Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, and some posts contain affiliate links. If you make a booking, I may earn a small commission-at no extra cost to you. Thank you for keeping me writing and doing what I love!
Planning 6 days in Iceland? This complete Iceland road trip itinerary covers the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, Glacier Lagoon, black sand beaches, charming fishing villages, and even opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
My husband and I followed this exact self-drive Iceland itinerary during a six-day trip in October, covering hundreds of miles around Iceland’s famous Ring Road. While ambitious, it allowed us to experience some of the country’s most iconic landscapes while still leaving room for spontaneous stops and unforgettable moments.
This guide combines our personal experience with practical planning tips to help you build your own Iceland adventure.
6-day Iceland Itinerary at a Glance:
- Arrival and geothermal relaxation near Reykjavík and the Blue Lagoon
- Golden Circle highlights including Þingvellir National Park and waterfalls
- South Coast waterfalls, canyons, and glacier viewpoints
- Ice lagoons and black sand beaches along the Ring Road
- Remote East Iceland fjords and stargazing opportunities
- Optional Northern Lights chasing (season and weather dependent)
Whether you’re visiting for dramatic landscapes, photography, or pure adventure, this itinerary captures the essence of Iceland’s “Land of Fire and Ice” in one unforgettable loop.
Is 6 Days Enough for Iceland?
Yes, if you’re comfortable with a road trip.
6 days gives you enough time to experience many of Iceland’s most famous attractions, including the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, Glacier Lagoon, black sand beaches, and even parts of East Iceland.
While you won’t see every corner of the country, this itinerary provides an excellent introduction to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and unique culture.
How Much Driving Does This Itinerary Require?
This is a self-drive Iceland itinerary that covers a significant portion of the Ring Road.
Expect:
- Multiple days with 4–6 hours of driving
- Frequent scenic stops
- Approximately 1,200–1,500 kilometers (750–930 miles) driven
- A rental car strongly recommended
The long drives may sound intimidating, but Iceland’s scenery makes every mile enjoyable.
Best Time of Year for This Iceland Itinerary
We completed this itinerary in October, which I personally think is one of the best times to visit Iceland.
Why October works well:
- Northern Lights season has begun
- Fewer tourists than summer
- Fall colors throughout the countryside
- More affordable accommodations
- Longer daylight hours than winter
However, weather can change quickly. We experienced sunshine, rain, wind, and chilly temperatures – sometimes all in the same day.
Before You Start: What to Pack for Iceland
Iceland’s weather changes rapidly, so packing layers is essential.
I highly recommend bringing:
- Waterproof jacket
- Water-resistant pants
- Warm base layers
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Hat and gloves
- Reusable water bottle
For my complete packing list, check out my dedicated Iceland packing guide.
Day 1: The Blue Lagoon and Reykjavík
Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour
We took an overnight flight from Denver and landed at Keflavik International Airport around 6 a.m. local time. Despite getting very little sleep, we were immediately energized because we had spotted the Northern Lights from our airplane window during the flight.
Seeing the Northern Lights before we even landed felt like Iceland welcoming us.
Stop 1: Pick Up Your Rental Car
One of the best decisions we made for this trip was renting a car.
Having a vehicle gave us complete flexibility to explore Iceland at our own pace, stop at viewpoints whenever we wanted, and reach accommodations outside major cities.
I highly recommend a rental car for this itinerary.
Stop 2: Blue Lagoon
Our first stop was the Blue Lagoon.
I’ve shared a full review separately, but if you’re arriving on an overnight flight, I can’t think of a better way to start your trip.
The warm geothermal water was exactly what we needed after a sleepless flight, and the short drive from the airport made it incredibly convenient.
Pro Tip: Book your Blue Lagoon reservation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Stop 3: Explore Reykjavik
Reykjavik is one of those cities that instantly feels welcoming.
Colorful buildings, incredible coffee shops, street art, and walkable streets make it a fantastic introduction to Iceland.
Where We Ate in Reykjavik
Mokka Kaffi
A cozy café located near Rainbow Street. Quiet, charming, and home to an excellent cappuccino.
Vikinga Pylsur
A classic Icelandic hot dog stand and one of the easiest ways to try Iceland’s most famous street food.
