| Day | Plan | Fees and hours to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reykjavík: Perlan and the old harbour | Perlan exhibitions 9:00 to 21:00; children four and under free |
| 2 | Golden Circle | Gullfoss open 24 hours; parking ISK 1,080 |
| 3 | South Coast to Vík | Skógafoss parking ISK 1,000; Seljalandsfoss has no ticket |
| 4 | Vík, Reynisfjara, Lava Show | Reynisfjara parking ISK 1,000 per 4 hours |
| 5 | Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon, then departure | Sky Lagoon Saman from ISK 14,990; Blue Lagoon Comfort from EUR 95 |
Day 1: Reykjavík
Spend the first day in the capital. Perlan is the indoor option, with an ice cave, a planetarium and an observation deck included in every ticket. For lodging by area, read where to stay in Reykjavik. For six days, see the 6-day Iceland itinerary.
Day 2: the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a day trip from Reykjavík either by car or on a tour such as the Golden Circle full-day tour with Kerid Crater, 4.7 out of 5 from 27,992 reviews, from €70 on 6 November 2026. It combines the circuit with a crater stop, so it fits the day. Gullfoss is open around the clock and Geysir erupts about every 10 minutes. See Golden Circle tours compared.
Days 3 and 4: South Coast and Vík
Drive east: Seljalandsfoss, then Skógafoss 30 km further, then Vík for the night. On day 4 visit Reynisfjara and the Lava Show (Classic 45 to 55 minutes, Premium ISK 9,990 for ages 13 and over). Without a car, the South Coast day tours cover the same stops in one long day, which leaves you a base in Reykjavík.
Day 5: choose a lagoon
Sky Lagoon is 13 minutes from the city and 45 minutes from the airport; the Blue Lagoon is 21 km from the airport and 49 km from Reykjavík, so it suits a departure day (see Blue Lagoon tickets). Both need booking in advance. Keep the car-park rules in mind: both lagoons offer free parking.
What the fixed costs add up to
For a car, the paid car parks on this plan are Gullfoss (ISK 1,080 per 4 hours), Geysir (ISK 1,080 per 8 hours), Skógafoss (ISK 1,000) and Reynisfjara (ISK 1,000 per 4 hours): ISK 4,160, plus an 89 ISK fee on each payment, so ISK 4,516. Perlan, the Lava Show and the lagoons are paid separately. The lagoons are the main variable: Sky Lagoon Saman starts at ISK 14,990 and Sér at ISK 17,990, while the Blue Lagoon Comfort ticket starts at EUR 95 and its Premium at EUR 117.
What to skip in five days
- The glacier lagoon: Jökulsárlón lies far down Route 1; see the 7 days in Iceland itinerary.
- The North: Akureyri is a 40-minute flight from Reykjavík, which costs a day.
- A highland trip: F-roads are for summer; see Iceland in summer.
Mistakes to avoid
- Not paying Parka within 24 hours: an extra ISK 1,960 applies at Skógafoss, Reynisfjara and Gullfoss.
- Stacking two lagoons in one day.
- Skipping the daylight check in winter; see Iceland in winter.
FAQ
Is 5 days enough for Iceland?
It is enough for the south-west and the South Coast to Vík, not for the whole Ring Road.
Do I need a car for 5 days?
Not necessarily: tours cover the Golden Circle and the South Coast. See Iceland car rental.
What is the cheapest way to do the sights?
The four parked sights on this plan cost ISK 4,160 in parking for a car, plus four 89 ISK fees, before tours and tickets.
Which lagoon should I pick?
Sky Lagoon is closer to the city; the Blue Lagoon is closer to the airport.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
