5-Day Iceland South Coast Itinerary: Summer/Winter

Jan In Iceland - (janiniceland)
Itinerář vytvořil
Jan In Iceland
What you’ll do

What to Expect

This 5-day Iceland itinerary is designed for those who want to experience Iceland’s most breathtaking landscapes, from whale watching in Reykjavík to an unforgettable glacier hike in Skaftafell and the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You’ll explore Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, visit hidden hot springs, and witness some of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.

This itinerary is suitable for both summer and winter, with seasonal notes provided where necessary. In winter, adjustments may be needed due to daylight hours and road conditions.

This is for those who:

✅ Desire a mix of adventure and relaxation, including whale watching, glacier hiking, hot springs, waterfalls, and glaciers
✅ Are happy to drive more to see as much as possible in a short timeframe
✅ Want a well-structured plan but with room for flexibility
✅ Are visiting in either summer or winter and want guidance on seasonal adjustments

💡Customisability & Arrival/Departure Timing

This itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted based on your arrival and departure times. If your flight leaves early on Day 5, you may need to skip some activities or rearrange them based on your schedule.

Day Total

381,5 km (237,1 mi)

5 h 55 min

Celková trasa příliš dlouho na export do Google

🗺️ Day 1: Arrival – Golden Circle & Hot Spring

✈️ Arrival time :

📍Main Stops:
Thingvellir (optional – can skip in favor of Brúarfoss)

Brúarfoss – A hidden gem with blue waterfalls. (winter: can be icy but still worth a short stop if accessible).
✔ Geysir & Gullfoss
Brúarfoss – A hidden gem with blue waterfalls (summer: hike takes ~1 hr; winter: can be icy but still worth a short stop if accessible).
Secret Lagoon or Hrunalaug Hot Spring – A more natural, less touristy hot spring experience.

🚗 Drive to overnight stay: Hella or Hvolsvöllur area (closer to Day 2 locations)

🔹 Winter Note: Roads here are generally fine in winter, but start early to maximize daylight. If conditions are tough, consider skipping Brúarfoss.

✍🏻 Notes : If you'd like to visit Blue Lagoon you can do that first thing after arrival and then skipping Secret Lagoon/Hrunalaug hot springs

1

Keflavík International Airport
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Iceland's international Airport
Kategorie
MHD
Směr

✈️ Airport:

  • Visit Duty Free store (save 30-50%) If you need to buy any alcohol/tobaco

  • Pick up the car. There's a free car rental shuttle right outside the hall next to Flybus parking (easy to find, just follow the signs)

ℹ️ Car Rental

Car Rental name :

Reservation number :

2

Tento je volitelný

Blue Lagoon
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Luxurious spa retreat in Iceland
Kategorie
horké jaro
Est. Price
$$$
Směr

ℹ️ In my opinion þingvellir National Park is a little overrated, but if you enjoy visiting historical landmarks you will enjoy it.

  • if you decide to skip it, it it better to take road nr.1 towards Selfoss and then road 35 and 355 to Brúarfoss

3

Tento je volitelný

Öxarárfoss
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Picturesque waterfall in Þingvellir National Park
Kategorie
Vodopád
Est. Price
$
Směr

2,7 km (1,7 mi)

4 min

4

Tento je volitelný

Þingvallakirkja (Þingvellir church)
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Church and parliament buildings
Kategorie
Kultura
Směr

46,2 km (28,7 mi)

46 min

5

Brúarfoss
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Stunningly blue waterfall in Iceland
Kategorie
Vodopád
Est. Price
$
Směr

18,8 km (11,7 mi)

20 min

6

Geysir-Strokkur
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Famous Icelandic geyser erupting water
Kategorie
Prohlídka památek
Směr

9,8 km (6,1 mi)

10 min

7

Gullfoss Falls
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Majestic waterfall on Golden Circle
Kategorie
Vodopád
Směr

🍽️ You can have lunch at Friðheimar where they grow tomatoes and serve what's considered the best tomato soup in Iceland.

ℹ️ You will need a reservation here.

8

Friðheimar
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Icelandic tomato farm and restaurant
Kategorie
Prohlídka památek
Est. Price
$$
Směr

11,6 km (7,2 mi)

12 min

9

Vyberte si možnost, která vám nejlépe vyhovuje

Secret Lagoon
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Geothermal oasis in Iceland
Kategorie
horké jaro
Est. Price
$
Směr

💭 if you don't feel like sitting in hot springs, take a little detour to more off the beaten path sites, waterfalls Hjálparfoss and Háifoss (4x4 required)
🔹 Winter Note: Háifoss is not accessible in the winter.

10

Tento je volitelný

Hjálparfoss
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Beautiful quiet waterfall
Kategorie
Vodopád
Směr

17,3 km (10,7 mi)

16 min

11

Tento je volitelný

Háifoss
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One of my favourite waterfalls!
Kategorie
Prohlídka památek
Směr

🛏️ Check-in & dinner

  • Dinner at the hotel or one of the restaurants in the area

  • Use recommended accommodation below, pick your own from my map or use booking sites like booking.com or airbnb.com

  • Stay in the area of Hella or Hvolsvöllur for shorter drive the next day

12

Glass cottages Iceland
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Luxurious eco-friendly glass cottages
Kategorie
Hotel
Est. Price
$$
Směr

14,7 km (9,1 mi)

14 min

13

Tento je volitelný

Valhalla Restaurant
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Viking-themed eatery
Kategorie
Restaurace
Est. Price
$$
Typ restaurace
Žádný
Směr

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