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Iceland Day Plans: Hour by Hour, From People Who Live Here
Day plans
Hour by hour, with honest drive times and when to turn back.
A South Coast day
6 stopsCar needed
A Golden Circle day
5 stopsCar needed
A Reykjavík day
5 stopsNo car needed
Golden Circle or South Coast first?
Golden Circle first if you just landed or feel nervous on Icelandic roads: about 3 hours of paved driving in a loop, close to Reykjavík. Save the South Coast for a rested day with calm wind.
Can you do the South Coast in one day?
Yes, if you turn back at Vík: about 4 hours 30 minutes of driving there and back. Jökulsárlón and back is far too much driving for one day, especially in winter.
What is a good day trip from Reykjavík without a car?
A walking day in central Reykjavík: the old harbour, Harpa, and a neighbourhood thermal pool. For the Golden Circle or South Coast without driving, book a guided tour.
Can you do the Golden Circle in winter?
Usually, yes. It is the safest winter day out, but check road.is and vedur.is that morning and finish driving before dark.