How realistic is the Ring Road in 5 days?
The full Ring Road (Route 1) is roughly 1,300 km, and most guides suggest allowing a week or more to drive it comfortably. In five days it is possible on paper, but you would spend much of each day behind the wheel. Most visitors with five days are happier covering the southern half of the route properly, which includes the best-known highlights, rather than racing around the whole loop.
This itinerary takes that approach. It follows the Ring Road along the south coast as far as the glacier lagoons, then returns the same way, with notes on how to adapt it. Distances and driving times below are approximate; check current road conditions and opening hours before you go.
The 5 days at a glance
| Day | Focus | Base for the night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reykjavik and the Golden Circle | Selfoss/Hveragerdi area or Reykjavik |
| 2 | South Coast waterfalls and black sand beaches | Vik area |
| 3 | Glacier country and Jokulsarlon | Skaftafell or Hofn area |
| 4 | Return west with flexible stops | Reykjavik area |
| 5 | Geothermal pool and departure | Reykjavik/Keflavik |
Before you start
- Car or tour: A rental car gives the most flexibility in summer. If you would rather not drive, see the section on doing this without a car below, or read our guide to traveling Iceland without a car.
- Book ahead: Summer is the busiest season. Accommodation and rental cars can sell out or become expensive, so book early.
- Stay on paved roads: The Ring Road is paved. Mountain roads marked F are for suitable 4x4 vehicles only, and many rental agreements restrict them.
- Pack for variable weather: Even in summer it can be cool, windy and wet. Our Iceland travel essentials covers packing and practical basics.
Day 1: Reykjavik and the Golden Circle
After arriving at Keflavik airport, collect your car and head toward Reykjavik, or go straight to the Golden Circle if you land early.
The Golden Circle is a popular loop of three main stops, usually done in a day from Reykjavik:
- Thingvellir National Park: a UNESCO-listed site where you can walk in a rift valley between tectonic plates, and a place of historical importance to Icelanders.
- Geysir geothermal area: Strokkur erupts frequently, often every several minutes, and there is no entry fee.
- Gullfoss: a large two-tier waterfall a short drive from Geysir.
If time allows, add the Kerid crater or a stop at a geothermal greenhouse village such as Fludir. Stay the night near Selfoss or Hveragerdi, which puts you a little closer to the South Coast for Day 2, or return to Reykjavik.
Day 2: South Coast waterfalls to Vik
Follow Route 1 east. Typical highlights include:
- Seljalandsfoss: a waterfall you can usually walk behind in summer, though the path can be wet and slippery.
- Gljufrabui: a smaller waterfall hidden in a canyon just along from Seljalandsfoss.
- Skogafoss: a wide waterfall with a staircase to a viewing platform above it.
- Reynisfjara black sand beach: dramatic basalt columns, but known for dangerous waves. Sneaker waves can reach far up the beach, so keep well back from the water and heed posted warnings.
- Vik: a small village with places to eat and stay.
This day is quite achievable by car, with total driving of around two to three hours plus stops.
Day 3: Glacier country and Jokulsarlon
Continue east past lava fields and across wide outwash plains. Depending on your pace, consider:
- Fjadrargljufur canyon: a scenic canyon near Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
- Skaftafell: part of Vatnajokull National Park, with walking trails including to Svartifoss waterfall.
- Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach: icebergs drift in the lagoon and wash up on the black sand nearby.
Vik to Jokulsarlon is a long drive, commonly around three to four hours without stops, so start early. Summer’s long daylight helps. If you want to do a guided glacier walk or boat trip, book ahead and choose tours that operate in summer. Stay near Skaftafell or around Hofn.
Day 4: Head back west with flexible stops
You will mostly retrace the route, which lets you revisit anything you missed or skip, and gives a second chance at good weather for photos. Options include:
- A short hike near Skaftafell or a stop at a swimming pool in a village along the way.
- Dyrholaey viewpoint, near Vik, for coastal views (check for seasonal restrictions, as access can be limited during bird nesting).
- The Solheimajokull glacier viewpoint or a guided glacier walk from the car park area.
- The Solheimasandur plane wreck is a long walk each way, so only add it if you have the energy and time.
Aim to sleep around Hveragerdi, Selfoss or Reykjavik.
Day 5: Reykjavik, a geothermal pool and departure
Use the last day for Reykjavik before your flight. Walk to Hallgrimskirkja church, wander the harbor and downtown streets, and spend time in a public swimming pool, which is a normal part of daily life in Iceland. If your flight is later, a geothermal spa near Keflavik is a convenient way to end the trip, but check booking requirements in advance and leave generous time for the airport.
Alternatives if you want something different
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula: swap Days 3 and 4 for a loop of the peninsula west of Reykjavik, which has coastal scenery, small villages and Kirkjufell mountain. It is less driving than going to Jokulsarlon.
- See the north: The north (Akureyri, Lake Myvatn, Godafoss) is a long drive from Reykjavik. With five days, many travelers fly between Reykjavik and Akureyri instead of driving the northern stretch, though this changes the budget and logistics. Treat this as an alternative rather than an add-on.
- Slower pace: Drop Day 3’s Jokulsarlon and spend more time between Vik and Skaftafell. This is perfectly reasonable if you prefer fewer hours driving.
Doing this itinerary without a car
Many of these highlights are available on guided tours from Reykjavik: the Golden Circle and South Coast are standard day trips, and some tour operators run longer trips toward Jokulsarlon. You trade flexibility for convenience. Our guide to Iceland without a car compares tours, buses and choosing a base.
Summer practicalities
- Daylight: Days are very long in June and July, with near-continuous light in the middle of summer. This helps with long drives, but bring an eye mask for sleeping.
- Northern lights: These are generally not visible in the bright summer months; they are mostly a winter and shoulder-season activity. For winter timing, see the best places to travel in winter.
- Weather: Expect changeable conditions at any time, including rain and strong wind. Pack waterproof layers.
- Driving: Watch for single-lane bridges, gravel shoulders, sheep on the road and speed limits that are enforced. Check road conditions and weather forecasts before each long drive. Our long drive tips cover breaks and fatigue.
- Money: Cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Iceland?
It depends on what you want. Summer (roughly June to August) offers long days, open roads and easier driving, but also peak crowds and higher prices. Winter is better for northern lights and ice caves, with short days and tougher driving. May and September are often considered good middle options.
What is the Golden Circle in Iceland?
It is a popular sightseeing route in southwest Iceland connecting Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. It is commonly done as a day trip from Reykjavik.
Should I bring toilet paper to Iceland?
You do not need to bring it as a general rule. Gas stations, visitor centers, restaurants and many popular sites have toilets. In remote areas facilities may be limited, so carrying a small amount of tissue is a cautious habit if you are hiking or camping.
What should I see in Iceland if I only have five days?
For a first trip, the Golden Circle, the South Coast waterfalls, Reynisfjara, Jokulsarlon and Reykjavik cover much of what visitors usually prioritize, which is what this itinerary is built around.