A note about assumptions

Let’s assume we are starting at Keflavík Airport, though it’s worth noting that MyCar has an office in Reykjavik too if that’s a better fit for your plans. As there is a proportionately greater amount of things to do and see on Iceland’s South Coast, we’re going to start there and allocate two days out of the five. We’ll round out the trip in Reykjavik, though it’s only a 45-minute drive on to the airport if you have a plane to catch.

Day 1: Keflavik to Vik

Begin your road trip in Iceland by travelling east along the country’s beautiful South Coast. If you’ve rented a car you can set your own pace and your own route. You could, for instance, loop up and through the Golden Circle to visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall before dropping down to Selfoss to pick up the ring road.

There’s a lot to be said, however, for driving straight to Seljalandsfoss, one of the country’s most breathtaking waterfalls. A short loop hike gets you right behind the curtain of water; Gljúfrabúi takes a little more effort to spot as this cascade is hidden behind a cleft in the rock nearby.

Another must is Skógafoss, just as tall as Seljalandsfoss but much wider. If the sun’s on the water, you’ll often see a double rainbow above it. Make time to climb the steel steps beside it. The birds’ eye perspective you’ll get over the falls and the coast below is one of the best views in this part of Iceland.

Move on, this time to Dyrhólaey. It’s a magnificent promontory which has taken a battering from the Atlantic breakers that pound this coastline. The powerful waves have carved a massive arch right through it – someone once flew a light aircraft right through the gap. There are two car parks; driving up onto the top of the peninsula is best suited to 4x4s. In summer, puffins nest here.

Close by and just before you reach Vik, you’ll come to Reynisfjara. This is one of the most incredible black sand beaches in the country but it can also be deadly thanks to the sneaker waves that wash up onto the shore with alarming speed – never ignore a red light warning. Though the basalt-flanked cave and offshore sea stacks demand your attention, never take an eye off the water, just in case.

Day 2: Vik to Höfn

Don’t be in too much of a rush to leave Vik this morning; even on a very short ring road trip such as this you’ll benefit from incorporating an activity here and there. Vik’s status as a tourism base means there’s plenty of choice. You could book a guided glacier hike or an excursion to a Katla ice cave, ride across a black sand beach on an Icelandic horse or enjoy a thrilling ride in an ATV or buggy.

Later, after you’ve refuelled in one of Vik’s delightful eateries, get back behind the wheel. We’d suggest the first stop should be a brief pause at one of the pullouts overlooking the Eldhraun lava fields. The Lakagígar eruption that created this landscape took place in 1783 and 1784. It had a momentous impact on the people and countryside at that time, causing much hardship.

If you have time, pull off not long afterwards to visit one of the country’s most magical canyons. Fjadrárgljúfur’s moss-covered interlocking spurs are a jaw-dropping sight, whether you peer down from the rim of the gorge or gaze up from the stream below. Either way, it’s worth navigating this small stretch of gravel road before returning to the ring road.

Pause again to admire the Svínafellsjökull glacier. You’ll get a great view from the car park though you may wish to hike along the front face of the glacier to absorb the view. Note that it is dangerous to get up onto the ice without someone who knows the area well, as glaciers are dynamic environments with deep crevasses and moulins that can prove a risk to your safety.

The ring road skirts the edge of the vast Vatnajökull ice sheet and with steep cliffs dropping down to your nearside it’s a gorgeous stretch of road. Plan on spending most of the time you have left today visiting two of Iceland’s most striking glacier lagoons, Fjallsárlón and its deeper neighbour Jökulsárlón.

There’s ample parking at both lagoons; to drive between them takes about ten minutes. Fjallsárlón offers a more intimate experience and you might wish to book a Zodiac boat trip here. Jökulsárlón also has amphibious boats – better if you are less mobile – and the tidal channel beside its car park leads directly to Diamond Beach, where the icebergs you see in the lagoon are washed back onshore.

Make the final stop today Vestrahorn, an extraordinary mountain whose jagged ridge is often reflected in the wet sand of the beach in front of it. You’ll soon see why it’s a favourite of photographers. Höfn makes an ideal overnight base. This is Iceland’s lobster capital. Even if you aren’t here for the June festival, it’s definitely the place to order a seafood dinner.

Day 3: Höfn to Egilsstaðir

The East Fjords are one of Iceland’s most pretty regions with plenty of isolated spots and tranquil fjords to while away the time. On a short trip such as this, however, it’s a bonus that the ring road passes inland of some of them. Make a brief pitstop in Fáskrúðsfjörður, known for its Gallic heritage.

Though the regional capital of Egilsstaðir will be your overnight base tonight, there’s plenty to see and do using roads that radiate out from this hub. A popular option is Stuðlagil canyon, a dazzling gorge of turquoise water flanked by rust-coloured basalt columns. You can take a quick look from the car park on one side, or choose a longer hike past Stuðlafoss on the other.

Another alternative would be to drive up and over a mountain pass to the quaint fjordside port of Seyðisfjörður. Historic buildings line the shore of the fjord and there’s also a famous rainbow-striped street that leads to a cute pastel blue church. Equally tempting is another waterfront port; in summer visitors flock to Borgarfjörður Eystri to watch the puffins at its marina.

Day 4: Egilsstaðir to Akureyri

Hot springs and fumaroles can be seen close up from the boardwalks at Hverir, a couple of hours’ drive north west of Egilsstaðir. The pseudo craters to the south of the lake at Mývatn and the Dimmuborgir lava field are also big draws, as are the Mývatn Nature Baths which make good use of the geothermally heated water found here. It’s just one of several places today where you might squeeze in a soak, so keep your swimsuit handy in the car.

You’ll also want to drive at least part of the Diamond Circle, North Iceland’s stellar sightseeing route. Be awed by Dettifoss, Iceland’s most powerful waterfall and snap away at delightful Goðafoss, one of the prettiest. Though it will make this a long day, you might also want to drive up to Húsavík, Iceland’s whale watching capital. Humpbacks and other members of the cetacean family are often seen in and close to Skjálfandi Bay.

Akureyri could easily warrant a day to itself, but with only five days at your disposal, you’ll have to content yourself with a quick look around. The car will be a handy timesaver if you’re hoping to relax at Forest Lagoon on the outskirts of town, explore the characterful buildings of the old town or visit the Christmas shop Jólahúsið ten minutes south of the centre.

Day 5: So many options

Today, it’s time to return to Reykjavik, allowing five hours to drive straight there and a little more if you plan to stop off along the way. Try Hraunfossar and Barnafoss on West Iceland’s Silver Circle route or take a dip in the rustic-chic Hvammsvik Hot Springs on the edge of Hvalfjörður. Park up and spend what free time you have left in Iceland’s charming capital.

As we’ve demonstrated, pulling off an Iceland ring road itinerary in 5 days is possible – after all, you could drive the route non-stop in about 20 hours. Remember that driving it in summer will help because of the longer days. Nevertheless, we’d recommend you reserve a rental car with MyCar for a longer period of time as there are plenty of detours worth doing in conjunction with this pared-back plan.

Five days in Iceland will whet your appetite for more: it’s the kind of place that rewards slow travel. So, take a look at your holiday allowance and see if you can squeeze out at least an extra day or so before booking your flights.

If you decide to stay longer, here are some great guides:

• iceland ring road itinerary 7 days
• iceland ring road itinerary 10 days​
• iceland 8 day self-drive tour​