Iceland Travel Itinerary

Planning a trip to the Land of Fire and Ice? This detailed Iceland itinerary with help you to explore this European country where you can enjoy geysers, hot springs, lava fields, Aurora Borealis, volcanoes along with its own rich cultural heritage.If you are interested to go to Iceland, a 3-5 day trip is more than enough.Whether you are visiting for a few days or a full week, this will help you create the perfect Iceland travel itinerary for your dream adventure.

This blog lists out a comprehensive 5 days Iceland travel itinerary for Indians, tips for first timers, departure and arrival points in Iceland, main modes of transportation along with the best places and activities you should go for in Iceland.

Getting around in Iceland

Arrival: Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Keflavík

• You can easily find connecting flights through major international hubs such as Dubai, Amsterdam, London, Copenhagen, or Frankfurt.
• Most international travellers arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), 50 km from Reykjavík. 

Main Location: Reykjavík

• For first-time visitors, Reykjavík is a fantastic main point. Since it is Iceland’s capital, you can find a wide variety of neighbourhoods catering to all types of travellers. You can reach your hotel from KEF Airport by a taxi, a shared bus service or by shuttle. The journey to the City centre takes about 45 minutes by road.
• The best places to stay in Iceland are in the capital city:

1. Miðbær (Midbaer) is also centrally located and connected to major tourist landmarks in Reykjavík
2. Reykjavík is the heart of the city’s culture, nightlife, and culinary scene. This area is well-connected to key attractions and serves as a departure point for many tours.

Transport options in Iceland

Iceland offers a range of transportation options that are efficient and safe for visitors. 

• Car: It is the main and most personal form of transportation to travel between short distances like cities or sites. A car can be rented too and drives are smooth, and each turn holds a scenery to withhold!

• Buses: Buses connect major towns and connect to highlands during Summer. Buses are operated by private companies and are a convenient and only form of public transport in Iceland.

• Taxi/Shuttle: Instead of Ola or Uber, you can avail taxi or shuttle for short distances. It saves time and effort, but is pricey. 

• Ferries: Ferries connect the major ports and is another form of public transport for reaching fjords and islands which is not accessible by roads. 

• Domestic Flights: If everything fails, you can book domestic flights to cities across Iceland for convenience for remote and highly inaccessible areas. It saves time. 

Iceland itinerary: 5 days Trip

Experience the best of Iceland in just five days with this planned trip. From the vibrant capital Reykjavík to the breathtaking Golden Circle, dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and steaming geothermal wonders, this itinerary captures the country’s most iconic sights.

Day 1: Explore Reykjavík

You should start your Icelandic adventure by exploring Reykjavík attractions in the afternoon after settling in the hotel. You’ll be staying overnight here.

• Soak in Blue Lagoon: 

This geothermal spa, situated approximately 20 km from the airport, is ideal for unwinding after an exhausting flight. Its mineral-rich, milky-blue geothermal waters are famous for their skin-repairing qualities, and the adjacent black lava fields form a strikingly surreal scenery. Amenities feature saunas, steam rooms, and in-water massages, creating a total wellness retreat.

• Stunning Sky Lagoon: 

Make your way to Sky Lagoon, located only 15 minutes from Reykjavík’s city center. Its breathtaking infinity pool gazes out over the expansive North Atlantic Ocean, producing a wonderful fusion of tranquility and views.

The main focus is the distinct 7-step process, featuring a mix of hot pools, cold dips, saunas, and steam baths for complete revitalization. Observing the sunset or the Northern Lights from the lagoon creates an unforgettable experience.

• Tall Hallgrímskirkja Church:

This famous church, standing 74 meters tall, towers over Reykjavík’s skyline and is the tallest in Iceland. Motivated by basalt lava formations, its eye-catching design represents Iceland’s volcanic scenery.

Guests can ride an elevator to the top of the tower for stunning panoramic vistas of the vibrant rooftops, mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.  

