If you are dreaming of a summer adventure that feels like a journey to another planet - Iceland is the place for you. Our 5-day Iceland road trip took us through lava fields, puffin-covered cliffs, glacier lagoons, and secret waterfalls—all while cruising through the dramatic West and South of this magical Nordic island.

We spent 5 days exploring the unbelievable beauty of Iceland in the summer. Our route focused on the western and southern parts of the island, giving us the perfect blend of fire and ice—Iceland’s dramatic namesake. This was our second time to Iceland and our summer road trip felt like stepping into a storybook. This trip gave us more time to experience all the diverse natural wonders Iceland has to offer. The first time we visited Iceland, we stopped over during an authorized layover from Germany back to the U.S. While this gave us a good taste of Iceland, we really wanted to come back and spend more time exploring. If you are interested in learning more about how you can book an authorized layover/stop over and how to maximize your short time in Iceland - check out our 36 hours in Iceland post.

We started our journey by flying into Keflavík Airport, grabbing our bags, and hitting the road immediately to explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world. We were also fortunate (or unfortunate) to visit during an active volcano eruption. Within 30 minutes of starting our road trip we saw the massive plums of smoke and lava leaping from a volcano. This kicked us off into an unforgettable Iceland adventure!

Interested in a shorter trip? Check out our 36 hour layover post [Coming soon!].

Interested in learning more about stopping at the Westman Islands? Check out our mini-travel guide to visiting these beautiful islands!

🇮🇸 Why Visit Iceland?

Iceland is otherworldly. It’s like driving through an epic movie set—with volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, lava fields, and geysers around every corner. It’s perfect for those craving adventure, solitude, wildlife, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Iceland gives you the opportunity to hike on glaciers and through ice caves (even in the Summer!), see the midnight sun (or the Northern lights if you are visiting other than summer time), view and hike to towering waterfalls, observe amazing wildlife from the Icelandic horses to puffins, to lounging in beautiful hot springs, to feeling the wind whip through your hair on black sand beaches as you stare at towering rock formations (or ice formations!). You can take a relaxing trip - dipping into thermal hot springs, saunas, and then finishing your day off with delicious dinner and cocktails. You could also opt for more adventure like ATVing, ice climbing, or diving between the continents. Iceland offers those one of a kind experiences.

Whether you’re road tripping the Ring Road or just exploring the southern coast, Iceland feels like a once-in-a-lifetime trip—yet it keeps calling you back to explore.

🇮🇸 Quick Iceland Facts

Capital: Reykjavík
Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Language: Icelandic (English widely spoken)
Population: ~376,000
Timezone: GMT (no daylight saving time)
Driving: On the right-hand side
The tap water is as good as bottled - save money and drink from the tap
Iceland runs on 100% renewable energy—hydropower and geothermal.
There are no mosquitoes in Iceland but they do have midges which are most active in the summer at dusk and dawn.
Over 60% of locals believe in elves or hidden people, and roads have even been diverted to respect their folklore!

Best Time to Visit Iceland

It truly depends on what you are looking to experience.

We visited in early summer (June–July), and highly recommend it. The days are long (hello midnight sun!), roads are open, and wildlife—like puffins and seals—is abundant.

Other good options:

Spring (May): Fewer crowds, good weather (think 50s)
Fall (Sept): Dramatic colors, great for photography
Winter (Nov–Feb): For Northern Lights and icy adventures

Tip: You’ll want to book accommodations and rental cars early in summer!

Why We Chose to Explore the West & South

While the Golden Circle and Reykjavík are popular, we wanted to get a deeper taste of Iceland’s natural diversity. The West and South regions offer:

Volcanoes, lava fields, geothermal wonders (West)
Iconic waterfalls, glaciers, and black-sand beaches (South)
Off-the-beaten-path gems (like the West Man Islands!) with fewer crowds

It gave us a true “fire and ice” experience and incredible variety each day. Plus the drive was incredible with rolling lava fields covered in green moss and towering dramatic mountains with waterfalls visible the entire drive.

