This Reykjavik-based loop is weighted toward the south coast. Reykjavik to Vik is about 187 km, and Jokulsarlon is about 380 km east of Reykjavik along Route 1. The direct drive from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon takes about 5 hours, and with south coast sightseeing stops it takes 7 to 8 hours.
How the five days fit together and what to expect on the road
Iceland's main road is Route 1, known as the Ring Road, which circles the country. Route 1, the Ring Road, is about 1322 km long in total. The south coast section of the drive follows Route 1 east out of Reykjavik. Use the Driving Distance Calculator to help plan your trip.
Day 1: Landing at Keflavik and easing in near the capital
Keflavik International Airport is about 50 km from Reykjavik, roughly a 45 minute drive. The Blue Lagoon is about 21 km from Keflavik Airport, roughly a 20 minute drive. The Blue Lagoon is about 50 km from Reykjavik, roughly a 45 minute drive.
Day 2: Driving the Golden Circle loop
The Golden Circle is a loop of about 230 km in southwest Iceland. The Golden Circle connects Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. The Golden Circle takes 6 to 8 hours to complete as a day trip. Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thingvellir sits in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Iceland's parliament was founded at Thingvellir in 930 AD. The Strokkur geyser at the Geysir area erupts roughly every 6 to 10 minutes. Gullfoss falls in two stages for a total height of about 32 meters.
Day 3: South coast waterfalls, black sand and the village of Vik
The direct drive from Reykjavik to the village of Vik is about 187 km. Driving straight from Reykjavik to Vik without stops takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Seljalandsfoss is about 60 meters tall and a path lets visitors walk behind the falling water. Skogafoss is about 60 meters tall. Reynisfjara is a black sand beach near Vik known for its basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Reynisfjara is known for dangerous sneaker waves, and visitors are advised to stay well back from the water. Vik is the southernmost village in Iceland.
Day 4 and Day 5: Glacier country, the Diamond Beach and the route home
Jokulsarlon is a glacier lagoon filled with icebergs that calve from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier. The Diamond Beach lies beside Jokulsarlon, where icebergs wash up on black sand. Kirkjufell mountain on Snaefellsnes is about 185 km from Reykjavik via Route 1 and Route 54, roughly a 2 hour and 30 minute drive. Kirkjufell is one of Iceland's most photographed mountains.
Comparing guided day tours and self-drive for your five days
You can compare South Coast tours to see the current options.
