The ultimate itinerary for The Land of Fire and Ice
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Iceland is an adventure lover’s paradise. From hiking near volcanoes to getting up close to powerful waterfalls, there’s no shortage of unique experiences. Here’s the perfect way to spend 3 days in Iceland!
Day 1: Explore Reykjavik
For your first day in Iceland, spend some time exploring Reykjavik, the capital city. We recommend starting your sightseeing at Hallgrímskirkja, the tallest church in the country and one of the most iconic structures in Reykjavik. Admission to the church is free, but there is a fee to go up in the bell tower.
While you’re near Hallgrímskirkja, walk around the city center for local shops and a wide selection of restaurants.
For those into museums, there are two great options in the city: The Settlement Exhibition and The Arbaer Open Air Museum. The Settlement Exhibition features an open excavation site that visitors can walk around while they learn the history of Iceland’s settlers. At the Arbaer Open Air Museum, visitors can walk through a recreated village consisting of more than 20 buildings, allowing them to get a sense of what it used to be like to live in Iceland.
If you’re looking for more things to see in Reykjavik, check out the Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager Statue, and the Perlan exhibition. You can also go on a food walk!
Day 2: The Golden Circle + Blue Lagoon
The Golden Circle
For your next day in Iceland, head out on the Golden Circle – the most scenic route in the country. There are three main stops along the Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Thingvellir National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland’s mainland and is the birthplace of the country’s parliament. The park offers visitors the opportunity to walk between two continents. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which separates the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, sits above sea level, allowing visitors to walk directly between them. While you’re in the park, make sure to hike to the Oxararfoss Waterfall, one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. And if you’re up for a real adventure, consider snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure, where you can snorkel between two tectonic plates in some of the clearest water on the planet.
The Geysir Geothermal Area is made up of over a dozen geysers. The area was formed over 1,000 years ago, when earthquakes in southern Iceland caused the formation of the hot springs. The Strokkur geyser is the main attraction and erupts every four to ten minutes. Visitors should plan to spend about an hour exploring the area.
The third main stop on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss Waterfall. Translating to “Golden Falls,” this waterfall is one of Iceland’s most stunning sites. It was formed over 5,000 years ago when runoff from the Langjokull Glacier flooded the area, creating the Hvita River that feeds the waterfall. The waterfall consists of two drops – the first is 36 feet high, and the second is 69 feet. Make sure to pack a raincoat or poncho for your visit to Gullfoss – visitors are able to get quite close to the falls!
If you have more time while out on the Golden Circle, consider stopping at Kerid Crater. Kerid was once a cone-shaped volcano. Upon eruption, it depleted its magma reserve, causing the volcano to collapse upon itself. Visitors can walk around the rim and around the lake at the bottom.
If you’d like to go along the Golden Circle with a guided tour that includes transportation, check out this option.
The Blue Lagoon
To wrap up your second day in Iceland, head to the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is one of the 25 wonders of the world and one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions. The Blue Lagoon’s recognizable light blue water comes from its high silica content and is a byproduct of a nearby geothermal plant. The silica causes soft mud to form on the bottom of the lagoon, which bathers can apply to themselves to rejuvenate their skin. In addition to indulging in some skin care, visitors can also partake in in-water massages and float therapy. Reservations are recommended and can be made at this link.
Day 3: Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature,” the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a great day trip from Reykjavik. There are two main attractions on the peninsula: Kirkjufell Mountain and Snaefellsjokull National Park.
Also known as Church Mountain, Kirkjufell is the most photographed mountain in Iceland and was featured in season seven of The Game of Thrones. For avid hikers, there is a steep trail to the top of the mountain that takes roughly three hours round trip. While you’re in the area, stop at Kirkjufellsfoss – a beautiful waterfall that perfectly frames Kirkjufell.
Next up, head over to Snaefellsjokull National Park. One of Iceland’s three national parks, Snaefellsjokull’s main attraction is its namesake 700,000 year old subglacial volcano. Some top sites to visit in the park are the Saxholl Crater, Malarrif Lighthouse, and Londrangar View Point.
If you have more time on Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you can stop at Yrti Tunga Beach. This beach is the most reliable place in Iceland to see seals, especially during summertime.
If you have more time…
… there’s still plenty more to do in Iceland!
Puffins
Did you know Iceland is home to half of all the world’s puffins? The best time to see the puffins is during the summer, when they come to shore and lay their eggs. The puffin colonies can be found on the Akurey and Lundey islands, which can be reached by boat as part of a tour group.
Diamond Beach
If you’re up for an adventure far from Reykjavik, consider heading out to Diamond Beach. This black sand beach is famous for the glistening iceberg fragments scattered all about. Diamond Beach is about five hours from Reykjavik.
Bridge Between Two Continents
Not too far from Keflavik International Airport is the Bridge Between Two Continents. This 50-foot bridge spans the space between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, offering visitors the chance to say that they were able to walk from North America to Europe in a few seconds!
Check out our Iceland Bucket List post for more things to do!
Check out our TikTok to see what our trip to Iceland was like!
Disclaimer: All information presented in this post was accurate at the time of our trip. Attractions, availability, circumstances, operating hours, prices, etc. are subject to change and this post may not reflect the most up-to-date information. Readers are advised to do their due diligence in researching the location prior to travel. Hyperlink content may be out-of-date and is not sponsored by or affiliated with Scenic Sites unless otherwise noted.
Visited July 2022 | Posted February 2023
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