Scenic 5-Day Road Trip Exploring Iceland’s Natural Wonders in Early October

Day 1: Golden Circle Highlights

Reykjavik to Golden Circle, Iceland on October 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Start your day with fresh artisanal pastries and Icelandic coffee at Sandholt Bakery in Reykjavik to fuel your adventure.
ISK1500, 1h

9:00am

Þingvellir National Park

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site where you can see the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and learn about Viking history.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Geysir Geothermal Area

Witness the spectacular Strokkur geyser erupting every 5-10 minutes amid boiling mud pots and fumaroles.
Free, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Geysir Glíma

Enjoy Icelandic lamb soup or fresh trout in a cosy setting near the Geysir area.
ISK3500, 1h

2:00pm

Gullfoss Waterfall

Marvel at the powerful two-tiered waterfall, one of Iceland's most iconic and photogenic natural attractions.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Travel to Vik

Drive approx. 2.5 hours to Vik, a beautiful village on Iceland’s south coast, enjoying scenic landscapes and making stops along the way if desired.
Car hire cost and fuel, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sudur Vik

Dine on Icelandic seafood and lamb dishes in this charming restaurant in Vik.
ISK4500, 1h30m
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Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches

Vik, Iceland on October 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Soup Company

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with warm soups and fresh bread to prepare for the day.
ISK1500, 45m

9:00am

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Walk behind the magnificent Seljalandsfoss waterfall for a unique perspective and stellar photographs.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Skógafoss Waterfall

Visit this iconic 60m high waterfall; climb the stairs for panoramic views from the top.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gamla Fjósið

Savour traditional Icelandic dishes in a cosy renovated cowshed near Skógar.
ISK3500, 1h

1:30pm

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Explore the striking black sand beach with basalt columns and stunning sea stacks, a must-see natural wonder.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Dyrhólaey Arch

Visit this promontory offering incredible views of the coastline and puffin sightings (seasonal).
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Vik for Dinner at Halldorskaffi

Enjoy casual Icelandic fare including fresh fish and hearty stews in this friendly local eatery.
ISK4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Glaciers & Ice Lagoons

Vik to Jökulsárlón, Iceland on October 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Vikurskali

Start your day with coffee and pastries at this well-loved bakery in Vik.
ISK1400, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive east to this spectacular iceberg-filled lagoon with stunning views and photo opportunities.
Fuel cost, 2h30m

11:00am

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour

Take an amphibian boat tour among floating icebergs to experience the glacial environment up close.
ISK7000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hali Country Hotel Restaurant

Dine with a view of Vatnajökull Glacier, featuring local lamb and fresh seafood specialties.
ISK4000, 1h

2:00pm

Diamond Beach

Walk on the black sand beach scattered with sparkling ice chunks washed ashore from the glacier lagoon.
Free, 45m

3:00pm

Drive towards Höfn

Continue your journey east towards Höfn, known as the lobster capital of Iceland, resting overnight here.
Fuel cost, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pakkhús Restaurant, Höfn

Indulge in signature langoustine dishes with harbour views at this highly recommended restaurant.
ISK5500, 1h30m
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Day 4: East Fjords Exploration

Höfn to Seyðisfjörður, Iceland on October 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Höfn Bakery

Enjoy fresh baked goods and coffee to energise for a day driving the scenic East Fjords.
ISK1300, 45m

9:00am

Djúpivogur Village Stop

Explore this charming fishing village with its unique outdoor artwork and peaceful harbour.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Seyðisfjörður

Travel through dramatic fjord landscapes filled with steep mountains and waterfalls, arriving in beautiful Seyðisfjörður.
Fuel cost, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Skaftfell Bistro

Tuck into local dishes with organic ingredients in this atmospheric riverside bistro.
ISK3500, 1h

2:15pm

Explore Seyðisfjörður

Walk around this artistic town famous for colourful wooden houses, galleries, and the Blue Church.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Höfn or nearby town for overnight (depending on preference)

Rest after a day of fjord exploring with optional stops on the way back.
Fuel cost, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Höfn Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed meal featuring local specialities with a warm ambiance.
ISK4500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return to Reykjavik

Höfn to Reykjavik, Iceland on October 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast to set out for the return drive to Reykjavik.
Included in hotel or ISK1300, 45m

8:15am

Drive to Reykjavik

Begin the approximately 6-hour drive back to Reykjavik, with the option to stop at scenic points and small towns along the route.
Fuel cost, 6h

2:30pm

Lunch stop in Selfoss – Kaffi Krús

Relax over lunch at this local favourite cafe known for delicious cakes and light meals.
ISK3000, 1h

3:30pm

Continue Drive to Reykjavik

Final stretch back to the capital to conclude your scenic Iceland road trip.
Fuel cost, 1h30m

5:00pm

Optional Evening Relaxation or Explore Reykjavik

If energy permits, stroll through Reykjavik’s vibrant city centre, visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, or enjoy a coffee at a local café.
Free entry, café ISK1500+, Flexible

7:00pm

Dinner at Reykjavík Kitchen

Celebrate the end of the trip with elegant Icelandic cuisine in a stylish downtown setting.
ISK5000, 1h30m
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