Exploring Iceland with a 6-day Itinerary

We are strong believers that the only way to truly explore the island is by making a road trip out of it. And we highly recommend setting aside at least 10–14 days on the island to truly discover everything that Iceland has to offer.

Still, most travelers cannot plan a trip that's more than one week. Sadly, work responsibilities and other commitments get in the way. So, how do you make the most of your stay in Iceland with a 6-day itinerary?

In this article, we will give you a variety of 6-day itineraries to choose from based on routes, seasons, and preferences. But that's not it, these will all allow you to experience some of the most-loved attractions and activities on the island!

So, without further ado, here are some of the best itineraries to explore Iceland in 6 days:

1. The Ring Road 6-days Itinerary

The Ring Road is one of Iceland’s most popular routes that, as the name suggests, takes you all the way around the island. This way, you’ll get to see and do many of the top attractions and activities. Likewise, you will get a taste of the various and different landscapes and regions on the island.

Although the Ring Road is open all year round, you might hit a few snags in the north during the colder months. You might have to deal with some challenging road conditions and sudden road closures. So, please keep a close eye on the Iceland weather forecasts and the Iceland road conditions and adjust your trip accordingly.

This 6-day itinerary starts with a bang by departing from Reykjavík and taking on the popular Golden Circle route. This route is jam-packed with some of Iceland’s natural wonders and local activities.

Your second day is marked with some of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island. Afterward, we'll head for a quick visit to the famous airplane wreck on one of Iceland’s black sand beaches. Don’t worry, no one got hurt in the crash, so there’s no reason to feel odd whilst taking snaps at the plane.

Day 3 also begins with a walk on a black sand beach before heading to the magical Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. If you have the time available, you can make a quick detour along the way. Stop to explore Dryholaey, Fjadrargljufur Canyon, and hike a glacier at Skaftafell. The latter is now a part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park.

Just ensure that you still leave enough time at Jökulsarlon because this is not a place you want to feel rushed. Day 4 marks the official return back to Reykjavík, and you’ll have a 6-hour drive ahead of you (which is why many spread it over 2 days). If you have missed any stops along the way on day 3, now is the time to play catch-up.

Day 5 is an extraordinary day spent discovering the beautiful landscape of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Your last day will very much depend on your flight time (which we recommend you book late in the day). This will leave you enough time to explore Reykjavík and all its attractions, as well as take a dip in the Blue Lagoon on your way to Keflavik Airport.

2. The Ring Road Alternative Itinerary to See Iceland in 6 Days

This is simply another option depending on how you want to spend your 6 days in Iceland:

Day 1 might need to be adapted a little bit, based on your arrival time at Keflavik Airport. But if you arrive early, you should be able to work in a dip in the Blue Lagoon, exploring the capital city and driving to Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You can opt to stay over at Borgarnes or somewhere in Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Day 2 will be spent exploring Snaefellsnes Peninsula. After that, you can either return to your accommodation in Borgarnes or drive to Akranes. On day 3 you will tackle the Golden Circle route and all the attractions and activities that it brings along with it. Spend the night in the town of Hella. Day 4 will differ depending on when you’ll be traveling to the island.

If you’re visiting between May and August and would like to see some Puffins, we suggest that you go to Heimaey Island. If you’re not so keen on seeing the Puffins and you’re coming to visit from mid-June to August, we suggest you explore the Highlands, specifically Landmannalaugar.

Just keep in mind that the Highland F-roads can only be accessed via a 4x4 vehicle. At the end of the day, return to your accommodation in Hella. On day 5 you’ll be heading towards Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon all along the South Coast.

It’s important to remember that you will essentially be doing this route twice. You will be taking the same road back to Reykjavík. So, know that you can mix and match your day 5 & 6 itineraries based on your preferences and the time you have available. On the last day, you’ll need to drive straight to Reykjavík or straight to the Airport, depending on your flight.

3. The Best 6-Day Itinerary for Summer in Iceland

During the colder winter months, many roads and regions are closed, especially in the Highlands and the Westfjords. So, if you plan to visit during the summer, it’s a perfect opportunity to explore these areas. Such routes won’t be accessible at other times of the year.

With that in mind, here’s the ideal 6-day itinerary for summer in Iceland:

This road trip won’t begin with idle time around Reykjavík. Upon landing at Keflavik, take a domestic flight to Hornafjördur Airport in Hofn. From there, head straight to Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon for a recommended boat tour. Nearby, you can visit Diamond Beach, one of Iceland's stunning black sand beaches. Afterward, drive to Skaftafell National Park, where a variety of hiking trails await, including the scenic route to Svartifoss Waterfall.

