Wondering what to do with a Five Day Stopover in Iceland? I've created an example itinerary of what you can do, where you can go and what you can see! You'll find my full day itineraries with a mid-day arrival on day one and a morning departure on day five. And plenty of activities from organized day tours to the little extras that make all the difference when visiting a country, like the very Icelandic trifecta tradition - hot dog, swim and ice cream.
I tried to avoid a simple checklist itinerary but instead focused on amazing sights and the small things in Icelandic culture. I hope it helps you build your very own 5 Day Stopover Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival & Reykjavík Exploration
12:00–13:00: Arrival at KEF Airport & Transfer to Reykjavík
Welcome to Iceland! After landing at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), you’ll grab your bags, clear customs, and hop into a private airport shuttle for an easy ride into Reykjavík. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and as you drive through the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, you’ll get your first taste of Iceland’s raw and otherworldly landscape.
13:30–14:30: Café Stop – Reykjavík Roasters
After checking into your hotel or dropping off your luggage, ease into your Icelandic adventure with a visit to Reykjavík Roasters, one of the city’s best cafés. This is a great place to fuel up with a strong cup of locally roasted coffee and a flaky croissant. It's a cozy spot, perfect for getting your bearings before setting out for the afternoon.
15:00–17:00: Visit Perlan – Wonders of Iceland
Make your way to Perlan, Reykjavík’s interactive science museum with a 360-degree observation deck offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Walk through an indoor ice cave, experience the Áróra Planetarium Show, and explore exhibits on glaciers, volcanoes, and earthquakes—all within a futuristic glass dome atop Öskjuhlíð Hill.
19:30–21:30: Dinner at Hlemmur Food Hall
For your first dinner in Iceland, head to Hlemmur Mathöll, Reykjavík’s lively food hall inside a repurposed bus terminal. Here, you can sample Icelandic specialties or opt for international flavors—from fresh seafood and grilled meats to Vietnamese street food and Italian pizza. It’s the perfect laid-back spot to start your trip.
Day 2: Blue Lagoon & Relaxation
08:00–11:00: Morning at Leisure
Start your day at a slow and cozy pace. Stroll through Reykjavík’s streets, grab breakfast at Brauð & Co (their cinnamon rolls are legendary), or visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, Reykjavík’s tallest building, for stunning city views.
12:30–17:00: Blue Lagoon Experience
A pre-booked shuttle will pick you up for a visit to Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s iconic geothermal spa. Relax in the steaming blue waters, enjoy a silica mud mask, sip a drink at the swim-up bar, and unwind in the saunas and steam rooms built into the lava field. If you want to take relaxation to the next level, book an in-water massage—it’s pure magic.
17:30–Late: Pre-Dinner Drinks, Dinner & After-Drinks
After freshening up, ease into the evening with pre-dinner drinks at Apótek Bar, where you can enjoy expertly crafted Icelandic cocktails. For dinner, Matarkjallarinn (Food Cellar) is a must-visit, offering a cozy atmosphere and dishes like slow-cooked lamb and Arctic char, often accompanied by live piano music. End the night at Kaffibarinn for drinks and a taste of Reykjavík’s nightlife.
Day 3: The Golden Circle & Icelandic Trifecta
08:30–17:30: Golden Circle Adventure
The day begins with a morning pickup as you set off on Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route—a journey through some of the country’s most breathtaking natural and historical wonders. The drive out of Reykjavík quickly transitions from city streets to vast lava fields, rolling farmlands, and dramatic mountain backdrops, giving you a glimpse of Iceland’s ever-changing landscapes before arriving at your first stop.
Your first destination is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of immense historical and geological significance. This is where Iceland’s first parliament, Alþingi, was established in 930 AD, making it one of the oldest in the world. As you walk through the rift valley, you’ll literally be stepping between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are slowly drifting apart. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of the crystal-clear waters of Silfra, a fissure between the plates that’s one of the top snorkeling and diving spots on the planet.
Next, you’ll continue the journey to the Geysir Geothermal Area, home to bubbling hot springs and the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters (98 feet) into the sky. The entire area is alive with geothermal energy—steam rising from the ground, mineral-rich pools glistening in hues of blue and green, and the unmistakable scent of sulfur lingering in the air. It’s an exhilarating place to witness the raw power of Iceland’s volcanic activity up close.
The final stop on your Golden Circle adventure is the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. Fed by glacial runoff from Langjökull glacier, the mighty river cascades down in two tiers, plunging into a rugged canyon below. Standing on the viewing platforms, you can feel the mist on your face and hear the thunderous roar of the falls—an experience that truly captures the untamed beauty of Iceland’s landscapes. On sunny days, a rainbow often forms in the mist, creating a picture-perfect moment.
18:00–21:30: The Icelandic Trifecta
After a fun day exploring the Golden Circle, it’s time to embrace an Icelandic tradition: a hot dog, a swim, and ice cream—because no matter the season, locals swear by this simple but perfect combination. Start with a quick stop at Bæjarins Beztu, Reykjavík’s legendary hot dog stand, where you’ll taste the famed pylsur, topped with crispy onions, mustard, kethup and remoulade.