The Vibe: West & South Iceland

The West is the most populous portion of the island and has Iceland’s major cosmopolitan city Reykjavik. The west has tons of restaurant options, plenty of hotels, and is central to most of the major day trips. This portion of the island offers dramatic coastlines, charming fishing villages, lava cliffs, and seal watching. If you are looking for those beautiful landscapes with more amenities available (and more people around) the West is a great place to explore.

The South is postcard Iceland—glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes. It’s also a very popular area, but well worth it. As you head further southeast the roads and landscapes open up with less and less people the further east you go. Think: remote, moody weather, and authentic.

We chose this route for the variety of landscapes, easy access by car, and amazing nature experiences.

Iceland Summer Packing & Weather Tips

Expect variable weather, even in summer. Rain, wind, and sunshine can happen all in one day and if you are considering visiting a glacier (even in the Summer) be prepared for cold weather. While we were in Iceland, we experienced temperatures ranging from 66 Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius) as a high to a high of 46 Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius). We also experienced sunny days, drizzly days, and windy days - sometimes all in the same day while we were driving. Since summer brings the midnight sun (sun sets between 11 - 11:45 PM in this part of the island during July and rises between 3 - 3:45 AM) - we did not notice a huge temperature variation at night with night time temperatures hovering between 47 - 51 Fahrenheit (8 - 10 Celsius), however expect colder temperatures if you are staying closer to the glaciers.

✅ Pack:

Waterproof jacket (for men). Ash wore a jacket similar to this one for women.
Hiking boots - I wore my Columbia hiking boots when I needed some water resistance and for hiking and Ash swears by her Salomon boots.
We packed a pair of water-resistant hiking pants for park hikes. Matt also really likes these travel pants from Chubbies that are great for travel, dressing up for dinners, and hiking. Jeans are impractical in Iceland but can be being worn in mild weather around the city or for dinner. Wet jeans are never fun.
Moisture-wicking socks - be prepared to step in some rivers and streams while hiking — especially when hiking to waterfalls.
Do not forget to pack layers (fleece, thermals, t-shirts) - Dry-fit long sleeves and pull-overs are great for under jackets.
A neck gaiter came in handy especially near the cliffs and while hiking.
Swimsuit for hot springs (however darker colors can be better depending on the sulfur content in the hot springs).
Reusable water bottle (Icelandic water is great!).
Lightweight daypack for hikes.
Portable charger for long days out.
Quick Dry Towel.
Convertible fingerless gloves - when taking my water resistant pair of gloves on and off to take pictures in the rain, my fingers got so cold and swelled to the point my gloves wouldn’t fit back on my hands. Opt for a convertible pair - I wore my fingerless pair while photographing puffins for 1.5hrs and was grateful that I brought them.
A compact travel umbrella and a waterproof hat (or hood) are also nice for sudden rain storms.
Download Google Maps + offline playlists - service can get spotty the further you get away from the West Coast.

👉 Don’t overpack but do pack warm—luggage space is limited in rental cars and hotel rooms can be quite small.

Helpful Hints for Visiting Iceland

🚗 Getting Around

Renting a car is the best way to explore Iceland. We recommend a 4WD, especially in shoulder seasons or for exploring gravel roads. Even some of the main roads can have gravel portions and potholes.
👉 Compare car rentals here
Gas stations are common along the Ring Road but can be limited in rural areas-once you get out of the greater Reykjavik/Selfoss areas. Always fill up when you can.
F-roads (mountain roads) require a 4WD vehicle and are only open during the summer - but beware F-roads can require river crossings and some difficult terrain. It is best to thoroughly research your route and comfort level before taking the F-roads.

Plug Type & Electricity

Iceland uses Type F plugs (Europe standard) with 230V / 50Hz. 👉 Bring a universal travel adapter with USB ports.

