúi Waterfall is also very nearby. Then, continue along the road until sublime and sheet-like Skógafoss, keeping an eye out for Icelandic horses en route.
Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrhólaey and Vik
Before reaching Vik, a gorgeous village with an iconic church, turn off at the striking Reynisfjara Beach. This ink-black beach is spectacular. At the far end, you’ll find the famed lava-formed rock tower formations. At nearby Dyrhólaey, take in the epic coastal views of the rock arch bridge and, between April and September, spot puffins.
Day 3: Glaciers, Lagoons and Diamond Sands
The third day will take you as far east as you’ll travel on this Iceland five-day itinerary and includes two of Iceland’s top things to do: the glittering diamond beach and the nation’s most famous glacier lagoon. Consider if you want to spend the night staying near here, or prefer to loop partly back to Vik to reduce tomorrow’s drive times.
Route: Vik – Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon– Vatnajökull Glacier and Jokulsarlon Lagoon – Black Diamond Beach
Driving distance: 200km (125 miles); approx 2:30 hours
Stay at: Either return to somewhere in Vik or en route to reduce driving time, or near the glacier at Skaftafell Campground, which is open year-round.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Made famous by a Justin Bieber music video, and then closed for a while to conserve, the dramatic, verdant Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is an ideal first stop of the day. Arrive early to try to avoid crowds and plan to spend around an hour walking the trail.
Vatnajokull Glacier and Jökulsárlón Lagoon
Europe’s largest glacier is phenomenal and has no shortage of epic experiences. Two of my favourite memories of Iceland happened here. The first was trekking atop the glacier itself, peeking into glistening caves and just generally being in awe. The second was marvelling at the Jökulsárlón Lagoon – plan to kayak on it if it’s not winter and frozen, which is fed by the glacier and dotted with small icebergs. Make sure you book activities in advance with certified guides
Black Diamond Beach
On the ocean side of the lagoon, Breiðamerkursandur – better known as the Black Diamond Beach – is the perfect end to the day. Large ice nuggets dot the beach, creating a striking contrast with the jet-black sands. It’s especially magical when the lower sun hits the light.
Day 4: Lava Tunnels and City Life
If you stayed around Jökulsárlón, today will be the longest driving section on your Iceland road trip. If you’ve already backtracked to Vik, then it will be shorter and you might want to add part of day five into the mix, depending on tomorrow’s flight time.
Route: Jökulsárlón (or Vik) – Reykjadalur Valley — Reykjavík
Driving distance: 340km (210 miles); approx 4:30 hours (less if you’ve looped back towards Vik yesterday)
Stay at: Reykjavík Campsite, located right next to the Laugardalslaug swimming pools, which is fairly central. It’s only a 40-minute walk or a 20-minute bus ride to the main downtown areas, allowing you to park and enjoy a night out in the city.
Reykjadalur Valley
Before returning to more urban life, spend a few hours soaking up the magic that is Reykjadalur. This geothermal valley has soothing hot springs and heated river-hugging trails.
Reykjavík
Spend the last day of this five-day Iceland itinerary in the country’s cool and laid-back capital, Reykjavík. This will give you the chance to park the camper and visit some sights in afternoon – such as the Hallgrímskirkja Church, National Museum and the Sun Voyager sculpture – enjoy a dinner, some live music and craft beers without worrying about driving, and be well placed for an early start tomorrow to make the most of the day before your flight. If you’ve time, I’d recommend visiting the Árbær Open Air Museum before parking up for the day in Reykjavík
Day 5: Raufarhólshellir, The Reykjanes Peninsula, and The Blue Lagoon
This Iceland itinerary in five days wraps up around the Reykjanes Peninsula, so you’re never going to be too far from the airport. If you’ve got a super late flight, you might want to consider the Snaefellsnes Peninsula instead.
Route: Reykjavík – Raufarhólshellir — The Blue Lagoon – Keflavik Airport
Driving distance: 145km (90 miles); approx 2 hours (maybe more, depending on any peninsula day tours)
Raufarhólshellir and the Reykjanes Peninsula
Start the day with a pre-booked visit to Raufarhólshellir. This mind-blowing lava tunnel provides access to an underground world formed by an eruption that occurred some 5,000 years ago. Afterwards, continue driving along the Reykjanes Peninsula to Grindavik to take in the views. If you’ve time, you can head all the way to the end of the peninsula to see the Reykjanes Lighthouse, adjacent hot springs and nearby rock pools.
The Blue Lagoon
End your five-day visit to Iceland with a little R&R at one of the country’s most famous tourist attractions, the Blue Lagoon. Be sure to book your timeslot tickets well in advance so you don’t miss the chance to bathe in the geothermal waters. After you’re refreshed, it’s only a 25-minute drive back to the airport, and you’ll appreciate being able to have a shower and relax before flying home.
How much should I budget for 5 days in Iceland?
Depending on which season you visit (high summer vs shoulder vs winter), you’ll be looking at a budget of at least 224,000 ISK (approx £1360/€1570 Euro/$1840 as of July 2025) for two people. This would cover a full five-day Iceland itinerary if booking an entry-level camper, eating one meal out daily and preparing your own food the rest of the time, and visiting a few attractions such as the Blue Lagoon, a glacier trek, and the Lava Tunnel.
However, it’s fair to say Iceland is not cheap, and that’s at the more conservative end of the scale and in July or August, especially, it will cost a fair chunk more. Expect the figure to double if you opt for a higher-end, fully-contained model. However, keep in mind that opting for a campervan will save on accommodation costs and indeed food costs if you are preparing your own meals.
Here are some approximate daily cost ranges:
- 5-day entry-level campervan hire 40,000 – 72,000 ISK
- 5-day high-end campervan hire 180,000- 300,000 ISK
- Overnight camp fee, including electricity and facility fee 5,000 – 7,000 ISK
- Fuel costs around 320 ISK a litre, so based on the above itinerary and depending on model, you’ll likely be looking at a minimum of 28,000 ISK
- Meal for two 7,000+ ISK
- Lava Tunnel entry 8,400 ISK
- Glacier Trek 13,900 ISK
- Blue Lagoon entry 9,900 ISK
- Check for more recent and varied average costs here.