Cafe Babalu
If I had to recommend only one café in Reykjavik, it would be Cafe Babalu.
Between the eclectic décor, Swiss mokka, and skyr cake, this became one of my favorite coffee shops of our entire trip.
2 Guys
Jet lag was beginning to catch up with us, so we wrapped up the day with burgers and fries at 2 Guys before heading to bed early.
After a full day of travel, sightseeing, and coffee, we were ready to recharge for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: The Golden Circle
Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours (plus stops)
Today marked the beginning of our Iceland road trip adventure. We left Reykjavik behind and headed toward some of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions along the Golden Circle.
Breakfast stop: Grái Kötturinn
Justin’s favorite meal is breakfast, and he nailed the research for this breakfast spot. This place comes with a fun story of how it earned its name “Gray Cat” and I liked how this breakfast restaurant had a dive bar feel.
They make their bread in house, including their pancakes which are served in American-sized portions! It’s safe to stay we were so full that we needed to walk around before getting in the car. Unfortunately it was raining, but on the plus side we passed the top rated coffee shop: Reykjavik Roasters.
Coffee Stop: Reykjavik Roasters
Before leaving the city, we made one final stop at Reykjavik Roasters.
Looking back, sitting together by the window with cappuccinos and reflecting on our upcoming wedding may be one of my favorite memories from Iceland.
Travel doesn’t always have to be about checking attractions off a list. Sometimes the best moments are the quiet ones.
Stop 1: Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most significant historical and geological sites.
Unfortunately, heavy rain limited how much exploring we could do, but it’s worth dedicating extra time here if you visit during better weather.
Stop 2: Bruarfoss Waterfall
Here we arrived at our first Icelandic waterfall. The vibrant blue water almost looked unreal.
Parking was inexpensive (about $7USD), and although Apple Maps became confused near the entrance, following posted signs got us there without issue.
Overnight Stay: Glass Cottage Iceland
This was our splurge accommodation of the trip.
Located near Hella, the Glass Cottage offered complete privacy, panoramic views, and a private hot tub.
One of our biggest goals was seeing the Northern Lights from the cottage. Unfortunately, cloud cover had other plans.
Even without the aurora, the experience was absolutely worth it.
Read my honest review on the Glass Cottage in Iceland
Dinner: Ingolfsskali Restaurant
Dinner felt like stepping back into Viking-era Iceland.
We ate traditional Icelandic dishes while surrounded by animal hides, handcrafted décor, and Viking-inspired architecture.
It was one of the most memorable dining experiences of the trip.
Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls, Glacier Lagoon, and Hofn
Driving Time: Approximately 5 hours
This was easily one of the most scenic days of our entire Iceland itinerary.
With waterfalls, canyons, glaciers, and black sand beaches all packed into one day, it felt like Iceland was showing off.
Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss & Gljufrabui
Seljalandsfoss was a short drive from the cottage, and the ideal Icelandic kick off for the day. There’s a good chance you’ve seen Seljalandsfoss online before, with its popularity and the ability to walk all the way around the falling water.
Although it was a sunny day, the wind and power from the falls got us completely soaked. The best tip I have for this is to have a pair of waterproof pants and jacket you can throw in the back of the car in between stops. (Having a rental car with a spacious trunk was clutch in this moment.)
The parking fee here was about $7 which we find to be the standard fee at most stops, but the added bonus of paying here is there’s another waterfall walking distance: Gljufrabui.
A short walk along the path and through a little cave you’ll find this hidden waterfall. Wearing waterproof or water resistant shoes are a good idea because the path through the cave is where the stream from the waterfall flows and you will submerge your shoes and get wet, though the whole experience is worth it.
As you head back to the parking lot, you’ll spot a small coffee and donut stand. We bought some goodies to take with us and we are off to the next stop!
Stop 2: Skogafoss
One of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, I was surprised to not see the water flow into a big lake or river, which means you can get pretty close to the falls along the black sand.
Please be sure to put your waterproof layers back on because you will still get wet even when it isn’t raining! Full packing list can be found here.
We lucked out with a sunny day that created a rainbow to be seen coming off the water as it fell. A spectacular view for sure!
