Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Deanne
Iceland’s diverse landscape and unique beauty make it a dream destination for many people. While part of the country is remote and otherworldly – layered with moss-covered lava rock – other areas show off glaciers and waterfalls surrounded by green cliff walls. Then there’s the coastal capital of Reykjavik which is colorful, vibrant, and lively. Below, we detail how you can discover various landscapes and regions within a short Iceland itinerary, 4 days filled with rugged adventure and thrills.
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Exploring Iceland in 4 days means you won’t get to see everything this intriguing country has to offer. But after careful consideration, we compiled a 4-day Iceland itinerary that includes a variety of landscapes and adventures along the entire southern part of the country. You’ll experience city life, Iceland’s raw interior, the black sand beaches of the southern coast, and mighty waterfalls and glaciers.
*This itinerary is suitable for travel from June through September when most roads and trails are open for exploration.
4-DAY ICELAND ITINERARY
DAY ONE:
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport.
To make the most of your 4 days in Iceland plan to arrive in Keflavik International Airport as early in the day as possible. Choosing an overnight flight which arrives early in the morning is a good option, especially if you can sleep on the plane. Then you’ll be able to hit the ground running when you arrive. In a country this beautiful and with a short 4-day itinerary, you’ll want to make the most of every minute.
Plus, the early morning hours are especially ethereal at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon just a short bus ride away from the airport. Make that stop #1.
Soak in the Blue Lagoon.
A visit to the famous Blue Lagoon may be the sole reason you started planning a trip to Iceland. Lucky for you, within hours of arriving in the Land of Fire and Ice you can check this item off your bucket list, since the Blue Lagoon is easily accessible from the airport by way of a coach bus.
Named one of the 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic, the Blue Lagoon attracts more than 700,000 visitors each year. This mineral-rich geothermal spa is known for its healing properties and skin nourishing elements. An early morning soak in the milky blue water surrounded by black lava rock is a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Blue Lagoon offers a variety of additional amenities, including an in-water bar, restaurants, a store, spa, and overnight accommodations. After your visit, the same bus service you took to the Blue Lagoon can take you to Reykjavik. Book your transportation and Blue Lagoon entrance fee all in one place here: Blue Lagoon entrance fee and transportation
*IMPORTANT: Check the Blue Lagoon website to make sure they are open on the day you plan to go. Weather conditions due to volcanic eruptions in the area can cause the Blue Lagoon to close.
Explore Reykjavik.
Located right on the coast, Reykjavik is picturesque, colorful, and compact – making it easy to get around without having to rent a car. Exploring Reykjavik on foot saves you a day of rental car fees and allows you to enjoy a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops lining the streets.
*Take a Guided tour.
There are fun guided tours you can take of the city, like this small group walking tour, a Reykjavik food walk, or even a helicopter tour soaring above the city with a stop on a flat mountain summit!
Of if you prefer to explore Reykjavik on your own, here are some things not to miss:
*Stroll Laugavegur.
Laugavegur is one of Reykjavik’s oldest and most popular streets. It’s home to cute boutiques, cafes, galleries, bars, and colorful houses. With something for everyone, Reykjavik’s liveliest shopping street is worth a wander.
*Tour Hallgrímskirkja.
Hallgrímskirkja is Iceland’s largest church soaring 240 feet high. You can’t miss this tall, intriguing landmark gracing Reykjavik’s skyline. Take the elevator to the top for stunning 360° views of Reykjavik below.
*Have dinner downtown.
You’ll have your pick of restaurants and cuisines in downtown Reykjavik, but they get crowded. So, make dinner reservations before arriving. Here are some popular choices:
Messinn: A small, casual seafood restaurant in the heart of Reykjavik
Forrettabarinn: Local cuisine offering small plates of a variety of dishes
Islenski Barinn: A casual pub with local Icelandic cuisine
Hlemmur Matholl: A food hall with a variety of dining options
DAY TWO:
Rent a car for the remainder of your Iceland itinerary.
The next few days of your Iceland itinerary you’ll need a car to get around, so plan to pick up a rental car early in the morning of Day Two.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you plan to drive on any of Iceland’s F-roads (which we include on Day 4), you must rent a 4×4 vehicle that is approved for F-road travel. (F-roads are gravel roads in Iceland’s interior that are bumpy, not as well-maintained, and may include river crossings.)
Start driving the Golden Circle making three scenic stops along the way.
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular scenic driving route. The entire loop can be done in a day, but for this itinerary, you’ll hit the three main natural attractions of Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. Then, instead of looping back around to Reykjavik, you’ll head to Iceland’s southern coast.
Golden Circle stop #1: Þingvellir National Park
Established in 1928, Þingvellir is Iceland’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A major rift has created a unique landscape comprised of cliffs, gorges, basalt rock walls, lakes, and grass-covered lava fields.
Golden Circle stop #2: Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir geothermal area is where geysers all over the world got their name. This hot spot of geothermal activity is bubbling, steaming, and fascinating to see. While the great Geysir is not as active anymore, the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes.
Golden Circle stop #3: Gullfoss
Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most popular and mightiest waterfalls. Water from the Langjökull glacier flows through the Hvita River to this surging 2-tiered waterfall. Gullfoss’ first cascade falls 36 feet, while the second plunges 69 feet. Views from above showcase the waterfall’s thunderous force.