SIM Cards & Wi-Fi

Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport or convenience stores.
- Top providers: Síminn, Vodafone Iceland, Nova
- Generous data packages and good coverage
We generally recommend Airalo as an eSIM option.
Wi-Fi is widespread in hotels, cafés, and many guesthouses. 👉 Use an eSIM like Airalo to set up before arrival (if you want $3 off, use referral code: MATTHE6398).

Safety Tips

Iceland is very safe, but nature is unpredictable.
- Always check weather and road conditions daily: vedur.is & road.is
- Stay behind warning signs—especially near cliffs, geysers, and beaches (Reynisfjara can be deadly!)
- Let someone know your hiking/driving route if traveling alone 👉 Consider travel insurance before your trip.

Budgeting for Iceland: How Expensive are Things in Iceland?

Iceland is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world—but it’s no secret that it comes with a hefty price tag. Iceland is an island nation and has to import a lot of different goods. From $9/gallon gas to pricey hotel stays and car rentals that add up quickly, here are a few tips to help you travel smart and still enjoy the full experience:

7 Budget-Savvy Tips for Iceland Travelers:

Expect High Gas Prices
Gas averages roughly $9 USD per gallon (around $2.30–$2.50 USD per liter), so fuel can quickly become one of your biggest expenses. Plan efficient routes and fill up in larger towns. Some rental companies will provide you a discount gas pass at Orkan gas stations. Take advantage of this small discount if you can.
Prepare for Food Costs
Dining out isn’t cheap:
- Lunch: $20–$30 USD per person (expect to pay more at nicer restaurants)
- Dinner: $35–$50+ USD per person
  👉 Grocery stores like Bónus or Krónan are great for saving money on snacks and breakfast items. We also recommend bringing some of your own snacks or protein bars to help defray costs.
Embrace Gas Station Meals
Icelandic gas stations often serve surprisingly good local food—like lamb soup, sandwiches, and the famous hot dogs (“pylsur”).
- Hot dogs: $4–$6 USD
- Meal combos: $12–$18 USD
Consider a Camper Van or RV
Save on hotels and restaurants by road tripping in a camper van:
- Average rental: $150–$250 USD per night (depending on size)
- Most come with a bed, stove, and cooking essentials
- Stay in designated camping areas around the island for budget-friendly overnights and beautiful views
Watch for Rental Car Mileage Caps
Some car rentals limit how far you can drive per day.
- Extra mileage fees can double your cost if you go over - trust us, we accidentally booked a rental car with limited mileage and quickly found out that we needed to upgrade to unlimited mileage, which nearly doubled our rental car price.
- These fees often must be paid in advance at the airport
  👉 Always confirm whether you're booking unlimited mileage before hitting the road.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Tap water in Iceland is glacier-fresh, safe, and delicious. Save money and plastic waste by refilling along the way.
Alcohol Is Pricey—Plan Ahead
Alcohol in Iceland is significantly more expensive than in the U.S. or mainland Europe:
- Beer at a bar: $10–$15 USD
- Wine by the glass: $12–$18 USD
- Cocktails: $18–$25 USD
  👉 Tip: If you plan to drink, buy wine or spirits at the airport duty-free on arrival for the best prices. Supermarkets don’t sell alcohol—only state-run liquor stores (Vínbúðin) do, and their hours are limited.

Our Top 3 Highlights

Seeing puffins on the Westman Islands—one of the largest puffin colonies in the world!
Diamond Beach & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon—icebergs, seals, and pure magic.
Brúarfoss—a small but mighty turquoise waterfall on a peaceful hike.

Our 5-Day Iceland Itinerary: West + South

Day 1: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

We started our journey with an overnight flight landing at Keflavik airport (Iceland’s main major airport), picking up our rental car, grabbing a quick breakfast and immediately hitting the road. Since this was our second trip to Iceland, we skipped the Blue Lagoon, but would recommend it as an initial place to go and relax after a long flight.

