3 Days in Iceland: Itinerary to Make the Most of Your Short Trip
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Iceland is a country of big contrasts, where glaciers sit next to volcanoes and moss-covered lava fields stretch for miles. Even if you only have three days, you can see some of the country’s most beautiful spots, relax in hot springs, and try local foods.
Here are two plans: one focusing on Iceland’s most popular sights and another with quieter, less crowded options. Driving times and distances are included to make planning easier.
Classic Itinerary: Iconic Iceland Highlights
Iceland has hundreds, if not thousands, of natural wonders to see. It’s not easy to choose the best, but some are just unmissable. Luckily, there are a few that are within driving distance from Reykjavik, making for excellent day trips from the capital. Here, we break them down so you can make the most of your three days in the Land of Fire & Ice.
Day 1: Reykjavik & the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
After arriving at Keflavik International Airport, pick up your rental car and drive to Reykjavik, about 45 minutes (50 km / 31 miles) away. If you get in early, drop off your bags at the hotel and grab a snack at a café like Sandholt Bakery or Reykjavik Roasters.
Start your trip with a visit to one of Iceland’s famous geothermal spas. The Blue Lagoon is just 20 km (12 miles) from the airport, a short 20–25 minute drive, and is famous for its bright blue waters. If you’re not tired from your flight, you can go to the Blue Lagoon straight from the airport. It’s 20 minutes away, and you can eat something in Keflavik or Grindavik or even in the lagoon's restaurant. If you’d rather stay closer to Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon is only 10 minutes from the city center, has great ocean views, and is much less crowded than the Blue Lagoon.
In the evening, explore Reykjavik’s city center. Walk along Laugavegur Street, visit the shops and cafés, and check out Hallgrímskirkja Church, one of the city’s main landmarks. For dinner, try places like Kol or ROK, where you can enjoy fresh Icelandic dishes like Arctic char or lamb. If you still have energy, stop by a local bar for a drink. Otherwise, just head back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep (the next day will be busy).
Day 2: Golden Circle Adventure
Start your day early and head out to explore the Golden Circle, a drive of about 230–300 km (140–186 miles). From Reykjavik, it’s around a 45-minute drive to Þingvellir National Park. This place is full of history and has some really interesting landscapes. Here, you can walk (and dive!) between two tectonic plates, see waterfalls, and more.
Next, drive about 50 minutes east to the Geysir area, where Strokkur shoots water high into the air every few minutes. Ten minutes from there is Gullfoss, a big waterfall that crashes into a deep canyon. If you have extra time, stop at Kerid Crater, known for its red volcanic rock, or relax at the Secret Lagoon, another of Iceland’s hot springs.
For lunch, head to Friðheimar, about 20 minutes from Geysir. They grow tomatoes in greenhouses and make fresh tomato soup that’s a big hit. They also make their own bread, which comes in different (and funny) shapes. The place is gorgeous. Definitely one of my favorite places to eat outside of the big cities. Plan for about eight to nine hours to enjoy the route, including stops. Afterward, drive back to Reykjavik. In the evening, you can try a craft beer, listen to live music or take a walk by the Old Harbor before heading to bed.
Day 3: South Coast Wonders
You can’t come to Iceland and not visit the South Coast. It’s one of the best road trips you can do in the country. It won’t be a super relaxed day, but trust me on this one: it will be 100% worth it.
Getting an early start is mandatory. Seljalandsfoss, about 130 km (81 miles) from Reykjavik, is a 1 hour and 45-minute drive. Here, you can walk behind the waterfall—just make sure to wear something waterproof.
Another 30 km (19 miles) and about 30 minutes on the road takes you to Skógafoss. This 60-meter (200-foot) tall waterfall often has rainbows when the sun is out. The power of this waterfall will leave you in awe. It’s amazing.
Keep driving for another 30 minutes to reach Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. This beach is known for its black sand, big basalt columns, and strong Atlantic waves. If you have time, stop in the nearby village of Vík for lunch or visit Dyrhólaey to see its large coastal arch. In the evening, drive back to Reykjavik or Keflavik, depending on when your flight leaves. The drive back is two hours and 25 minutes.
Alternative Itinerary: A Hidden Gem Experience
If you want to avoid the tourist track, or if this is not your first time here, we’ve put together an alternative itinerary that takes you through equally amazing spots with fewer crowds.
