Iceland is turning into a preferred stopover vacation spot on flights between North America and Europe, with Icelandair providing free stopovers in Iceland en route throughout the Atlantic. It’s additionally only a beautiful nation typically, so even in the event you’re not flying to Europe it’s properly price a devoted journey.
In case you reside in New York the flight time is round 5 hours 45 minutes to Reykjavik (so lower than the flight to LA) and in the event you fly from London it’ll take simply 3 hours quarter-hour to get there.
Iceland is understood for its magical panorama of volcanoes, scorching springs, geysers and lava fields. Because the island is situated far north it’s attainable to see the Northern Lights right here, though the local weather isn’t at all times as best for viewing as someplace like Norway or Finland.
As with every nation there’s quite a bit to see and do however this Iceland 3 day itinerary will help you cowl the fundamentals, together with Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle. I’ll additionally focus on some sensible info, similar to one of the best time to go to and the place to remain.
Urged Itinerary for 3 Days in Iceland
- Day 1: Reykjavik Sightseeing (+ Blue Lagoon if there’s time)
- Day 2: The Golden Circle
- Day 3: Iceland’s South Shore (or Blue Lagoon for a extra leisurely itinerary)
Day 1: Sightseeing in Reykjavik – Blue Lagoon, Harpa Live performance Corridor, Phallological Museum, Hallgrimskirkja
I’d advocate reserving a lodge for all the three days in Reykjavik. The nation’s capital is a superb base for exploring the remainder of the island and nearly all of excursions depart from town.
Reykjavik could also be small however there are literally lots of things to do because the majority of the nation’s inhabitants lives right here. It’s straightforward to discover on foot so guide a lodge within the middle and produce your strolling sneakers.
In your first day in Reykjavik you’ll wish to discover a few of the metropolis’s main points of interest and finest eating places. The meals in Iceland is a few of the finest I’ve ever eaten, critically. Each dish is so recent and well-presented.
Blue Lagoon
Opening hours for the Blue Lagoon are from 9am to 9pm. The Blue Lagoon is situated simply quarter-hour from Keflavík – Reykjavik airport so in the event you’re actually brief on time, it’s finest to do it if you’re touring from or to the airport.
Whenever you go to will actually rely upon if you’re flying out and in of Reykjavik. In case your flight lands early within the morning at Keflavik Airport on Day 1 then you may cease on the Blue Lagoon in your method from the airport to town middle, then do your sightseeing.
Alternatively, you may forgo the tour to the south of Iceland in your third day and do the Blue Lagoon as an alternative. Doing the Blue Lagoon in your third day would enable for a way more leisurely itinerary and you may spend the entire day right here. It’s as much as you. In case you’re flying out of Keflavik within the afternoon/night on day 3 then you may do the Blue Lagoon on the best way again to the airport.
Earlier than I went to go to the Blue Lagoon I had at all times assumed it was a pure outside scorching spring nevertheless it’s truly artificial, with the geothermal water coming from the close by geothermal energy plant.The geothermal water is enriched with silica, algae, and minerals which have therapeutic, nourishing and rejuvenating properties.Tickets costs range however they begin at round 6990 ISK for an grownup ($53) and there’s one free drink included within the value, so you may order a drink within the swim-up bar. If you wish to be taught extra about what it’s like, learn my full article on swimming in the Blue Lagoon in winter.
The Blue Lagoon isn’t only a scorching spring, it’s a vacation spot, with a luxurious lodge, spa and a number of other eating places on website. If you wish to have a spa therapy and lunch then you may determine to make a complete day of it right here. If that’s the case then undoubtedly do it on Day 3.
Attending to the Blue Lagoon: You may get to the Blue Lagoon by taxi – the journey takes 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport or 50 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. Alternatively there’s a bus referred to as Vacation spot Blue Lagoon which takes you to the Blue Lagoon from the airport or town. It may be booked online here.