Grab a late lunch and pick up the Ring Road to Iceland’s southern coast.
After leaving Gullfoss, head south on Route 30 toward the small village of Flúðir. Here you can grab a quick lunch as you’re passing through and continue south to the Ring Road (Route 1). Enjoy the Mars-like lava rock landscape as you follow Route 1 along the southern coast toward Skogar, Vik, and Kirkjubaerjarklaustur.
Have fun at Skogafoss, a must-see part of your 4-day Iceland itinerary.
Skogafoss is a refreshingly fun waterfall near Skogar, Iceland. It’s not the tallest waterfall or the mightiest, but it’s definitely one of the most enjoyable. The rushing cascade is wide and forceful creating a cool mist among the bright green cliffs. You can walk right up to it, get wet, and listen to the roaring water crashing.
Explore the black sand beaches of Vik.
Vik is a cute town on the southern coast of Iceland known for its black sand beaches. Tucked between the mountains and the ocean, Vik is a picturesque town to drive through, stopping along the water, and wandering about. While intriguing to look at, the water is too cold and the waves too dangerous for swimming.
Overnight in Kirkjubaerjarklaustur.
Not sure how to pronounce Kirkjubaerjarklaustur? That’s okay, some locals refer to it simply as Klaustur, which is much more manageable. Here you can check in to your accommodations. Hotel Klaustur is a good choice offering a restaurant and bar.
There isn’t much to do in Klaustur, but it’s proximity to Vatnajökull National Park (tomorrow’s adventure) makes it a convenient spot to spend the night.
DAY THREE:
Get an early start and drive to Vatnajökull National Park.
Fifty minutes east of Klaustur is Vatnajökull National Park including Skaftafell Nature Reserve. With a variety of hiking trails, waterfalls, valleys, and glaciers to explore, Skaftafell is a great change of pace from the miles of driving the day before. Get a head start on the day because these park trails are just as popular as they are picturesque.
One of the best hikes is a moderate uphill trek to the Sjonarnipa viewpoint for panoramic views of glaciers, mountains, and wild terrain. On your way, hike to the stunning Svartifoss – an iconic waterfall cascading between basalt columns.
This hike offers dramatic waterfall views from a distance, as well as close up. You can hike right up to it and feel the mist on your face.
When you return from this hike, grab a sandwich at the Skaftafell Visitor Center before heading out.
Drive further east and enjoy a Jökulsárlón boat tour.
The Jökulsárlón glacial lake is a 45-minute drive east. Waters from an outlet of the Vatnajökull glacier create this impressive glacial lagoon. Huge chunks of ice broken off from the glacier float through the water. The best way to experience Jökulsárlón is on a boat tour where guides teach you the history of the glacier while giving you close-up views of the awesome scenery.
With more time, embark on a guided Skaftafell adventure.
If you decide to spend more time in the Skaftafell area, you can embark on even more exciting adventures.
This glacier walk lets you safely explore Vatnajökull’s rugged terrain with sweeping views of the icy formations.
A fun ice cave tour lets you get off the beaten path and explore inside a natural ice cave.
Stop briefly at Fjallsárlón.
As you start your drive back south on Route 1, make a quick detour to Fjallsárlón for a convenient and beautiful photo opportunity. Fjallsárlón is a lesser-known lagoon with great views of the Vatnajökull Glacier. This stop won’t take long, but is worth it for the view.
Head back west on Ring Road.
After enjoying the Fjallsárlón view, get back on the Ring Road making your way toward the tiny town of Hella. Grab a bite to eat somewhere along the way as you backtrack through Kirkjubaerjarklaustur, Vik, and Skogar. When you arrive in Hella you can settle in for the night and relax after a scenic and full day of exploring Iceland’s grand landscape.
The quiet cottages at Arhus Guesthouse are a quaint option located on the banks of a small river. Again, this small town is not much of a destination in itself, but rather a convenient place to spend the night given its proximity to tomorrow’s activities.
DAY FOUR:
Explore Iceland’s otherworldly interior.
Today you’ll have a rugged adventure that starts with a route on Iceland’s F-roads leading to the beautiful Landmannalaugar geothermal area. Get another early start to make the most of your time in the scenic, albeit remote, Icelandic Highlands. The drive will take you a little over 2 hours.
You’ll start driving north on Route 26 then east on F225 where you’ll experience Iceland’s raw, bumpy, and barren terrain. You’ll encounter lots of curves, some blind turns, and a few small river crossings along the way making this an adventure to remember. (A longer alternate route without river crossings is an option if you take 26 to F208 and enter Landmannalaugar from the north. And, remember, by law you need a 4×4 vehicle to drive on Iceland’s F-roads.)
Landmannalaugar is known for its multicolored mountains caused by magma containing rhyolite. The impressive landscape is marked by geothermal activity, hot springs, and steam rising from the ground. You can hike, explore, and soak in a natural hot spring while spending the day there. To get the most out of your adventure, read these 13 tips for a Landmannalaugar day trip.
Enjoy the last night of your Iceland itinerary in Reykjavik.
After a full and adventurous few days exploring Iceland’s out-of-this-world scenery, spend the last night enjoying the vibrant capital city to round out your trip. Have a good meal. Do some souvenir shopping. Sit back and relax with a drink as you enjoy being back in civilization.
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