Continental Plate, Geysers, Glaciers, Waterfalls – A 5-Day Journey in Iceland Touring its Must-See Attractions
5 Days
€1,328〜 /Per Person (Based on Double Occupancy)
-
Included in the Price
Included Items
- 5-day station wagon rental
- 5 nights at 2- to 3-star hotels & guesthouses
- Amphibious boat tour on a glacier lagoon
- Map
- On-site support in Iceland
-
Included in the Price
Excluded Items
- International flight tickets and taxes
- Other personal expenses such as travel insurance or souvenirs
- Tips
Recommended Highlights of the Trip
This is a 5-day model itinerary that thoroughly covers Iceland’s must-see attractions—including the iconic Golden Circle—amidst its breathtaking natural beauty.
Iceland’s Golden Circle is an area in the southwest that encompasses Lake Þingvallavatn and its eastern surroundings, where you can witness several unique natural landscapes rarely found elsewhere in the world.
Marvel at breathtaking sights such as a rare exposed rift in the Earth’s surface, a geyser that still erupts roughly every 10 minutes, the powerful Gullfoss (featured in films), and vast crater lakes.
Along the southern coast from west to east, you can see numerous beautiful waterfalls formed by melting snow and glaciers. Unlike the waterfalls in Japan—which are often surrounded by trees and feature deep plunge pools—these falls have a distinct charm. Additionally, the all-black sand beaches created by volcanic ash offer a truly unique landscape.
Even in summer, you can catch a glimpse of an icy world at some of the largest glaciers in the world, such as Vatnajökull, as well as at Skafafell National Park and glacier lagoons.
In Reykjavík, you’ll find plenty of cultural spots, from landmarks and souvenir shops to museums.
In Iceland, the things you can see while driving are also fascinating. The scenery is completely different from Japan, such as the scenery of solidified magma, the moon-like scenery with volcanic ash spreading, geothermal power generation pipes, and vast grasslands where sheep and horses run freely in summer. The road is not too crowded once you leave the area around the capital city Reygavik, so you can rest assured.
Moreover, while Icelandic is notoriously challenging, most tourist spots provide information in English and there are plenty of English speakers, so you can travel with confidence.
At Oooh, we can also consult and make arrangements for additional spots or activities not included in the model itinerary, according to your needs.
We also recommend adding an extra day to your standard 5-day itinerary to experience quintessential Icelandic activities—such as horseback riding on Icelandic horses, a geothermal bakery tour, a lava cave tour, a fishing trip, a volcano exploration tour, or a river rafting adventure—if you’re eager to try something new.
Itinerary Details
-
Day 1
Golden Circle
Pick up your rental car at the airport and head out to explore the Golden Circle!
★ Golden Circle Tour
The Golden Circle is a must-see area in southwest Iceland that includes Lake Þingvallavatn and its eastern surroundings, offering a range of rare natural landscapes.
Lake Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland, situated right next to the boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates—a rare, exposed rift in the Earth’s surface that continues to slowly shift.
Additionally, you’ll find many highlights including the Geysir geothermal area (from which the English word ‘geyser’ originates—even though the original Geysir is currently dormant, nearby geysers erupt roughly every 10 minutes), the cinematic Gullfoss, Kerið crater lake, and the spa town of Kveragil.
The Golden Circle is a well-established tourist destination that also shows a respect for the natural environment.
Breakfast: × / Lunch: × / Dinner: ×
Accommodation: Reykjavík
-
Day 2
Southwestern Part of the Island and the Black Sand Beach
After breakfast, head toward the black sand beach while touring several waterfalls in the southern part of the island.
Along the way, you’ll see beautiful canyons and three famous volcanoes in Iceland—Eyjafjallajokull, Hekla, and Katla. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter some puffins.
★ Icelandic Waterfalls
The waterfalls, known as “foss” in Icelandic, are created from the glaciers in the central part of the island as well as from the melting winter snow, and they vary widely in size. Unlike those in Japan, they aren’t covered by trees and rarely feature deep plunge pools, so their majestic forms can be admired from afar as a distinctive part of the Icelandic landscape. Moreover, many falls allow you to get close enough to feel the spray or even walk behind them.
★ Black Sand Beach Tour
The black sand beach is a popular spot in the picturesque South Coast area.
Volcanic ash has created a stretch of deep black sand along the beach. As an option, you can also experience a 4WD buggy ride along the coast.
Breakfast: Yes / Lunch: No / Dinner: No
Accommodation: Vík
-
Day 3
Skaftafell National Park and Glacier Lagoon
After breakfast, head to the southeastern region, home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
★ Skaftafell National Park Tour
Spanning the gaps between sections of the Vatnajökull glacier that dominates southeastern Iceland, Skaftafell National Park offers breathtaking views of majestic canyons and glaciers. With a wealth of hiking trails available, an optional hike is also recommended.
★ Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tour
Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon showcases fragments of ice, having tumbled from Vatnajökull, flowing into the sea amid drifting icebergs. The ice either makes its way into the Atlantic Ocean or is eventually washed up on Diamond Beach. Renowned as a breeding ground for wild seals, you might even spot one if you’re lucky. An amphibious boat tour is available to explore the glacier lagoon.
Breakfast: Yes / Lunch: No / Dinner: No
Accommodation: Skaftafell
-
Day 4
Southwest Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a drive towards Reykjavik, stopping at various sightseeing spots and waterfalls in the southwest.
Optional activities can be included along the way.
★ Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
At Solheimasandur, a black sand beach formed by volcanic ash, you can find the wreckage of a U.S. Navy transport plane that crashed in 1973. Despite the crash, all seven crew members emerged unscathed and the aircraft remained relatively intact, making it a popular tourist destination.
★ The Geothermal Town of Kveiragelji
Situated in an active geothermal area, this town is renowned for its flourishing greenhouse agriculture that harnesses geothermal heat. It cultivates everything from common houseplants to tropical species such as bananas and cacti, with tropical fruits even being shipped domestically.
Its relatively high rate of clear skies also makes it an ideal location for aurora viewing.
Breakfast: Yes / Lunch: No / Dinner: No
Accommodation: Reykjavík
-
Day 5
Reykjavik Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Reykjavik.
★Reykjavik
It is said to be the northernmost of the world’s capitals, known for its abundant greenery, beauty, and safety.
There are many notable places to visit, including iconic sites such as Hallgrímskirkja perched on a hill and the sculpture known as the Sun Voyager along the coast, as well as the main street lined with numerous souvenir shops and Icelandic wool stores. While simply walking around town is enjoyable, you might also consider adding optional tours to visit museums—one that explains Iceland’s origins and natural features and another that explores Viking history.
Breakfast: Yes / Lunch: No / Dinner: No
Accommodation: Reykjavík
Consult via Chat