The first area on our road trip was on the Reykjanes Peninsula about a 45-minute drive from Keflavik airport heading towards Reykjavik.

Stops Near Keflavík:

Kleifarvatn Lake - beautiful lake with plenty of viewpoints and lookouts. This place feel volcanic and otherworldly.

Seltún Geothermal Area - A beautiful walking path through boiling and bubbling geothermal pools. There are also Icelandic horses right across the way!
Gígvatnsvatn (Green Lake) - A beautiful small scenic lake and a great place to picnic.
Krýsuvíkurkirkja (scenic church) - While the church itself is quite tiny and unassuming the views from the church are fantastic and the wandering sheep really add to the experience!

After these stops, we headed up north past Reykjavik, briefly stopping in the town of Borgarnes (about an hour and half drive) for a quick lunch stop at the Settlement Museum. After having some soup, we fueled up and made our way to our next stop to Snæfellsnes (about another hour northwest).

Snæfellsnes Highlights:

Gerðuberg Cliffs (basalt columns) - these massive basalt columns are a great place to stop and stretch your legs and are truly impressive to see.

Ytri-Tunga (seal spotting!) - We stayed here the longest and loved wandering the natural beach with it’s massive boulders, seaweed, and the main attraction the various seal colonies sunning and posing.
Hellnavegur & Lóndrangar Viewpoints - beautiful coastal viewpoints around the southern part of the peninsula.
Dinner: Matarlist in Ólafsvík - some of the best salmon we have ever had and the views of the harbor are beautiful.
Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss - check out the famous Mountain and waterfalls - the main attraction on the peninsula - unfortunately for us the mountain was shrouded in fog - but it was still a great stop!

Stay: Old Post Guesthouse, Grundarfjörður

Total Driving Time: 3.5 hours

Day 2: The Golden Circle

After an amazing day exploring two beautiful peninsula’s in Iceland, we drove 2 hours southeast to visit Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. The Golden Circle is a loop with some of the most iconic natural attractions in Iceland. Expect the drive to take about 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive all around the Golden Circle, but plan on spending 6-8 hours to hike and stop along the way.

These were our Highlights from the Golden Circle:

Þingvellir National Park - Beautiful National Park with waterfalls, hiking trails, rivers, and plenty of natural beauty.
- Öxarárfoss Waterfall - one of the major highlights in Þingvellir National Park, a beautiful waterfall after a short paved hike.
- Langistígur hike - after the waterfall, turn around and walk through this beautiful path between two imposing cliffs, which leads to a nice viewpoint.
Lunch: Vínastraeti Veitingahús - We had the handmade sourdough pizza here and it was really good.
Brúarfoss - this was our favorite and highlight of the day! This beautiful cascading waterfall with glacial blue waters just makes you want to marvel at it all day. There is a short hike to get to the falls with a bridge over the small river offering amazing photo opportunities.
Geysir Geothermal Area - This is a must do! Geysir is known for it’s famous Strokkur geyser which erupts every 5-10 minutes. This geothermal area has several bubbling pools and a nice hike to an overlook. There is also a welcome center where you can learn more about the geysers and stop for shopping and snacks.
Gullfoss Waterfall - One of the most well known waterfalls in Iceland, the large and imposing Gullfoss is well worth the visit. The tiered waterfall emptys into a large gorge. We really enjoyed the walking paths where you can get right next to the roaring waterfall feeling the mist on your face. Be sure to take some time to explore and get some great pictures! The visitor center also has a few stores and a cafeteria to grab food.
Kerið Crater - This hike was an unexpected treat. You can hike up and around this crater that has a small blue lake inside. Although when we were there everything was a bit smoky from a different volcano erupting, the views from the top were still fantastic.

After hiking the crater we made a short drive to the town of Selfoss where we stayed for the night.

