5 Days in Reykjavik
Volcanoes, glaciers, northern lights, and pure Nordic magic
Quick Facts
Language
Icelandic / English
Currency
Icelandic Krona (ISK)
Plug Type
Type C / F
Time Zone
GMT+0
Best time to visit: June-August (midnight sun) or Sept-March (northern lights)
Budget Breakdown (per day)
Backpacker
$120 / day
Hostels, street food, public transport
Mid-Range
$260 / day
3-star hotels, restaurants, some tours
Luxury
$550 / day
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
Can't-Miss Highlights
Sample 5-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day starting plan — customize it to your pace and interests with the app.
Arrive & Reykjavík
Blue Lagoon (pre-booked)
Perfect first stop from the airport — shuttle directly.
relaxationCheck into Reykjavík hotel
Stay downtown — everything's walkable.
accommodationHallgrímskirkja church & elevator view
Reykjavík's landmark and best panoramic view.
sightseeingDinner at Dill (Michelin-starred)
Book months ahead — or try Fish Market instead.
foodGolden Circle
Þingvellir National Park
Walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
natureGeysir & Strokkur
Active geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes.
natureLunch at Friðheimar tomato farm
Tomato soup grown in geothermal greenhouses — unique.
foodGullfoss waterfall
Thunderous two-tiered glacier waterfall.
natureSecret Lagoon (Flúðir)
Way less touristy than Blue Lagoon, half the price.
relaxationSouth Coast waterfalls & beaches
Seljalandsfoss (walk behind the waterfall)
Bring a rain jacket — you WILL get wet.
natureSkógafoss waterfall
60-meter cascade, climb stairs on the side for top view.
natureLunch at Pakkhús, Höfn
Famous for langoustine (lobster) — Iceland's specialty.
foodReynisfjara black sand beach
Basalt columns + dangerous sneaker waves — stay back from the water.
natureDyrhólaey cliffs & puffins (summer)
Best puffin spotting April-August.
natureDinner + Northern Lights hunt (Oct-Mar)
Download the Aurora app; dark sky areas required.
adventureJökulsárlón & Diamond Beach
Drive east to Jökulsárlón (4hr each way)
Long drive but the scenery is the point.
transportJökulsárlón glacier lagoon
Floating icebergs, seals — like another planet.
natureDiamond Beach
Black sand beach scattered with crystal-clear icebergs.
natureLunch at Fjallsárlón glacier
Lesser-known glacier lagoon with a great cafe.
foodReturn to Vik or Reykjavík
Stay overnight in Vik if doing a 2-day south coast loop.
transportReykjavík & departure
Harpa Concert Hall
Icon of modern Reykjavík architecture.
cultureOld Harbor walk + whale watching (optional)
3-hour tour — minke whales common in summer.
natureLunch at Bæjarins Beztu hot dogs
Legendary hot dog stand — Bill Clinton ate here.
foodSky Lagoon (alternative to Blue Lagoon)
Infinity pool overlooking the ocean, 7-step ritual.
relaxationHead to Keflavík Airport (KEF)
Flybus is cheapest; 45-min drive.
transportLocal Tips
Rent a car — it's the only real way to see Iceland.
Fuel stations: fill up whenever you see one; they can be 100+ km apart.
Water is the world's purest — drink from taps, don't buy bottled.
Iceland is EXPENSIVE — $20 pints, $40 entrees. Budget accordingly.
Check the weather + road conditions daily at vedur.is and road.is.
Build your own Reykjavik trip in seconds
This sample itinerary is a starting point. Let triprovo's AI tailor every day to your interests, budget, and travel style — complete with transit times, bookings, and local recommendations.