Stop 3: Fjadrargljufur Canyon
From Skogafoss to Fjadrargljufur Canyon, the drive is a little bit over an hour and we saw well over 30 waterfalls along the drive. The scenic drive kept our tired spirits awake, and we made our sandwiches and ate our snacks. Before we knew it, we were at the canyon.
This canyon wasn’t a well-known spot by tourists until a few years ago, specifically due to a Justin Bieber music video and several scenes in Game of Thrones. The parking was, you guessed it, $7 and there are bathroom facilities (sadly, closed when we were there.)
I liked this activity half way through the day because it was refreshing to stretch our legs with a walk, and the views were unbelievable. I think we walked about two miles round trip, with plenty of stops to take in the overlook spots.
Coffee Stop: Cafe Vatnajokul
By this point we needed caffeine.
Cafe Vatnajokull served my favorite Swiss mokka in Iceland and became one of our recurring stops throughout the trip.
When it’s time to fill up on gas, we discovered that the gas pumps only take debit, or cards with pins. This is something to keep in mind and make sure you alert any banks that you’re traveling. We are accustomed to using our Capital One Venture X travel credit card when we travel to earn points, and I recommend still doing that anywhere you can, just maybe not the gas pumps in Iceland.
Stop 4: Diamond Beach & Glacier Lagoon
Traveling east on Route 1, you will approach on the right hand side two different parking lots for Diamond Beach, and on your left you will see the Jökulsárlón Glacier and then the Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon. We parked at the Diamond Beach parking lot first ($7 parking) and walked down towards the water.
Diamond Beach was high on my list to see because I wanted to see the stark contrast of the black sand to the chunks of ice that wash up on shore. How does this happen? The Jökulsárlón Glacier has chunks of ice breaking off of it’s mass, and those pieces slide into the lagoon. The lagoon current then flows out into the sea.
Due to the current and wave pattern, the chunks of ice don’t make it far in sea and find themselves washing up onto shore. Be careful getting close to the water; the waves are unpredictable.
Dinner in Hofn
We were staying just outside Hofn, and with little energy left, we didn’t want to shop and cook. Instead, we opted to dine in at a local restaurant called Ishusid Pizzeria Restaurant.
The warm food and harbor views were exactly what we needed.
Northern Lights Chase
Later that evening, conditions were finally perfect.
Using aurora forecasting apps, we found a dark roadside pull-off and waited.
Within minutes, the sky began to glow.
Watching the Northern Lights dance above us for the first time was one of those travel moments that words never fully capture.
Day 4: East Iceland Road Trip to Seydisfjordur
Driving Time: Approximately 4 hours (without stops)
After an unforgettable evening chasing the Northern Lights near Höfn, we packed up and continued east along Iceland’s Ring Road. When I first planned this itinerary, driving all the way to Seyðisfjörður felt a little ambitious, especially with only six days in Iceland. Looking back, it ended up being one of the best decisions we made.
Stop 1: Viking Cafe
Our first stop of the day was the Viking Café, located near some of East Iceland’s most iconic photography spots.
Even if you don’t stop for breakfast or coffee, you’ll need to visit the café if you’re planning to explore nearby Vestrahorn Mountain, Stokksnes, or the Viking Village because this is where you purchase your admission ticket.
The café itself is charming, serving breakfast, coffee, and pastries and we were greeted by the friendliest dog upon arrival.
Stop 2: Vestrahorn, Stokksnes & the Viking Village
This quickly became one of my favorite landscapes in Iceland.
Towering mountains rise behind endless black sand dunes, creating one of the country’s most dramatic coastal views. The contrast between the dark sand, green grass, and jagged mountain peaks almost doesn’t look real.
After exploring the shoreline, we wandered through the Viking Village, a movie set originally built for a film production that’s now open for visitors to explore.
Be sure to drive all the way to the lighthouse before leaving – the views along the coast are incredible.
Drive Through East Iceland
The drive to Seydisfjordur deserves its own mention because it’s an attraction in itself.
Winding mountain roads, waterfalls cascading down cliffsides, long tunnels carved through mountains, and grazing sheep made this one of the most scenic drives of our trip.
