{"id":24399,"date":"2024-10-09T15:20:59","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T13:20:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.anxhelaisaj.com\/?p=24399"},"modified":"2025-03-04T18:52:06","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T17:52:06","slug":"5-day-itinerary-in-iceland-what-to-see-where-to-stay-and-where-to-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.anxhelaisaj.com\/en\/5-day-itinerary-in-iceland-what-to-see-where-to-stay-and-where-to-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"5-day itinerary in Iceland: what to see, where to stay, and where to eat."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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5-day itinerary in Iceland: what to see, where to stay, and where to eat.<\/span><\/h1><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Iceland has always been a dream destination for Fabio, and if you know me well, you\u2019re aware that I\u2019m quite sensitive to the cold, so we kept postponing our trip! However, I must say that Iceland has also found a special place in my heart, and I\u2019m already looking forward to returning. We\u2019ve had the privilege of visiting this incredible country twice as coordinators for our group trips<\/a>, and now, it\u2019s finally time to share with you all the essential information and helpful tips for planning a 5-day adventure in this magnificent place.<\/p>

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One of the first questions you might ask yourself is: what is the best time to visit Iceland?<\/strong><\/p>

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Summer is the ideal time to visit Iceland, as it coincides with the high season (which is also the most expensive). The days are incredibly long, the sun shines brightly, and the temperatures are quite mild. Additionally, summer offers the opportunity to see puffins, one of Iceland\u2019s iconic animals. On the downside, though, you\u2019ll have very limited chances of seeing the northern lights, although there are occasional exceptions (like this year, when the aurora appeared even during the summer).<\/p>

If you\u2019re more flexible and looking for a more balanced experience, I recommend visiting in spring or autumn.<\/strong> The temperatures are cool but manageable, and your chances of seeing the northern lights are significantly higher. Moreover, Iceland is less crowded during these seasons, and prices tend to be a bit more reasonable.<\/p>

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As for winter, it’s a season I generally don’t recommend, especially for those visiting Iceland for the first time. The ice and snow can make it challenging to get around and enjoy the outdoors, and the limited daylight hours significantly reduce the time you have for exploring.<\/p>

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Fun fact: Iceland is renowned for its extreme natural phenomena, from the northern lights to the long summer days when the sun never sets. However, be aware that the weather can also be extremely unpredictable.<\/p>

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Ready to go? Let’s dive into our 5-day itinerary!<\/p>

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Day 1<\/strong><\/h2>

Our 5-day itinerary in Iceland starts with a practical tip: renting a car is essential.<\/strong> You can easily do this online before your arrival. We often rely on Hertz, but there are many reliable companies to choose from. The key is to opt for full insurance coverage<\/strong> to protect yourself against any potential damage (Icelandic roads can be quite dangerous, especially in winter!). Also, be prepared with a credit card<\/strong> when picking up the car\u2014it\u2019s a common requirement, so plan ahead!<\/p>

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If you arrive in Iceland in the morning, you can kick off your road trip right away with the famous Golden Circle<\/strong>, one of the country’s most iconic tourist routes. However, if you arrive in the afternoon, I recommend spending your first night in the capital, Reykjav\u00edk, to rest up before setting off on your adventure.<\/p>

First stop: \u00deingvellir National Park (Thingvellir)<\/strong><\/p>

Our first stop is \u00deingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is where Iceland\u2019s first parliament, the Al\u00feingi, was held in 930 AD. The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet right here, creating a breathtaking geological spectacle.<\/p>

Second stop: Strokkur Geyser<\/strong><\/p>

We continue to our second stop: Strokkur, one of Iceland’s most active and famous geysers. Every few minutes, it erupts, shooting a jet of boiling water up to 20-30 meters high.<\/p>

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Third stop: Gullfoss Waterfall<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Our third stop on the tour is Gullfoss, Iceland\u2019s most famous waterfall. With its 31-meter height and two dramatic drops, it\u2019s one of the most impressive in the country. If you\u2019re lucky, you might even catch a rainbow arching across the waterfall.<\/p>

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Fourth stop: Kerid Volcanic Crater<\/strong><\/p>

We end the day with a visit to the Kerid Volcanic Crater. This crater features a deep blue lake that beautifully contrasts with its red volcanic walls. At approximately 3,000 years old, it\u2019s one of the few sites in Iceland that requires an entrance fee (around 3 euros).<\/p>

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And in the evening: a hunt for the Northern Lights!<\/strong><\/p>

To track the forecasts and know where to go, I recommend using the “Aurora” app, which provides real-time updates on the chances of spotting the northern lights.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS<\/strong><\/p>

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For the first day, we stayed in Hella, which is ideally located between Kerid Crater and the waterfalls you’ll visit the next day.<\/p>

We stayed at Welcome Riverside Guesthouse<\/strong> (click HERE<\/strong> for the Booking link)<\/a>. It’s a good value option. It’s a guesthouse, so bathrooms are shared, but there are double rooms, making it perfect for couples.<\/p>

Alternatively, I recommend:<\/p>