As you drive to Vik for the night, you'll encounter several waterfalls along the way. The next morning, start with a glacier hike on Myrdalsjökull Glacier or a snowmobile tour. Visit Dyrhólaey, a haven for bird watchers, before relaxing in the Slejavallalaug thermal pool. Keep track of the time to ensure you reach Reykjavík by late afternoon. Don’t miss the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall on your way.

On day 3, enjoy the 300 km Golden Circle loop, visiting its many attractions. Continue your journey towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where you’ll spend the night. Day 4 begins with the 5 km Arnastapi coastal walk across the Budahraun Lava Field and its beautiful basalt cliffs.

From here, drive to Stykkisholmur and board the Baldur Car Ferry to the Westfjords. The ferry departs at 9 a.m., so plan accordingly. After disembarking, head to Latrabjarg for spectacular bird-watching opportunities, including Icelandic Puffins (May-August). Continue on to Raudisandur, Iceland’s red sand beach, and reach Isafjördur by evening.

After exploring the Westfjords on day 5, take Route 614 south to Raudisandur. On your final day, catch an early flight to Reykjavík to spend any remaining time in the capital before your return flight.

4. Explore Iceland in Winter with This 6-Day Itinerary

In winter, Iceland becomes a wonderland of unique landscapes. Though some roads may be closed, the following itinerary provides an unforgettable winter experience in 6 days:

Begin with an overnight stay in Reykjavík for sightseeing. Head along the South Coast, visiting Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and enjoying a glacier hike on Solheimajökull. Continue to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for the night. Day 3 is dedicated to Skaftafell, Fjallsarlon Lagoon, and Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Stop by the black sand beaches of Vik, the Dyrhólaey Rock Formation, and the Reynisdrangar Basalt Columns on your way to Selfoss for the night. Day 5 covers the Golden Circle before returning to Reykjavík, with a final day in the capital, stopping by the Blue Lagoon en route to Keflavik Airport.

5. 6-days in Iceland Hunting the Northern Lights

Although the Northern Lights is not a phenomenon technically purely associated with wintertime, it does rely heavily on the daylight hours and the weather conditions on the island.

If you plan on doing this Northern Lights 6-day itinerary, we highly recommend that you pick a month that gives you enough darkness (you can’t see light without darkness, right?). That means that the mid-summer months that have 22+ daylight hours each day are out of the question. With enough darkness and armed with the following 6-day itinerary, you’re guaranteed to see the Northern Lights:

Day 1 will consist of you traveling to Reykjavik and exploring the capital city. Book your first Northern Lights tour and wait for the night to fall to experience the spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis. On day 2 you’ll take on the Golden Circle along with its activities and attractions along the way.

We also recommend that you work in a visit to the idyllic Fridheimar Greenhouse Cultivation Center. Here you can enjoy a menu of all things tomato – even the beer! Day 3 will be spent exploring the south coast of Iceland ‘till you reach Vik I Myrdal, where you will turn back to the capital city. Day 4 will be spent in and around the city.

Soak in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon (just 50 minutes from Reykjavik). Then book yourself a spot on a Northern Lights boat tour departing from Reykjavik harbor. On day 5, you will travel to Langjökull, the second-largest glacier in Iceland. Here you will book your spot on an unforgettable ice cave tour.

On your way to the glacier be sure to stop at Deildatunguhver Hot Spring, Hraunfossar Waterfall, and Barnafoss Waterfall. End your day with a Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour. Your last day will be spent working in all the activities and attractions in and around the city you haven’t been able to get to yet before your flight later that day.

Go on a whale watching tour from Reykjavik Harbor, or shop ‘till you drop on Laugavegur Street.

An Iceland 6-days Itinerary; Whatever You Prefer

Have you thoroughly read through our article? Then you’ll be able to pick the 6-day itinerary that suits you based on your preferences and the season you’ll be visiting the island. If by any chance you can stay longer and take on a 7-day itinerary, 10-day itinerary, or 14-day itinerary, we have plenty of plans available. We’ve even catered to those limited to even less than 6 days with a 5-day itinerary!

If you’ve made your decision, all that’s left to do is to book your flight and book your car in Iceland! (the latter is extremely important to do in advance if you’re planning on visiting during the busy summer months). May you have a wonderful week here on our beautiful island and a memorable 6-day itinerary!