BEST OF SOUTH ICELAND IN 5 DAYS
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BEST OF SOUTH ICELAND: ICE CAVES AND HIGHLIGHTS. Explore Iceland's breathtaking South Coast and Golden Circle in this 5-day tour featuring iconic sites like the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the Blue Ice Cave. Enjoy stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier hikes, and Northern Lights hunting, with all transportation and accommodations included. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers!

RESERVE THE ULTIMATE BEST OF SOUTH ICELAND IN 5 DAYS HERE: 

ITINERARY FOR THE BEST OF SOUTH ICELAND IN 5 DAYS:

There’s never really enough time in Iceland, but we’ve put together all of the highlights of the South Coast and the Golden Circle. Check out the action-packed itinerary below for all of the details and get excited! All transportation and accommodation is provided. 

DAY 1: Borgarfjörður Valley, Waterfalls & Viking Tales

Kick off your Icelandic journey with an exploration of West Iceland. After morning pickup, head towards Mount Esja, the majestic sentinel overlooking Reykjavík. Following scenic roads alongside Esja, arrive at Hvalfjörður ("Whale Fjord"), framed by snow-dusted mountains and open fields. Along the way, spot an abandoned WWII-era British naval base.

Next, delve into Borgarfjörður, a region steeped in Viking history. Visit Reykholtsdalur valley, home to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. Continue to Reykholt, where the legendary medieval scholar Snorri Sturluson once lived. Discover the twin waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss: the former cascades through lava fields, while the latter churns vividly through a narrow ravine.

Wrap up the day with a cozy stay at your accommodation. If skies are clear, step outside to hunt for the enchanting Northern Lights.

DAY 2: Snæfellsnes Peninsula – The “Miniature Iceland”

Fuel up with breakfast before venturing to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its diverse landscapes and the iconic Snæfellsjökull Glacier, famously featured in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Start with Gerðuberg Cliff, a striking basalt column wall. Next, visit Ytri-Tunga Beach, unique for its golden sands and playful seals. Stop at the charming fishing village of Arnarstapi, where a coastal trail offers breathtaking views of lava formations and Gatklettur, a dramatic arch rock battered by the Atlantic.

Continue to Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach surrounded by surreal lava fields, and then to Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain, featured in Game of Thrones. End the day passing snow-capped mountains and lava fields like Berserkjahraun before returning to Reykjavík. Keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights!

DAY 3: The Golden Circle

After breakfast, embark on the Golden Circle tour. Begin at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site where Iceland’s first parliament was established in 930 AD, and marvel at the visible tectonic plate boundaries.

Next, visit the Geysir Geothermal Area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes, and its namesake, Geysir, once famed for similar displays. Complete the loop with Gullfoss (“The Golden Waterfall”), a spectacular two-tiered cascade fed by the glacial river Hvítá.

DAY 4: South Coast & Glacier Hike

tart the day with breakfast before heading to the South Coast. Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading water, and its hidden neighbor, Gljúfrabúi. Then, marvel at the mighty Skógafoss, where rainbows dance in the mist on sunny days.

Continue to Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach with basalt columns and crashing Atlantic waves. For the grand finale, gear up for a guided glacier hike on an outlet of one of Iceland’s largest glaciers. Equipped with helmets, crampons, and ice axes, explore the icy expanse for an unforgettable adventure.

DAY 5: Jökulsárlón & Blue Ice Cave Adventure

Start the day with a visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where colossal icebergs float serenely in a deep-blue lake. Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, where shimmering ice chunks wash ashore, creating stunning contrasts against the black sand.

Top off the trip with an unforgettable super-jeep tour to a blue ice cave. Explore the mesmerizing icy halls of this natural wonder, guided by experts. This day is the perfect blend of beauty, adventure, and serenity.

Details of the Best of South Iceland in 5 days 

 cascada seljalandsfoss islandia
Level of difficulty:  Easy (1-2 out of 5).
Minimum age requirement: 6 years. 
What's included: Driver-guide with small group experience, 4 nights in private en-suite accommodations (breakfast included), Wi-Fi and Icelandic music onboard, Víðgelmir Lava Cave tour, 3-hour glacier hike with certified guide (gear included), Ice cave tour by super-jeep and Northern Lights hunting (weather permitting).
Not included: Flights, Lunches & dinners (vegan/vegetarian options available at most stops), Single-room supplement (mandatory for solo travelers), Rentals for outdoor gear and hiking boots
Destinations: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfall, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Vík, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Golden Circle, Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfall, Secret Lagoon. 

Important information about the ultimate 5-day trip in Iceland:

Add-Ons: Hiking boots, waterproof pants, waterproof jacket, carbon footprint offset.

Size of group: 
Up to 18 guests per guide.

What to bring
: waterproof outerwear including boots, layers of warm clothing of fleece or wool (not cotton), hats, mittens, gloves, scarves.

In order to reduce traffic in Reykjavík, there are 14 carefully placed tourist shuttle bus stops where guests can wait to be picked up. Please select the one which is closest to your hotel or accommodation when choosing the pick-up/drop-off site. You can read a bit more about how to determine which is the correct bus stop for you here.

Weather in Iceland can be very cold, especially in the winter, and the chance of some rainfall is commonplace. Therefore, please always pack and bring extra clothing, especially waterproof gear and comfortable hiking shoes.

cave iceland summer

snow iceland south coast

Important Note: These packages are operated by a cooperating Icelandic agency. Full payment is required to confirm the booking. By booking any service through www.viajesislandia.com, the customer agrees to our terms of service and cancellation policy. We recommend that our customers purchase travel insurance and cancellation insurance in their country of origin. TR-ID1050

Best of South Iceland: Ice Caves, Northern Lights & Highlights in 5 Day