5-Day Iceland South Coast Itinerary: Summer/Winter
5 days

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 1

🗺️ 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

public_transport

Iceland's international Airport

Airport is located in Keflavík (not in Reykjavík as many people think!) which is about 45min drive from capital city Reykjavík.

It is a small airport, but you will find everything you need there from restaurants, shops, info centre, atms, etc.

TIP: if you want to buy alcohol in Iceland (after arrival or as a gift home before departure) buy it here in duty free store to save some $

✈️ 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

Blue Lagoon

Hot Spring

Luxurious spa retreat in Iceland

Onlu 20 minutes drive from Keflavík international airport, Blue Lagoon Iceland Resort & Spa is a magical oasis where healing waters, luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and stunning views come together.

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

Öxarárfoss

Waterfall

Picturesque waterfall in Þingvellir National Park

Öxarárfoss is a picturesque waterfall located in Þingvellir National Park. It cascades over the cliffs of Almannagjá gorge, marking the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. With a height of 13 meters and an average width of six meters, it's a popular spot for visitors year-round.

  • Parking fee in þingvellir NP is 1.000 isk

4

Þingvallakirkja (Þingvellir church)

culture

Church and parliament buildings

Nice church with iconic prime minister's residence buildings right next to it.

5

Brúarfoss

Waterfall

Stunningly blue waterfall in Iceland

Brúarfoss waterfall in Iceland is known for its stunningly blue water, earning it the title of "Iceland's Bluest Waterfall." Visitors can reach the waterfall by either hiking a 7 km/4.4 mi trail or parking at the new paid lot for a quick 5-minute walk. The waterfall is fed by glacier melt from Langjökull glacier, giving it its unique color. While the hike offers views of smaller waterfalls along the way, opinions on whether Brúarfoss is worth the visit vary, with some finding it just okay compared to other Icelandic attractions.

  • Paid parking (Parka app) 750 isk

6

Geysir-Strokkur

Sightseeing

Famous Icelandic geyser erupting water

Strokkur erupts every 6-10 minutes, reaching heights 15-20 meters but sometimes even more.

You can hike around the area and I even recommend hiking on the trail that will lead you above the area. There's a viewing platform and a nice view.

No admission fee.

Watch my guide here : https://youtu.be/EnThhSGQH9k?si=MP8yhf1OWiLFIEwP

7

Gullfoss Falls

Waterfall

Majestic waterfall on Golden Circle

Gullfoss Falls, also known as the "Golden Waterfall," is a majestic cascade located in Southwest Iceland. With two impressive drops measuring 11 meters and 21 meters, it plunges into the Hvítá river canyon, creating a breathtaking display of nature's power.

  • You can walk down to the waterfall but also check out the upper viewing platform providing another nice view from the top

  • Downside here are the crowds as this is one of the most visited places in Iceland

🍽️ 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

Sightseeing

Icelandic tomato farm and restaurant

Friðheimar is a family-run farm in Iceland where they grow tomatoes year-round using eco-friendly methods. Visitors can tour the greenhouses, enjoy a unique dining experience surrounded by tomato plants, and even take home delicious tomato-based products from their shop. With a focus on sustainability and quality, Friðheimar offers a taste of Icelandic agriculture and hospitality in a cozy setting.

9

Secret Lagoon

Hot Spring

Geothermal oasis in Iceland

The Secret Lagoon spa in Iceland is for those seeking relaxation and a unique natural experience. it is the oldest spa in Iceland.

Downside is that due to it's rather small size it can get packed quickly. Best to visit in early morning or around noon.

💭 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

Hjálparfoss

Waterfall

Beautiful quiet waterfall

Very peaceful spot with no crowds that you should visit on your way to Háifoss. It only take a couple of minutes to walk down to the waterfall and come back up around the short circular hike.

11

Háifoss

Sightseeing

One of my favourite waterfalls!

Háifoss Waterfall, located in Iceland's stunning Þjórsárdalur Valley, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Accessible only in the summer, there's a rough gravel road leading to it. It can be done with 2wd but there're some big stones and large potholes so you would need to drive very carefully. 4x4 recommended.

You can either see the waterfall from the top or take a 30-60 min hike to the bottom of the valley where you can walk all the way to the bottom of the waterfall. A lot of water spray there so bring your rain gear and good hiking shoes!

🛏️ 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

hotel

Luxurious eco-friendly glass cottages

Glass Cottages Iceland offers a unique and sustainable accommodation experience in the midst of natural lava fields. Each cottage features a private hot tub, fully equipped kitchen, and a glass bathroom for showering under the stars or Northern lights. With a focus on ethical luxury, the cottages are designed with eco-friendly materials and vegan-friendly amenities. Guests can unwind in the cozy comfort of the cottages while immersing themselves in the breathtaking views of the Icelandic landscape. It's a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and modern comforts all rolled into one unforgettable stay.

13

Valhalla Restaurant

restaurant

Viking-themed eatery

Valhalla Restaurant in Hvolsvollur is a unique spot that combines delicious food, Viking-themed decor, and a fun atmosphere all in one place. With options like burgers, barbecue, and grilled dishes, there's something for everyone to enjoy.