Iceland
4 Days
This itinerary is perfect for first-timers in Iceland who don’t have much time. In only 4-5 days, you’ll get to discover a vast variety of city and nature landmarks, giving you a great look into what this amazing country has to offer. From the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, to the iconic Gullfoss waterfall, you are guaranteed to be amazed. With only short driving distances and a single hotel check-in, this adventure will also give you time to relax.
We did this trip in wintertime (read our blog post) however it can also be done in summer. In winter, the days are short and snowy, with only 5-6 hours of daylight. In contrast, everything is green and the sun barely sets in summer. This is great for maximizing your days outside, but makes it impossible to see the Northern Lights. Depending on the season you choose to go, your trip will be considerably different – one more reason to go to Iceland twice!
When to go:
Jan-Feb / Jul-Aug
Timezone:
GMT (UTC +0)
Language:
Icelandic / High English Fluency
Plug type/voltage:
Type F – 230V/50Hz
Currency:
Icelandic Krona (Kr)
Tipping / VAT:
Not customary / Included
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik
50km/30mi – 45min
Land in Keflavik airport, and head towards Reykjavik, the northernmost capital on the planet. Once settled into your hotel, grab a quick bite and start exploring the city.
Explore:
- Visit Hallgrímskirkja the most iconic church of Iceland, and admire the panoramic view from the top of the tower.
- Wander along Laugavegur street with its multitude of small boutiques and restaurants.
- Walk along the seaside and check out the Sun Voyager (Sólfar) statue.
- Warm up inside Harpa, a beautiful concert hall and cultural center made of colored glass panels.
- Explore the old Reykjavik, and walk around (or on!) the frozen Tjörnin lake.
Eat:
In Reykjavik, we enjoyed:
- Sandholt Bakery (Lunch / Brunch)
- Kol Restaurant (Dinner)
- Le Bistro (Dinner)
Stay:
- Book a hotel in Downtown Reykjavik, near Laugavegur street and Hallgrimskirkja
- We enjoyed: Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels
Tips:
- Flights arriving from the US land extremely early. Try to book a room in a cheap hotel near the airport to nap before driving to Reykjavik.
- To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights during your trip try your luck at spotting them after sunset.
Go to the next page to see the next day of this itinerary. Feel free to comment below if you have any questions or want to share your recommendations with our fellow readers!
Day 2: Reykjavik
220km/160mi – 2h15
Once the sun finally rises, spend the day exploring more of Reykjavik, and its surroundings. Finish off the day by leaving the capital city to hopefully see the breathtaking Northern Lights.
Explore:
- Head to the hilltop’s Perlan Museum, which also includes an observation deck and a restaurant
- From the Old Port, embark on a whale watching boat tour (summer is prime viewing season). Alternatively, in winter, avoid the cold by going to one of the city’s numerous museums.
- Drive to the Grótta Lighthouse and walk along the windswept seaside.
- After sunset, leave the city lights in search of the Northern Lights.
Eat:
In Reykjavik, we enjoyed:
- Sandholt Bakery (Lunch / Brunch)
- Kol Restaurant (Dinner)
- Le Bistro (Dinner)
Stay:
- Same as Day 1 (in Reykjavik)
Tips:
- You can check this forecasting website, to locate the best areas for Northern Light gazing
- If you are feeling pessimistic about seeing the Northern Lights due to bad weather check out Aurora Reykjavik for the next best thing: a surround sound panoramic recreation of the Northern Lights.
Go to the next page to see the next day of this itinerary. Feel free to comment below if you have any questions or want to share your recommendations with our fellow readers!
Day 3: The Golden Circle
230km/140mi – 3h15
Drive around the Golden Circle to discover a comprehensive sample of what Iceland’s beautiful nature has to offer. This one day adventure will take you through otherworldly landscapes, and let you witness how powerful nature can be.
Explore:
- Explore Thingvellir National Park and observe the Eurasian and North American tectonic rift. Take a short 25min walk to the breathtaking Öxarárfoss waterfall. Other sights in the park also include the Thingvallakirkja church and the world’s first democratic parliament (Alþingi).
- Discover the geothermal area of Geysir and witness the Strokkur Geyser erupt (every 5-10min).
- Stand on the edge of the roaring Gullfoss to admire the strength of one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls.
- Stop by the Skálholt Cathedral known for its distinctively Icelandic architecture.
- Circle the rim of the Kerið Crater, and admire the contrast between its red soil and green volcanic lake.
Eat:
- Pack a picnic before leaving Reykjavik (Sandholt Bakery or Bonus Grocery store)
- There are cafeterias at both Geysir and Thingvellir’s visitor centers
Stay:
- Same as Day 1 (in Reykjavik)
Tips:
- Winter days are short on daylight, so make sure to leave Reykjavik before sunrise to be able to complete the Golden Circle in a day. Otherwise, you may want to consider budgeting 2 days to complete the Golden Circle, especially if you want more time to hike.
- Although bus tours are offered, we highly recommend driving.
- You will likely spot some beautiful Icelandic horses along your drive.
- Fun fact: you can actually scuba dive in the waters separating the two tectonic plates!
Go to the next page to see the next day of this itinerary. Feel free to comment below if you have any questions or want to share your recommendations with our fellow readers!
Day 4: Blue Lagoon & Departure
70km/45mi – 1h
Leave Reykjavik and head to the Blue Lagoon. Relax in the milky blue waters before catching your flight home.
Explore:
- Swim in steamy hot waters of the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by black lava fields. Enjoy a complimentary beverage and relax while sporting a famous silica face mask.
Eat:
- Lava Restaurant at Blue Lagoon (Lunch / Dinner)
Stay:
- Last day: check-out from your hotel in Reykjavik
Tips:
- Don’t forget to reserve the Blue Lagoon in advance – tickets are only sold online and sell out regularly!
- Pack a waterproof case for you smartphone to take photos while swimming in the Lagoon.
- We recommend relaxing at the Blue Lagoon before your flight, because of its close proximity to the airport. Alternatively, you could also go there right after landing in Iceland.
Going on this trip? Let us know how it went and make sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram or Facebook!