Where does this 5 Day Private Tour Iceland start and finish?

The private driving tour starts in Reykjavik or, depending on arrival time, Keflavik Airport. It finishes at Akureyri Airport, followed by a domestic flight to Reykjavik Domestic Airport.

How far does this 5 Day Private Tour Iceland travel by road?

The full route covers approximately 1,010 to 1,570 kilometres by private vehicle, depending on accommodation, stops, road conditions, activities and route adjustments.

Does this 5 Day Private Tour Iceland include a domestic flight?

The itinerary is designed to finish with a domestic flight from Akureyri to Reykjavik, avoiding the long road return to the capital. Flight schedules and luggage conditions must be checked before final confirmation.

Iceland landscape on a five day private tour from Reykjavik to Akureyri

South Iceland, East Fjords & North Iceland

5 Day Private Tour Iceland from Reykjavik to Akureyri via the South Coast

Cross Iceland from south to north in five private days, travelling from Reykjavík through South Coast waterfalls, Vík, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Höfn and the East Fjords before reaching Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and Akureyri. The journey finishes with a domestic flight back to Reykjavík instead of repeating the long road return.

Explore the 5 Day Itinerary Request a Custom Itinerary

5 DaysPrivate cross-country Iceland journey

RKV / KEF → AEYStart Reykjavík or Keflavík, finish Akureyri

1,010–1,570 kmApproximate route by private vehicle

Flight ReturnAkureyri to Reykjavík at the end

A Compact South-to-North Iceland Journey

Why Choose This 5 Day Private Tour from Reykjavik to Akureyri in Iceland?

This itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience a compact version of Iceland's great eastbound journey without driving all the way back to Reykjavík. The route follows the South Coast, continues through Southeast Iceland and the East Fjords, and finishes among the volcanic and geothermal landscapes of North Iceland.

Ending in Akureyri changes the logic of the trip. Instead of using the final day for a long road return to the capital, you can keep moving forward through the country and then use a domestic flight from Akureyri to Reykjavík.

The route connects naturally with the South Coast Iceland Private Tour and is also a strong shorter alternative to a complete Iceland Ring Road Private Tour.

South Coast in IcelandWaterfalls, Reynisfjara, Vík, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.

East Fjords in IcelandCoastal roads, fishing villages, mountains and quiet viewpoints.

North IcelandDettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and Akureyri.

Efficient Finish in IcelandDomestic flight from Akureyri avoids the long return drive to Reykjavík.

East Fjords landscape on a private Iceland tour

Day by Day

Your 5 Day Private Tour Itinerary Across Iceland

The five-day itinerary below follows the complete route supplied for this journey, including the overnight areas, kilometre ranges, activity options and domestic-flight finish.

Day 1

Reykjavík / Keflavík → Waterfalls → Vík

Day 1: Reykjavik, South Coast Waterfalls and Vík in Iceland

Your private journey begins with pickup from your Reykjavík hotel or directly from Keflavík Airport, depending on arrival time. Travel east along the South Coast, beginning with Seljalandsfoss and, when timing and access allow, nearby Gljúfrabúi.

Continue to Skógafoss before approaching the Vík area. Depending on weather, daylight and your preferred pace, the afternoon can include Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, with basalt formations, Atlantic surf and views toward Reynisdrangar.

The first night is intentionally positioned around Vík or farther east so Day 2 can focus fully on Skaftafell and the glacier lagoon rather than repeating ground from Reykjavík.

Reykjavík / KeflavíkSeljalandsfossGljúfrabúi SkógafossDyrhólaeyReynisfjaraVík

Overnight in IcelandVík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur or South Coast area.

Km approximately in Iceland190–280 km.

Day 2

Vík → Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón → Höfn

Day 2: Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach in Iceland

Continue east through lava fields, moss-covered landscapes, volcanic plains and glacier scenery toward Skaftafell in the Vatnajökull region.

The day can include glacier viewpoints around Skaftafell and an optional specialist-led glacier hike. The principal highlight is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, followed by nearby Diamond Beach.

In summer, the itinerary can include a glacier-lagoon boat tour. In winter, it can instead be adapted around an ice-cave experience when safety conditions and availability allow. Continue to Höfn or another Southeast Iceland base for the night.