• The Graceful Sun Voyager: 

Designed by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason, it represents exploration, liberty, and the infinite quest for new horizons. The combination of mountains and ocean creates a mesmerizing scene at sunrise or sunset, as the light beautifully reflects off the steel frame. It’s a tranquil place to stop and absorb Reykjavík’s nautical essence.

• Laugavegur Shopping-Street:

This avenue is an all-in-one culinary zone packed with cafés, shops, and eateries. Sample Icelandic lamb soup or seafood chowder for dinner here. Conclude your day with a walk down Laugavegur, the primary shopping and dining thoroughfare in Reykjavík.

As night falls, the street changes into a lively scene with colourful nightlife, featuring bars and music spots for those looking to enjoy Reykjavík’s social atmosphere.

Day 2: Golden Circle Day Trip

It takes about 3 hours of driving (one way)from the capital to reach the Golden Circle. Start early so that you can easily return to Reykjavík for the night and cover the following historic and dramatic spots during the day:

• Thingvellir National Park: 

Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a geological and historical gem situated only 45 minutes from Reykjavík. In this location, you can truly walk between the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America, which gradually separate a little more each year.

This rift valley serves as a vivid reminder of Iceland’s distinct position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Þingvellir is the location where the world’s oldest Parliament, Althingi, was established in 930 AD.

• Geysir Geothermal Area: 

After about an hour’s drive, you’ll reach the bubbling Geysir geothermal area, featuring hot springs, active geysers, and boiling mud pools. The main highlight is Strokkur, which erupts scalding water up to 30 meters high every 5–10 minutes, exciting spectators.

The region is also abundant with vibrant mineral formations and steam vents emitting a sulfuric odor, crafting an otherworldly scenery.

• Golden Gullfoss Waterfall: 

Just 10 minutes from the Geysir region is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls. This dual-level waterfall drops steeply into a rugged gorge shaped by the Hvítá River.

During sunny days, the mist frequently creates rainbows, turning it into a photographer’s paradise. A network of trails and observation decks enables you to experience its sheer force from various perspectives.

Day 3: South Coast Day Tour

The South Coast is one of Iceland’s most stunning regions, full of natural beauty and landscapes. You should expect to spend a full-day trip with around 5 hours of total driving (two-way). It is recommended to leave early in the morning and return to Reykjavík for the night.

• Unique Seljalandsfoss: 

Seljalandsfoss is a distinctive waterfall located in Iceland. What sets it apart is the pathway that lets you walk behind the curtain of water for a unique view. The view of the sun gleaming through the fog is enchanting, notably at sunset. Close by, you can also discover Gljúfrabúi, a concealed waterfall located within a narrow gorge.

• Majestic Skógafoss:

Only 30 minutes away, you will find Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s favorite waterfalls. A staircase with close to 500 steps takes you to a scenic viewpoint above the falls, presenting expansive views of the coast and the Skógá River.

On bright days, double rainbows frequently emerge in the haze, crafting a storybook-like picture. For those with extra time, hiking paths from this point link to the renowned Fimmvörðuháls Pass, situated between glaciers.

• Black Sand Beach (Reynisfjara): 

Drive for an additional 30 minutes to arrive at Reynisfjara, the renowned black sand beach close to the village of Vík. This volcanic shore is notable for its pitch-black sand, towering basalt formations, and stunning sea stacks known as Reynisdrangar. Stay protected from sneaker waves.

Day 4: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Our next stop is to drive 2.5–3 hours from Reykjavík to reach this beautiful peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a little bit of everything. It is best to stay the night in Reykjavík after the day trip.  Please start early with a view to cover the following natural beauties: 

•  Stykkishólmur Town: 

Stykkishólmur serves as an important maritime center in western Iceland, mainly providing access to nearby islands via frequent boat trips. The town boasts multiple museums highlighting local history and maritime traditions, along with various seafood-centric restaurants. 

