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5 Day Iceland itinerary
Exploring the vast untouched landscapes of Iceland is on everyone’s bucket list. This detailed 5 day itinerary will take you across Iceland to discover magnificent glaciers, gushing waterfalls and other natural phenomena.
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Day 1 - Reykjadalur hot springs and Skógafoss waterfall
Start your 5 day itinerary in Iceland directly at the airport. Pick up your rental car and make your way south to a tiny place called Evindarhólar, near Vik. On the way, stop at the hot springs in Reykjadalur and take a relaxing bath in the geothermal pools Iceland is famous for.
Once you get settled in your Scandinavian cabin at the foot of the mountains in Evindarhólar, hop back in the car and drive to Skógafoss waterfall.
Day 2 - Solheimasandur plane wreck and Reynisfjara's black sand beaches
After a home made breakfast surrounded by still nature, head to Solheimasandur’s C-117D plane wreck. Supposedly it crashed in 1973, on a flight from Höfn to Keflavik airport, after running out of fuel. Luckily nobody on board got hurt.
The wreck lies on one of Iceland’s famous black beaches, but there is no official path that leads to it. In recent years a parking lot has been built as the plane wreck gained popularity, though.
The walk to the plane takes about 45 minutes.
- Tip: These are the GPS coordinates to find the plane. However, do not visit during winter or bad weather conditions. 63 27.546-19 21.887
After visiting Solheimasandur’s plane wreck, enjoy a delicious lunch in Vik, at Restaurang Sudur Vik. With new energy continue to explore the magnificent nature and black sand beaches of Iceland. Reynisfjara beach is famous for it’s dangerous currents and waves, so be careful not to step too close to the water.
Day 3 - Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Svartifoss Waterfall and Svínafellsjökull Glacier
On day 3 of your 5 day Iceland itinerary, go glacier hiking in Vatnajökull national park. Vatnajökull glacier, which gave the park its name, is the largest ice cap in Europe.
You can book tours with the experienced guys at Glacier Guides and discover the glacier with a small group. All equipment is included in the price.
- Tip: Wear ankle high boots for safety, the spikes of the crampons are super sharp and it's easy to have an accident.
Next stop, Svartifoss waterfall! A 30-minute hike from the parking lot in Skaftafell lies Svartifoss, the Black Waterfall. The water drops 20 meters over an incredible 3D pattern of basalt columns.
On your way back to the mountain cabins in Evindarhólar, stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur, a giant canyon. Over 2 million years old, Fjaðrárgljúfur is one of the most famous canyons in Iceland.
Day 4 - Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir
Get up early and drive towards Laugarvatn, a city on the Golden Circle route. On the way to your place for the night, a family-run farm, stop at Gullfoss, a magnificent waterfall in Gullfoss nature reserve. The water runs over multiple levels from the river Hvita into Ölfusa lake.
Before heading back for the night, make a stop at Haukadalur, and area full of geothermal hot springs and active geysers. Watch as the massive towers of water and steam shoot into the air from 4 active geysers: Geysir, Litli-Geysir, Blesi and Stokkur.
Day 5 - Kirkjufell Mountain and Waterfall
Finishing up the 5 day itinerary for Iceland is famous Kirkjufell mountain (meaning Church Mountain in Icelandic) and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. Located in the west of Iceland, on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it’s the most photographed mountain in Iceland.
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Hi, I’m Nadine
Part-time traveler with full-time wanderlust.
I explore the world one weekend and one vacation at a time and share my experiences, travel and photography tips, and food recs on this blog.
I believe the answer to (almost) any question is traveling.
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