If you’re visiting in October like we did, keep in mind that many grocery stores and restaurants close much earlier than expected. We arrived in town after most businesses had already closed, so I’d recommend grocery shopping before making the drive if possible.
Pro tip: If you plan on making this drive through the wintery season, check out this blog on the road to take here. We followed this road and felt much safer with the conditions.
Exploring Seydisfjordur
Nestled at the end of a beautiful fjord, Seydisfjordur is one of Iceland’s most picturesque small towns.
Known for its colorful Rainbow Street leading to the iconic blue church, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to slow down and wander.
Although our dining options were limited because of the off-season, we found an open restaurant near the church and enjoyed one of the best burgers of our trip.
Our Airbnb hosts had thoughtfully stocked the kitchen with pasta, sauce, and tea—a small gesture that became especially appreciated after realizing most of the town had already closed for the evening.
Northern Lights in Seydisfjordur
I’ll repeat this again and again: trust the apps and conditions. If there’s clouds, you won’t be able to see the lights. If there’s low probability, you may not see the lights. Now this, was not one of those nights.
If there was one moment that made every mile of driving worthwhile, it was this night.
The forecast was nearly perfect: clear skies, high aurora activity, and almost no light pollution.
We drove just outside of town, parked alongside the road, bundled up, and waited.
Slowly, streaks of green began stretching across the sky.
Within minutes, the aurora expanded overhead, dancing from one horizon to the other. Watching the Northern Lights ripple across the Icelandic sky in complete silence is a memory neither of us will ever forget.
Looking back, this alone made the extra drive to East Iceland worth every second.
Day 5: Return to Vík Along Iceland’s South Coast
Driving Time: Approximately 6 hours
Day five was our longest driving day of the trip, but Iceland has a way of making even the road itself feel like an attraction.
Because we visited during October, one challenge we hadn’t anticipated was how many businesses would still be closed early in the morning.
After striking out in several towns looking for breakfast, we finally found a grocery store with a microwave where we happily devoured pre-made chicken and rice wraps. Sometimes the simplest meals become the most memorable while traveling.
Coffee Stop: Café Vatnajökull
I couldn’t resist stopping one more time.
By now, I’d officially declared Café Vatnajökull home to my favorite Swiss mokka in Iceland.
If you’re driving Route 1, it’s an easy place to grab coffee, fuel up your rental car, and stretch your legs before continuing west.
Explore the Town of Vík
Vík may be small, but it’s packed with charm.
Our first stop was the hill overlooking town, home to the iconic white church with its bright red roof. Even on a windy October afternoon, the views over the coastline were beautiful.
During summer, this area is surrounded by blooming lupines, making it one of the most photographed viewpoints in Iceland.
Skool Beans Café
If you love unique coffee shops, don’t miss this one.
Operating entirely out of a converted yellow school bus, Skool Beans serves coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and baked treats in one of the most creative cafés I’ve ever visited.
I opted for tea after one too many Swiss mokkas throughout the trip, and it was exactly what I needed to warm up.
Be sure to check their seasonal opening hours before visiting.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara Beach is one of Iceland’s most famous, and most dangerous, natural attractions. Since visiting, the landscape of the beach has even changed due to storms.
Its dramatic basalt columns, black volcanic sand, and crashing Atlantic waves create an unforgettable landscape.
Before heading down to the beach, pay close attention to the warning system posted at the entrance. Conditions are updated daily, and the color-coded signs indicate how close it’s safe to approach the shoreline.
Sneaker waves can appear without warning and have claimed lives, so it’s important to respect the posted guidance and admire the scenery from a safe distance.
Even with the strong winds during our visit, Reynisfjara was easily one of the most spectacular places we saw in Iceland.
A Cozy Night In
After several busy days on the road, we decided to spend a quiet evening cooking dinner in our accommodation instead of eating out.
A warm homemade curry, hot showers, and an early night were exactly what we needed before our final day in Iceland.
*There’s an old plane wreck near Vík that we intended to go to, that I would add to this list if you’re feeling ambitious.
Day 6: Final Stops Before Flying Home
Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours to Keflavík Airport
Our final day in Iceland arrived much sooner than we expected.
