If you only have five days, the south coast gives you the highest concentration of Iceland’s biggest sights without the long driving days a full Ring Road requires.
Day 1: Reykjavik to Vik
Head out early and stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss on the way. Both are short walks from the parking lot, and Seljalandsfoss has a path behind the falls. Continue to Vik for the night, with time for a sunset visit to Reynisfjara black sand beach.
Day 2: Reynisfjara and the Vík area
Spend the morning properly exploring Reynisfjara’s basalt columns and sea stacks, then take the short detour to Dyrhólaey for clifftop views and, in summer, puffins.
Day 3: Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón
Drive further east into Vatnajökull National Park. Skaftafell has marked trails to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by black basalt columns. Continue to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, both worth at least two hours combined.
Day 4: Glacier activities or a slow return
If you booked a glacier hike or ice cave tour near Skaftafell, this is the day for it. Otherwise, start the drive back toward Reykjavik, stopping at sights you skipped on day one.
Day 5: Golden Circle on the way back
Loop through Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss before returning to Reykjavik — a fitting way to end a south coast trip with a taste of the interior highlands.
About Erika Sand
Erika has spent the last decade driving, hiking, and hot-spring-hopping across Iceland in every season. She writes NRF.is’s itineraries, guides, and trip reports to help travelers see the country safely, affordably, and without the tourist-trap detours.