SkaftafellVatnajökullGlacier hike option JökulsárlónDiamond BeachBoat / Ice CaveHöfn

Overnight in IcelandHöfn, Glacier Lagoon area or Southeast Iceland.

Km approximately in Iceland260–360 km.

Day 3

Höfn → East Fjords → Egilsstaðir

Day 3: Höfn, East Fjords and Egilsstaðir in Iceland

Leave the glacier landscapes behind and enter the East Fjords, where coastal roads, mountains, open sea views and small fishing communities create a slower and more remote travel day.

Depending on the exact routing and conditions, stops can include Djúpivogur, Breiðdalsvík, Fáskrúðsfjörður or Seyðisfjörður. This day is particularly well suited to photography, local food stops and flexible scenic viewpoints.

Finish in the Egilsstaðir area, the principal service centre of East Iceland and a practical overnight point before crossing toward the north on Day 4.

HöfnDjúpivogurBreiðdalsvík FáskrúðsfjörðurSeyðisfjörður optionEgilsstaðir

Overnight in IcelandEgilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður or East Iceland area.

Km approximately in Iceland250–370 km.

Day 4

Egilsstaðir → Dettifoss → Lake Mývatn

Day 4: Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn and North Iceland

Cross from East Iceland into the north through wide open spaces, volcanic terrain and highland-like landscapes before reaching the Diamond Circle region.

Depending on road conditions and season, the route can include Dettifoss before continuing toward Lake Mývatn. Around Mývatn, stops can include Hverir, the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters and the volcanic landscapes around Krafla.

When timing permits, the day can finish with a geothermal bathing experience in the Mývatn area. The overnight may be positioned at Lake Mývatn, Húsavík or Akureyri according to the final program.

DettifossLake MývatnHverir DimmuborgirSkútustaðagígarKrafla

Overnight in IcelandLake Mývatn, Húsavík or Akureyri.

Km approximately in Iceland250–380 km.

Day 5

Goðafoss → Akureyri → Domestic Flight

Day 5: Goðafoss, Akureyri and Flight to Reykjavik in Iceland

The final driving day focuses on the last North Iceland highlights before the domestic flight back to Reykjavík. Visit Goðafoss, one of the key Diamond Circle waterfalls, before continuing to Akureyri.

Depending on the flight time, there can be time for Akureyri's town centre, church, harbour, botanical garden, local cafés or a relaxing visit to Forest Lagoon near the city.

The private driving portion ends at Akureyri Airport. Travellers then take a domestic flight to Reykjavík Domestic Airport. Flight schedules and luggage conditions should always be checked before the final itinerary is confirmed.

GoðafossAkureyriEyjafjörður Forest Lagoon optionAkureyri AirportDomestic flight

End of Services in IcelandAkureyri Airport / Reykjavík Domestic Airport.

Km approximately in Iceland60–180 km + domestic flight.

Route at a Glance

5 Day Iceland Private Tour Distance and Route

The complete route covers approximately 1,010–1,570 km by private vehicle, depending on accommodation, selected stops, road conditions, optional activities and personalized route adjustments.

5 DaysPrivate journey from south to north

1,010–1,570 kmApproximate private road distance

4 RegionsSouth, Southeast, East Fjords and North

Flight FinishAkureyri to Reykjavík

Recommended route in Iceland: Reykjavík → Seljalandsfoss → Skógafoss → Vík → Reynisfjara → Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón → Diamond Beach → Höfn → East Fjords → Egilsstaðir → Dettifoss → Lake Mývatn → Goðafoss → Akureyri → Reykjavík by domestic flight.

Customize the Cross-Country Journey

Optional Experiences for This 5 Day Private Tour in Iceland

The itinerary can be personalized with glacier, geothermal, wildlife, photography and accommodation upgrades according to season and availability.

Glacier Experiences in Southeast Iceland

Add a specialist-led glacier hike, a winter ice cave or a summer Jökulsárlón boat tour around the Skaftafell and glacier-lagoon section.

Geothermal bathing around Lake Mývatn in Iceland

Geothermal Bathing in North Iceland

The itinerary can include a Mývatn-area bathing experience or Forest Lagoon near Akureyri, depending on the final overnight and flight schedule.

