Iceland in 5 Nights: Waterfalls, Glacier Lagoon, The Golden Circle & Some Serious Relaxation
Curated By
Molly Chester
Curator’s statement
Iceland is one of my favorite places to revisit and recommend, partly because it’s so easy to get to from the US East Coast and partly because you can fit an incredible amount into a short trip. The landscapes are surreal, it feels like you are truly somewhere ELSE, and the drives between destinations are almost as memorable as the destinations themselves. This itinerary is one I’ve done in full and in pieces over the years, and it works just as well condensed into two nights as it does stretched into a full week.
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Day 1: Arrival & South Coast to Glacier Lagoon
A typical vista along the drive to the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Early morning arrival at KEF
Grab coffee at Joe & the Juice and pick up your rental car
Begin the scenic drive along the South Coast (about 5.5 hrs total, with stops)
Stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss along the way. Be sure to hike behind Seljalandsfoss for one of Iceland's most iconic photo ops.
Stretch your legs with a walk on Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach near Vik and check out the sea stacks and basalt columns.
Lunch at Halldorskaffi in Vik
Continue east to the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon and check in
Room service dinner at the hotel and early to bed
Day 2: Glacier Lagoon & return to the Golden Circle region
Early morning at the Glacier Lagoon
Early breakfast, then drive 15 mins to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Zodiac boat tour of Jökulsárlón to see the ice formations up close, followed by a walk along Diamond Beach
Begin your beautiful drive west toward the Golden Circle (about 5.5 hours with stops)
Hikes along the drive back: Svartifoss waterfall to see the amazing basalt columns, Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon for deep greens, and a fairytale walk
Arrive at Frost og Funi (Frost & Fire), check in, and soak in one of the private geothermal pools
Dinner onsite or nearby, and sleep to the sounds of the geothermal river outside your balcony
Day 3: Golden Circle & Reykjavík
A morning soak at Frost og Funi
Breakfast at Frost og Funi
Explore Golden Circle highlights at your own pace:
Geysir geothermal area
Gullfoss waterfall
Þingvellir National Park (walk between tectonic plates)
Optional adventure add-on: Head to Langjökull Glacier for a snowmobiling tour or an “Into the Glacier” ice tunnel experience (tours depart near Gullfoss and take about three to four hours round trip)
Drive into Reykjavík (about an hour from Þingvellir or Gullfoss, depending on route)
Check in at The Reykjavík Edition, perfectly located for exploring this walkable little city on foot
Brisk walk to dinner at Skál!, ÓX, or Seabaron
Day 4: City morning & Blue Lagoon check-in
It really is such a lovely little city.
Enjoy your included excellent breakfast at the EDITION and a relaxed morning in the city:
Walk and shop the Laugavegur area
Browse local design shops, bookstores, and Icelandic wool stores, and grab a coffee or fabulous pastry at Sandholt
Hallgrímskirkja Church and city view: Pop into Iceland’s most iconic church, then take the elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city and harbor.
Reykjavík Art Museum or National Museum of Iceland: Both are walkable from central hotels, offer a nice intro to Icelandic culture and history, and are easy to dip into for an hour or so.
Sun Voyager sculpture and waterfront stroll: A quick photo stop or peaceful walk along the path that hugs the north shore of the city.
Grab a hot dog with all the fixin's at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur before leaving town—and if you're in town on a weekend, swing into Kolaportið flea market for a quirky little treasure hunt.
Drive to Silica Hotel (about 45 mins), check into your room overlooking moss-covered lava fields, and float in the hotel's incredible private lagoon.
Dinner onsite or nearby—Lava or Max’s at Northern Light Inn.
Day 5: Full day of relaxation
A corner of Silica Hotel's sprawling private lagoon
Enjoy a full day of calm and warmth in the private Silica Lagoon
Use your included VIP pass to visit the main Blue Lagoon if desired
Take in "The Ritual" and book an in-lagoon massage for utter bliss
Enjoy an incredible tasting menu dinner at Moss Restaurant (Michelin-starred, advance booking needed), with a private shuttle from Silica
End your evening with a soak in the Silica Lagoon, and if you're lucky, glimpse the Northern Lights from the warmth of the milky-blue water
Day 6: Departure day
A last look over the lava fields
Enjoy an extended breakfast at the hotel and, if time allows, one last soak in the Silica Lagoon
Drive to the airport (about 15 minutes) and return your rental car
Pick up any last-minute treats at Duty Free or the Blue Lagoon shop (discounted with your Silica stay—and since it's post-security you can stock up on the big sizes) before boarding relaxed and refreshed!
Need to know
Iceland is really easy to explore, especially if you’re renting a car, and the drives are a big part of the experience—it is a very easy country to drive in, even in the winter (if you're at all used to winter conditions). In all seasons, having layers, sturdy shoes, and a waterproof jacket are necessary for any hiking, even though all recommended hikes are on maintained trails. Food can be expensive, but all suggested hotels include a fabulous and hearty breakfast, and there are plenty of casual places (and even gas stations) that serve surprisingly great meals. My biggest tip is not to try to cram too much in on a time-specific schedule, as some of the best parts of being in Iceland are the unexpected stops along the way.
Travel Advisor
Molly Chester
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