Day 1: Reykjanes Peninsula
The Reykjanes Peninsula is a fascinating region in southwest Iceland. It’s known for its volcanic landscapes, geothermal areas, and dramatic coastlines. This is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating unique sights like bubbling mud pools, steaming hot springs, and rocky cliffs. The best thing about it? It’s the home of the Keflavik Airport and is super close to Reykjavik.
If you want to skip the crowds, start exploring as soon as you land at Keflavik Airport. Drive about 20 km (12 miles) or 20 minutes to the Bridge Between Continents, where you can stand between two tectonic plates. Next, head 7 km (4.5 miles) south (just 10 minutes) to Gunnuhver Hot Springs, where you’ll see steam rising from vents and bubbling mud pools.
From there, drive about one hour inland to Kleifarvatn Lake, a peaceful spot surrounded by volcanic landscapes. The drive is usually shorter, but road closures are common. Just 5 minutes away is Seltún, a geothermal area with colorful minerals and bubbling mud. When you’re done exploring, you can either drive to Reykjavik in under 40 minutes or stay on the peninsula for a quieter evening.
Day 2: Glymur Waterfall & Borgarfjörður
Start your day by driving about 70 km (43 miles)—roughly an hour—from Reykjavik to Glymur Waterfall. The hike can take three to four hours round trip, and parts of the trail are a bit tricky, but the view of Iceland’s second-highest waterfall makes the effort worthwhile.
If you still have energy afterward and want to see more, continue about 90 km (56 miles) north—which takes around an hour and a half—to the upper Borgarfjörður area. There, you can visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, two beautiful waterfalls that flow over lava fields. Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, is only a 20-minute drive from these falls, so it’s easy to add it to your route. If you have extra time, swing by Reykholt—a small village tied to Iceland’s medieval sagas.
Since this already makes for a long day, consider staying in Borgarnes, about 30 minutes away. If you’d rather return to Reykjavik, remember it’s roughly an hour’s drive back, on top of the hiking and sightseeing you’ve already done. Staying in Borgarnes helps break up the travel, so you’re not spending so many hours on the road in one day, and it also has you closer to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for the next day.
Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This day also calls for an early start, especially if you’re staying in Reykjavik, but most of all, because the drive back to the capital is close to three hours.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula has many different landscapes in one area, which is why it’s often called “Iceland in Miniature.” Start your day by leaving Reykjavik and driving about two and a half hours (180 km / 112 miles) to Grundarfjörður. Here, you can visit Kirkjufell Mountain, one of the most iconic (and photographed) sights in Iceland, and Kirkjufellsfoss, a small but picturesque waterfall nearby. If you spent the previous night in Borgarnes, the drive is just one hour and 15 minutes.
Next, drive 41 km (25 miles) for about 40 minutes to Skarðsvík Beach. This small beach has golden sand surrounded by dark volcanic cliffs. It’s a really unique view.
Another 35 km (22 miles), or about 30 minutes on the road, takes you to the fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. These spots have coastal trails perfect for a walk along the shore. If you still have time and the weather is good, you can visit Snæfellsjökull National Park. This park is home to a glacier-topped volcano made famous in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.
When you’ve finished exploring, it’s about a two-and-a-half-hour or three-hour drive back to Reykjavik or Keflavik, depending on your flight schedule. If your schedule is too tight to do all the stops, don’t worry. Just adapt it to your needs.
Practical Tips for Any Iceland Adventure
Here are some tips to have a smooth and comfy trip:
- Check weather and road conditions often: Iceland’s weather can change quickly, especially in winter.
- Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear: You’ll need a good jacket, sturdy shoes, and layers to handle wind and rain.
- Consider renting a 4x4: If you’re traveling on gravel roads or in snowy weather, a four-wheel-drive car can make things easier.
- Stay flexible: Don’t rush. You might miss out on some amazing views if you stick to a rigid schedule. Keep an eye on conditions and adjust your plan as needed.
Conclusion
In just three days, you can experience so much of Iceland, whether you stick to the well-known Golden Circle and South Coast or head to quieter spots like Reykjanes and Snæfellsnes. You’ll see waterfalls, hot springs, and rugged coastlines that seem to change with every turn. It’s no surprise many people start planning their next trip before they’ve even left. As the locals say, góða ferð! (Have a great trip!).
Frequently Asked Questions About Spending 3 Days in Iceland
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