Whale watching from Húsavík in North Iceland

Whale Watching from Húsavík in Iceland

Whale watching from Húsavík is available as an optional extension when the overnight and timing allow. Because Húsavík is included, whale watching should be planned as part of the Húsavík experience rather than treated as a simple town stop.

Northern Lights during a winter private tour in Iceland

Northern Lights Search in Winter Iceland

Winter travel can include aurora searches when darkness and conditions are suitable, while the route itself must remain flexible around road and weather changes.

East Fjords photography and local food stops in Iceland

Photography and Local Food in East Iceland

The East Fjords day is ideal for flexible photography stops, fishing-village visits and local food experiences away from the busiest Iceland routes.

Premium countryside accommodation on a private tour in Iceland

Premium Hotels and Extra Night in Akureyri Iceland

Premium countryside hotels can be used throughout the route, and an additional night in Akureyri can be added before the domestic flight when a slower finish is preferred.

A Route Best Suited to Longer Daylight

Best Season for This 5 Day Private Tour in Iceland

The source itinerary especially recommends late spring through early autumn because this five-day route covers a large distance through South, East and North Iceland.

Late Spring Private Tours Across Iceland

Increasing daylight makes the long route more comfortable, while higher or remote roads should still be checked carefully around the travel dates.

Summer Private Tours Across Iceland

Long scenic days, easier travel conditions and seasonal Jökulsárlón boat tours make summer the strongest season for this compact south-to-north route.

Early Autumn Private Tours Across Iceland

Early autumn can offer quieter roads and changing light while still allowing a broad cross-country route before winter conditions become more restrictive.

Winter Private Tours Across Iceland

Snow, glacier scenery, possible Northern Lights and ice caves can be spectacular, but the five-day timetable must remain highly flexible, particularly in Southeast and East Iceland.

Road Flexibility Across Iceland

Weather and road conditions can affect the long transfers between Southeast Iceland, the East Fjords and North Iceland, so the driver-guide may adapt the sequence.

Domestic Flight Planning in Iceland

Akureyri–Reykjavík flight schedules and baggage rules should be coordinated before finalizing the last day's sightseeing and airport transfer.

Compare Private Iceland Tours by Season

The Main Pages Connected to This Journey

Plan This 5 Day Private Tour Within Your Iceland Journey

This product belongs under the duration collection and links naturally to the South Coast, Ring Road and private-tour planning pages.

Private Cross-Country Iceland Travel Questions

5 Day Private Tour Iceland from Reykjavik to Akureyri FAQs

Practical answers about the route, regions, road distance, domestic flight, optional experiences and best season.

The private driving tour starts in Reykjavík or, depending on arrival time, Keflavík Airport. It finishes at Akureyri Airport, followed by a domestic flight to Reykjavík Domestic Airport.

The route covers the South Coast, Southeast Iceland, the East Fjords and North Iceland, including Vík, Jökulsárlón, Höfn, Egilsstaðir, Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and Akureyri.

The full route covers approximately 1,010–1,570 km by private vehicle, depending on accommodation, stops, road conditions, activities and route adjustments.

The itinerary is designed to finish with a domestic flight from Akureyri to Reykjavík, avoiding the long road return to the capital. Flight schedules and luggage conditions must be checked before final confirmation.

Optional experiences include glacier hiking, a winter ice cave, a summer Jökulsárlón boat tour, geothermal bathing, Forest Lagoon, whale watching from Húsavík, Northern Lights searches, local food, premium hotels and private photography stops.

The itinerary is especially recommended from late spring to early autumn, when daylight is longer and road conditions are generally more suitable for covering South, East and North Iceland in five days. Winter requires more route flexibility.

Start Your South-to-North Iceland Journey

Request Your 5 Day Private Tour from Reykjavik to Akureyri in Iceland

Tell us your travel dates, group size, arrival point, hotel style and preferred activities. We will adapt the South Coast, East Fjords and North Iceland route around your pace and coordinate the final Akureyri–Reykjavík domestic flight.

Reykjavík or Keflavík pickup

South Coast, East Fjords and North Iceland

Domestic flight finish in Akureyri

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