Tip: Download the Parka app to easily pay for parking at some of the major attractions - otherwise they all have kiosks where you can pay for parking (think of this like a tourism fee).

Stay: Hotel Selfoss

Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Day 3: The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

If you are interested in learning more about the Westman Islands with more tips and tour options - check out our mini-travel guide to visiting these beautiful islands! In our opinion, the Westman Islands are one of the most underrated places in Iceland, and if you’re visiting during puffin season (May–August), you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. Consider visiting for a day (or at least 5-6 hours) to these beautiful islands, about an hour from Selfoss.

Getting There:

Take the ferry from Landeyjahöfn (40 min crossing)
We brought our car across, but buses and tours are available if you’re traveling without one

Island Highlights:

Puffin Point and walking trails—the largest puffin colony in the world and a puffin paradise!
Vikin Black Sand Beach
Eldfell Volcano Hike - beautiful 45 minute hike with incredible views
Urðaviti Lighthouse & sea arches
Stafkirkjan (Norwegian stave church)
Halldórsskora (Elephant Rock—on a golf course!)
Brothers Brewery (great local beer!)
Dinner: Gott Restaurant

Great for wildlife lovers, hikers, and anyone craving a peaceful, wild escape!

After spending the entire day on the Westman Islands, we took the 1800 (6:00 PM ferry) back and made our way further East through gorgeous moss covered lava fields, towering mountains with waterfalls, and past glaciers to the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur (about a 2 hour drive away). We planned to use this hotel as our base to visit Diamond Beach the next day.

Stay: Hotel Klaustur, Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Total drive time (not including on the island): 3 hours

Day 4: South Coast Glaciers & Beaches

After spending the night at the Hotel Klauster, we made our way another hour and half east to one of our favorite stops Diamond Beach. Along the way we had beautiful views of glaciers, towering waterfalls, and beautiful beach views. This drive was one of the most remote on the trip, and we would go tens of kilometers without seeing another car. Along the way there are plenty of great pull off spots with jaw dropping views. We were glad we took our time along this part of the drive.

Our highlights from this part of the trip (yes, this area is remote):

Diamond Beach & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (two viewing areas + optional boat tours!) - seeing towering glaciers floating in the lagoon and seeing glaciers being tossed around in the waves on the beach were some of the coolest experiences on our trip! This was such a unique stop and we spent the majority of our day wandering, hiking, and taking pictures. Just note - this area can get really busy with cars and tour buses.
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon - another small lagoon filled with glaciers, if you are looking for a little more relaxing area to enjoy the glaciers and glacier filled lagoons, be sure to stop here. You can also take a rib boat around the lagoon to get up close to the floating glaciers.

In our original plan, we were going to stop at Svartifoss waterfall for a hike to this beautiful looking waterfall and then stop at the massive gorge called Fjaðrárgljúfur; however, due to the rain, we ended up only doing a quick stop to see Stjórnarfoss (short flat trail).

After spending the majority of the day in this region we headed back west to the town of Vik (about a 2 hour and 15 minute drive), for our last overnight stay. Along the way we stopped at the Viking Park (a privately owned area where you will need to pay an entrance fee). The main attraction here other than the massive mountain coming out of the beach is the Gígjagjá (Yoda Cave). The Yoda Cave is a really cool stop and you can wander inside this small cave that resembles Yoda. Take some time to enjoy the imposing mountain, the black sand beach, and myriad of sheep wandering around before making your way to Vik.

Stay: Hotel Kría, Vik & be sure to make reservations at the restaurant for some delicious food and cocktails

Total Drive Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes

Day 5: Waterfalls & Return

Our last day in Iceland was an amazing mix of visiting black sand beaches, waterfalls, and soaking in some final scenic landscapes on the way to the airport. We first wandered around the town of Vik before making our way back to Keflavik Airport. Along the 3 hour drive back to the airport we made a few stops along the way.