Originally, we had planned to hike to Seljavallalaug, one of Iceland’s oldest geothermal pools. Unfortunately, heavy rain and strong winds convinced us to save that adventure for another trip.
Instead, we embraced a slower pace for our final morning.
Katla Wool Studio
This locally owned wool studio quickly became one of my favorite shopping experiences in Iceland.
Watching artisans create traditional Icelandic wool products while browsing handmade blankets, sweaters, and scarves felt far more authentic than shopping in larger tourist stores.
As an added bonus, the resident dog was there to greet visitors.
Dyrhólaey
Although stormy weather shortened our visit, Dyrhólaey is well worth adding to any Iceland itinerary.
On a clear day, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of Iceland’s southern coastline, dramatic cliffs, sea arches, and nesting seabirds during the summer months.
Bókakaffið
Apparently, we couldn’t leave Iceland without one final coffee stop.
Bókakaffið combines a cozy café with a bookstore, making it the perfect place to escape the rain while enjoying one last Swiss mokka before heading to the airport.
It was a peaceful way to reflect on six incredible days exploring Iceland.
Returning the Rental Car
Before returning your rental car at Keflavík Airport, stop at the nearby gas station to refill your tank.
Unlike many airport gas stations around the world, prices here were comparable to what we found throughout the rest of Iceland.
As we handed over the keys, it was hard to believe our trip had already come to an end.
In just six days, we’d soaked in geothermal waters, driven across glaciers and lava fields, explored waterfalls and black sand beaches, wandered through tiny fishing villages, and finally experienced the Northern Lights dancing across the Icelandic sky.
It was one of the most ambitious road trips we’ve ever taken—and one we’d happily do all over again.
What to Know Before You Go
Trip Cost Break Down per person
Rental car: $220
Accomodations: $649.71
Blue Lagoon: $63
Parking fees: $18.44
Groceries: $90.12
Gas: $107.11
Ingolfskal Dinner: $113
Restaurant and coffee expenses: $223.
TOTAL: $1,484.47*
*Flights are not included in this price
Transportation
If you plan on flying, I’ve updated the way I track flights. You can still use hopper, but lately I’ve been using Google Flights and signing up for email alerts.
Hotels & Accommodations
Airbnbs and rentals are going to be a great option throughout Iceland. The convenience of having a kitchen to cook or keep snacks cold came in handy and saved us some money. You aren’t traveling to Iceland for the food, you’re traveling for the nature so the ability to prep food to have while hiking and exploring is huge.
Pack
Depending on the time of year, the weather will be different. Overall, layers will be vital in enjoying Iceland.
A pair of water resistant pants and a waterproof jacket can make all the difference around the waterfalls and rainy days.
My full packing list can be found in another post if interested in specifics.
Cash/Card
Before Covid, most cities in Europe preferred cash. That’s really not the case anymore, as I never took out cash on this trip.
Before you go, check with your bank and see if there’s a higher fee associated with using the ATM or using your card in general so you can plan accordingly.
Tap to pay is also widely used in Europe, so if you don’t have this with your card yet, it may be helpful to get this feature before your trip!
Misc.
I recommend carrying around a refillable water bottle. Iceland water is healthy to drink and it’s encouraged by locals to never spend money on bottled water. One of the worst things you can do on a trip is to let yourself become dehydrated.
Final Thoughts on This 6-Day Iceland Itinerary
Six days in Iceland may not be enough to see everything this incredible country has to offer, but it’s enough to experience many of its most iconic landscapes. From relaxing in the Blue Lagoon and driving the Golden Circle to standing beneath towering waterfalls, walking along black sand beaches, and watching the Northern Lights dance overhead, every day brought something completely different.
This itinerary is best suited for travelers who don’t mind spending several hours in the car and want to make the most of a shorter trip. While the driving days can be long, Iceland’s scenery makes the journey just as memorable as the destinations themselves.
If I were planning this trip again, I’d keep the route almost exactly the same. The only thing I’d change is giving ourselves an extra day or two to slow down and spend more time in places like Vík or Seyðisfjörður.
If you’re planning your own Iceland road trip, I hope this itinerary helps you create a trip that’s every bit as unforgettable as ours. And if you have any questions while planning, leave a comment below—I’m always happy to help.
7 Comments