• Snaefellsjökull National Park: 

Snæfellsjökull National Park features a varied geological terrain highlighted by the Snæfellsjökull stratovolcano, topped with a glacier. The park is characterized by vast lava fields, volcanic craters, and mossy landscapes.

Tourists can explore well-marked hiking paths, featuring trails that lead through lava caves and alongside notable black sand beaches like Djúpalónssandur. The contrast of glacial ice alongside volcanic formations offers a distinct analysis of opposing natural elements.

• Kirkjufell Mountain: 

Kirkjufell, often referred to as “Church Mountain,” is among the most photographed natural landmarks in Iceland owing to its symmetrical shape and closeness to the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall.

The location serves as a central hub for landscape photography, offering ideal conditions during different seasonal events, such as the midnight sun and northern lights.

• Arnarstapi Cliffs: 

Arnarstapi is a seaside village known for its striking basalt cliffs, formed through relentless coastal erosion. The region has distinct walking trails that run along the cliff tops, providing vistas of natural arches, seabird habitats, and notable geological structures. These attributes offer chances for both brief hikes and the observation of coastal landforms.

Day 5: Adventures in Reykjavík & Departure

Spend your last day enjoying activities in and around the capital before your evening flight back to India. Keflavík International Airport is about 45 minutes by car from the city. 

• Whale Watching Tour: 

Start your day at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík with a guided tour for whale watching. These excursions usually span 3–4 hours and offer chances to see different marine animals, such as humpback and minke whales, harbour porpoises, and dolphins, in their natural environment.

Attendees should come prepared with suitable clothing for changing weather and visual tools for the best observation and recording.

• Horseback Riding Experience: 

After the marine tour, head to the outskirts of Reykjavík for a horseback riding experience with Icelandic horses. Famous for their distinctive “tölt” gait and ability to thrive in Icelandic landscapes, these horses provide a smooth and enjoyable riding experience.

Tours lasting typically 2–3 hours explore various terrains, such as lava fields, meadows, and coastal paths, offering participants a comprehensive view of Iceland’s natural and geological attributes.

• Glass Harpa Concert Hall: 

Head back to Reykjavík and explore Harpa Concert Hall, a significant representation of modern Icelandic architecture. The glass exterior of the structure is designed to mirror surrounding light and atmospheric conditions, providing both visual appeal and practical benefits.

Within, the venue contains various performance areas, display zones, and coffee shops. Even without planned events, the architecture and facilities of the building deserve to be investigated.

• Futuristic Perlan Museum: 

Head to Perlan, a geodesic dome located on Öskjuhlíð Hill. This museum features interactive displays on glaciology, volcanology, and various geoscience subjects pertinent to Iceland.

Key attributes consist of an engaging planetarium that can replicate auroral events and an observation platform offering sweeping 360-degree vistas of Reykjavík and nearby geological structures.

• Souvenir Shopping in Reykjavík: 

Finish your itinerary by revisiting the Laugavegur shopping area. This region provides a variety of Icelandic items, including classic woolen sweaters (lopapeysa), artisan jewelry made from volcanic resources, and regionally crafted sweets.

Departure to India from Iceland

In the evening, head towards Keflavík Airport for your departure back to India. Most flights to India have late evening schedules, making it convenient to enjoy Reykjavík until the afternoon. You need to start early since it is 50 km from the Reykjavík. You can opt for indirect flights to Bengaluru, Chennai or Hyderabad with a layover at Lufthansa. Furthermore, you can opt for the only direct flight to New Delhi from Reykjavík, which takes 14 hours. It takes around 18–30 hours.

Before You Go: Iceland Visa Requirements

Planning your dream Iceland adventure is exciting, but don’t forget to check the Iceland visa requirements before booking your flights. Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Iceland, as it is part of the Schengen Area.

For a step-by-step application process, fees, and required documents, read our detailed guide on Iceland visa for Indians to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.