Our highlights from the return back to Keflavik for our afternoon flight home:

Vík í Mýrdal Church - beautiful red roofed church with a beautiful backdrop.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach - Go check out the natural rock formations!
Dyrhólaey Lighthouse & puffin cliffs - This small mountain has a beautiful cliff walk with dramatic views of the beach and mountains, plus there were a few puffins fishing from the top of the point!
Kvernufoss (hidden waterfall!) - well maybe a not quite so hidden waterfall, but way less crowded than Skogafoss or Seljalandsfoss. There is a beautiful short hiking path along the river leading to this gorgeous waterfall that you can walk behind. Very peaceful setting.
Skógafoss - One of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland and an absolute must see!
Seljalandsfoss - this dramatic waterfall is one of the most well known in Iceland. It takes about 30-45 minutes to wander around this waterfall. Be sure to follow the path to walk behind the waterfall for amazing views.
Optional: Gljúfrabúi—we were really hoping to visit this waterfall located just beyond Seljalandsfoss, but we were running short on time so had to skip it to head to the airport. We would recommend visiting if you have time!

Return to Keflavík or Reykjavík for departure.

Total Drive Time: 3 hours

🛏️ Where We Stayed

Old Post Guesthouse, Grundarfjörður
- Cozy, clean, and full of character—set in a converted post office.
- Great location for visiting Kirkjufell and exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
- Rooms are simple but charming, and the shared kitchen is a nice bonus for road trippers.
Hotel Selfoss
- A comfortable, modern hotel right along the river in central Selfoss.
- Perfect base for exploring the Golden Circle.
- The on-site spa and restaurant make it a relaxing stop between adventures.
Hotel Klaustur
- Quiet and convenient for exploring Iceland’s southeast coast.
- Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and waterfalls (and sheep!).
- Simple rooms, friendly staff, a great restaurant and bar, and a peaceful atmosphere after a long day of exploring.
Hotel Kría, Vik
- One of the more upscale stays on our trip—sleek, stylish, and great views.
- Ideal location for visiting Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrhólaey, and nearby waterfalls.
- Excellent in-house restaurant and cocktail bar, plus breakfast is included.

🍽️ Favorite Restaurants & Cafés

Matarlist in Ólafsvík - A cozy and creative bistro tucked into a quiet fishing village. Expect hearty Icelandic comfort food with a gourmet twist—great after a long day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Gott (Westman Islands) - Fresh, flavorful, and family-run—this spot is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The menu features health-conscious dishes made from scratch, with standout seafood, homemade pasta, and lamb.
Arekie (Indian fusion, Selfoss) - A hidden gem in Selfoss serving vibrant Indian fusion cuisine in a relaxed, stylish setting. Flavorful curries, naan, and creative twists on classic dishes make this a must-stop if you're craving something different.
Hotel Kría Restaurant - Modern Icelandic fare with local ingredients, stylish plating, and a warm atmosphere. Great for a celebratory dinner after exploring the South Coast. Don’t skip dessert!
Brothers Brewery (for drinks!) - A fun, laid-back microbrewery offering unique local brews and friendly vibes. Try a tasting flight or seasonal special while soaking up the island atmosphere—perfect after a day of puffin spotting or hiking Eldfell.

Final Thoughts

Iceland is one of those rare places that still feels wild, untouched, and deeply moving. If you’re looking to chase waterfalls, watch puffins soar along cliffs, or hike through lava fields—add this 5-day Iceland road trip to your list. We hope this blog post inspires you to visit this enchanting land of fire and ice.

And don’t worry—you’ll be planning your next visit before you even board the plane home.

Interested in a shorter trip? Check out our 36 hour layover post [Coming Soon!]

Interested in learning more about stopping at the Westman Islands? Check out our mini-travel guide to visiting these beautiful islands!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you book or purchase through our links. We only recommend things we’ve personally used and loved. Thanks for supporting our blog!