5 day itinerary for Iceland
Personalized with:
I want to see the northern lights
Include typical places and restaurants
Include hikes that are not too strenuous
Include breathtaking landscapes
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Itinerary
Iceland is a stunning destination, and I’m excited to help you plan a fantastic 5-day itinerary. Let’s dive right in!
## Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik
Morning:
- Arrive at Keflavik International Airport and take a shuttle to Reykjavik.
- Check into your hotel or guesthouse. I recommend staying in the city center for easy access to attractions.
Afternoon:
- Grab lunch at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a famous hot dog stand. Their lamb hot dogs are a must-try!
- Explore the charming streets of Reykjavik. Visit Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church, and take the elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Evening:
- Dinner at Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron) for some delicious seafood. Their lobster soup is a local favorite!
- After dinner, take a Northern Lights tour. Many companies offer guided tours that take you to the best spots for viewing the auroras. Remember to dress warmly!
## Day 2: Golden Circle
Morning:
- Start your day with breakfast at Café Loki, where you can try traditional Icelandic dishes.
- Head out to the Golden Circle. Your first stop is Þingvellir National Park. Enjoy a leisurely hike through the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
Afternoon:
- Next, visit the Geysir Geothermal Area. Watch the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes—it's quite a sight!
- For lunch, stop at Geysir Glíma, a cozy restaurant nearby that serves traditional Icelandic fare.
Evening:
- Continue to Gullfoss, the stunning waterfall. There are easy walking paths to get great views.
- Head back to Reykjavik for dinner at Kopar, a lovely restaurant by the harbor with a great seafood menu.
- If the skies are clear, consider another Northern Lights tour or simply find a dark spot near the city to watch for them.
## Day 3: South Coast Adventure
Morning:
- Early breakfast at your hotel, then set off for the South Coast.
- Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You can walk behind it for a unique perspective!
Afternoon:
- Next, visit Skógafoss waterfall. There’s a staircase that leads to the top for breathtaking views, but you can also enjoy it from the base.
- For lunch, stop at The Soup Company in Vik for a warm bowl of soup.
- After lunch, take a stroll on Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. The basalt columns and sea stacks are mesmerizing!
Evening:
- Head to Dyrhólaey for stunning coastal views. There’s a short, easy hike to the top.
- Return to Vik for dinner at Halldorskaffi, a cozy spot with hearty meals.
- If conditions are right, keep an eye out for the Northern Lights again!
## Day 4: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Morning:
- After breakfast, drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik.
- Stop at Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. There’s a lovely, easy hike around the area.
Afternoon:
- Visit Arnarstapi and take the coastal walk to Hellnar. The cliffs and rock formations are stunning, and it’s an easy hike.
- For lunch, enjoy a meal at Hellnar Café, which offers beautiful views of the ocean.
Evening:
- Head to Djúpalónssandur Beach for a scenic stroll. The black pebbles and dramatic cliffs are breathtaking.
- Return to Reykjavik for dinner at Þrír Frakkar, known for its fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
- If you’re up for it, take one last chance to see the Northern Lights!
## Day 5: Blue Lagoon and Departure
Morning:
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
- Head to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak in the geothermal waters. It’s a perfect way to unwind before your departure. Make sure to book your tickets in advance!
Afternoon:
- After your soak, grab lunch at the Blue Lagoon’s Lava Restaurant for a unique dining experience with views of the lagoon.
- Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to explore more of Reykjavik or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.
Evening:
- Head to Keflavik International Airport for your departure. If you have time, enjoy a final Icelandic meal at the airport’s Keflavik Airport Restaurant.
And there you have it! A delightful 5-day itinerary filled with breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, and the magical Northern Lights. Enjoy your trip to Iceland! 🌌✨
Places of interest
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Description:** Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is a famous hot dog stand in Reykjavik, Iceland, known for serving some of the best hot dogs in the country. Established in 1937, it offers a unique blend of flavors with its lamb-based sausages, topped with a variety of condiments including crispy onions, raw onions, ketchup, and remoulade.
Hallgrímskirkja
Description:** Hallgrímskirkja is a striking Lutheran church located in Reykjavík, Iceland. It is one of the tallest structures in the country, known for its unique architectural design inspired by Iceland's natural landscapes, particularly the basalt columns found in the region. The church features a prominent tower that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron)
Description:** Sægreifinn, also known as The Sea Baron, is a popular seafood restaurant located in Reykjavik, Iceland. Renowned for its cozy atmosphere and fresh catch, it specializes in traditional Icelandic dishes, particularly its famous lobster soup and skewers of grilled fish. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and flavors.
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Iceland, known for its historical and geological significance. It is where the Althing, one of the world's oldest parliaments, was established in 930 AD. The park also sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
Geysir Glíma
Description:** Geysir Glíma is a popular geothermal area in Iceland, known for its stunning hot springs and geysers, including the famous Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes. The site offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the power of nature, with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents set against a backdrop of beautiful landscapes.
Skógafoss
Description:** Skógafoss is one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, located on the Skógá River in the southern part of the country. With a drop of 60 meters (197 feet) and a width of 25 meters (82 feet), it creates a stunning spectacle, often accompanied by rainbows on sunny days due to the mist generated by the falling water. Visitors can climb a staircase alongside the waterfall for breathtaking views from the top.
Dyrhólaey
Description:** Dyrhólaey is a stunning promontory located on the southern coast of Iceland, near the town of Vík í Mýrdal. It features dramatic cliffs, a massive archway, and breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and black sand beaches. The area is also known for its rich birdlife, including puffins during the summer months.
Kirkjufell
Description:** Kirkjufell is a stunning mountain located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland, known for its distinctive conical shape and picturesque surroundings. It is often referred to as the most photographed mountain in Iceland, especially when viewed alongside the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. The area offers breathtaking landscapes, hiking opportunities, and a chance to see the Northern Lights during winter months.
Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi is a small coastal village located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with dramatic cliffs, rugged lava formations, and picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore the area's unique rock formations, such as the famous Gatklettur arch, and enjoy hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. Arnarstapi also offers opportunities for bird watching, with various seabirds nesting along the cliffs. The village has a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Hellnar
Hellnar is a small coastal village located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with dramatic cliffs, black sand beaches, and breathtaking views of the ocean. The village offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Hellnar Café
Description:** Hellnar Café is a charming café located in the picturesque village of Hellnar, Iceland. It offers a cozy atmosphere with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, serving delicious coffee, homemade pastries, and light meals, making it a perfect stop for travelers exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Djúpalónssandur Beach
Description:** Djúpalónssandur Beach is a stunning black pebble beach located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rugged landscapes, it offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Snæfellsjökull glacier. The beach is known for its unique rock formations and remnants of a shipwreck, making it a popular spot for photography and exploration.
Blue Lagoon’s Lava Restaurant
Description:** Lava Restaurant, located at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of the surrounding lava fields and geothermal waters. The restaurant features a menu that highlights local ingredients and traditional Icelandic cuisine, all prepared with a modern twist.
Keflavik Airport Restaurant
Description:** Keflavik Airport Restaurant offers a variety of dining options for travelers, featuring both local Icelandic cuisine and international dishes in a comfortable setting. It’s a convenient spot to grab a meal or snack before your flight.