Once you’ve refueled, it’s time to hit the pools. If you’re staying in central Reykjavík, Sundhöllin is your best bet, offering geothermal outdoor and indoor pools, hot tubs, and even a cold plunge. If you have a car and want a quieter, more local experience, head to Árbæjarlaug, a neighborhood pool with a more relaxed vibe. Soaking in naturally heated waters under the open sky is one of the most cherished Icelandic pastimes, and there’s no better way to unwind after a long day of adventuring.
To top off the evening, make your way to Vesturbæjarís or Huppa ísbúð, two of Reykjavík’s favorite ice cream spots. It doesn’t matter if it’s freezing cold outside—Icelanders love their ice cream year-round. Whether you go for a simple vanilla soft serve or a decadent mix of toppings, this is the sweetest way to end your day.
Day 4: The South Shore Adventure
08:30–19:00: South Shore Tour
Your fourth day in Iceland takes you along the South Shore, a stretch of coast that feels like it belongs on another planet. The drive itself is an adventure—endless moss-covered lava fields, black sand plains, and towering cliffs carved by time and the relentless North Atlantic winds. Your guide will pick you up early for this full-day tour, which takes you to some of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, the famous waterfall you can actually walk behind. Water cascades from a 60-meter-high (197 feet) cliff, creating a shimmering curtain that you can pass through—just be prepared to get a little wet! A short walk away, you’ll find Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall tucked inside a canyon, a lesser-visited but equally mesmerizing spot.
Next, you’ll visit Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. The sheer force of the water plunging from 62 meters (203 feet) high creates an incredible mist, often resulting in a vivid double rainbow. If you’re up for it, climb the 527 steps to the viewing platform for a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Continuing east, you’ll arrive at Reynisfjara, the world-famous black sand beach. The contrast of the jet-black volcanic sand, the towering basalt columns, and the roaring waves of the Atlantic makes this one of Iceland’s most striking landscapes. The nearby village of Vík offers a great place for a quick coffee break and a look at its charming red-roofed church, which sits atop a hill overlooking the coast. I recommend a stop at Icewear (also known as Víkurprjón) to have a look at gorgeous wool products.
Before heading back to Reykjavík, you might catch a glimpse of Eyjafjallajökull, the infamous volcano whose 2010 eruption disrupted air travel across Europe. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about the volcanic activity that has shaped Iceland’s dramatic landscape.
20:00–Late: A Memorable Final Dinner
For your last evening in Iceland, indulge in an unforgettable meal. Reykjavík has no shortage of incredible dining experiences, so be sure to book ahead. If seafood is your thing, Sjávargrillið offers fresh and innovative takes on Icelandic fish dishes. If you’re in the mood for perfectly grilled Icelandic lamb or beef, Grillmarkaðurinn is a great choice. La Primavera, located inside Harpa Concert Hall, serves Italian-inspired dishes with a stunning ocean view. Or, for something equally cozy and contemporary, Kol Restaurant combines fresh local ingredients with a chic dining atmosphere. Whatever you choose, this meal will be the perfect send-off before your final day in Iceland.
Day 5: Departure
06:00: Private Airport Shuttle to KEF
Your Icelandic adventure may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the morning has to be rushed. With a mid-morning flight, the best way to ensure a stress-free departure is to book a private airport shuttle. This door-to-door service allows you to enjoy a relaxed final morning in Reykjavík before making your way to Keflavík International Airport.
07:00: A Final Pastry at Brauð & Co
If you have time before heading to the airport, start your day the way the locals do—with a visit to Brauð & Co. This bakery is known for its buttery, fluffy cinnamon rolls and freshly baked sourdough breads. Grab a coffee, savor one last taste of Iceland, and soak in the atmosphere of early morning Reykjavík before saying your goodbyes.
What is a Stopover?
A stopover is when a traveler stays in a connecting country for long enough to leave the airport and explore the connecting country before continuing to their final destination. Iceland’s location between North America and Europe makes it an ideal place for an extended layover. The Icelandic airline Icelandair even offers stopover free of charge for up to 7 days.
What is a Stopover Tour?
A stopover tour is a structured itinerary designed to help visitors make the most of their short stay in Iceland. These tours typically include transportation, sightseeing, local experiences, and often also accommodation ensuring you maximize your time. Anyone can book a stopover tour, whether you’re on an extended layover or visiting Iceland as your primary destination.
Is it Worth Going to Iceland for 5 Days?
Is it worth it? Absolutely. Is it long enough? Absolutely not and you're guaranteed to be planning your next trip soon after. Five days allows you to experience a lot of Iceland's amazing sights and charm including the city of Reykjavík, geothermal areas and hot springs, the Golden Circle, and even the dramatic South Shore. Some people even drive the whole ring road in five days to cover more ground.
To make the most of a 5-day Stopover in Iceland it's all about planning your time down to a t. You can join organized tours with hotel pick up and drop off to make things as easy as possible and then don't forget to make room for some down time and strolls around the city.
Get ready for an unforgettable five days in Iceland!