Seize a espresso at Laundromat Cafe
When you’re within the metropolis and also you’ve checked into your lodge, seize a espresso at Laundromat Cafe, which is a laundromat mixed with a bar/restaurant. The idea is enjoyable and quirky, permitting visitors to do their laundry whereas they’ve one thing to eat or drink. The vibe is heat and welcoming with books, video games, maps and free Wi-Fi to maintain you occupied. This place is nice for breakfast or lunch.
Snap a photograph at Harpa Live performance Corridor
Subsequent up, stroll to Harpa Live performance Corridor, which is a contemporary live performance corridor and convention middle with a crystalline glass facade impressed by the Northern Lights and the basalt Iceland panorama. You don’t must see a live performance right here to admire its magnificence; Harpa Live performance Corridor is a murals in its personal proper. Situated on the water with views over the ocean, the corridor is residence to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. By day the constructing glistens within the solar and at night time the outside is illuminated in LED lights.
Go to the Phallological Museum
Sure, there actually is a Penis Museum in Reykjavik. Not removed from Harpa Live performance Corridor you’ll discover the Reykjavik Phallological Museum, which is a museum devoted to the penises and penile elements of land and sea animals that may be present in Iceland. It sounds bizarre (which it’s) however the place else on the planet are you able to stare upon over 200 penises preserved in formaldehyde? On show you may see penises of walruses, seals, polar bears and even the penis of a 95-year-old man.
Icelandic Punk Museum
Up the road from the Phallological Museum you’ll discover the Punk Museum, which is a tiny museum situated in a former set of public bathrooms! Yep, as you may in all probability inform from this text thus far, Reykjavik is certainly offbeat and quirky. In case you’re a punk fanatic or desirous about studying about punk historical past this can be a enjoyable museum. Company are welcome to attempt on garments, play the drums and take heed to punk information utilizing headphones hanging from the ceiling.
Eat a scorching canine at Bæjarins beztu pylsur
You’d assume the U.S could be one of the best place to order a scorching canine nevertheless it seems one of the best scorching canines I’ve ever eaten are in Iceland. Courting again to 1937, this well-known scorching canine stand serves scrumptious scorching canines which might be nice to eat as a snack whilst you’re strolling round Reykjavik. I ate scorching canines right here every single day! Sizzling canines price 550 ISK (round $4 USD) and it’s the most cost effective lunch you’ll discover in Reykjavik. There’s one thing in regards to the mixture of the tremendous mushy bun and the distinctive style of the mustard that makes these scorching canines simply so moorish, notably after an evening out in town.
Snap a photograph with the Solar Voyager
Now that you just’ve happy your starvation with a scorching canine, take a stroll to the Solar Voyager to burn off the energy. This enormous chrome steel sculpture of a ship is situated on the waterfront overlooking the ocean.
Go to Hallgrimskirkja
Hallgrimskirkja is Reykjavik’s most iconic landmark and one of many tallest buildings in Iceland. This concrete Lutheran church was named after Seventeenth-century Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson and the design is impressed by the basalt columns that you just’ll discover throughout the nation. It’s a putting constructing that towers over town and if you wish to take images of Reykjavik from above, I’d counsel taking the elevator to the tower, which prices 1000 ISK (roughly $7.50).
Get pleasure from dinner and cocktails at Apotek
To complete your day, seize dinner at Apotek, which is likely one of the finest eating places in Reykjavik. Drinks are ready by a mixologist in a lab coat and the cocktail menu has a pharmacy theme, with drinks organized into “painkillers”, “stimulants” and “tranquilizers”. I ordered the seared tuna with avocado puree and pickled watermelon, adopted by the meat tenderloin. The meals was out of this world!
After dinner drinks at Lebowski Bar
In case you have some power left then head over to Lebowski Bar, which will get its theme from the Huge Lebowski film by the Coen Brothers. This can be a nice bar for assembly fellow vacationers and locals. Inside there’s a bowling alley, a southern-style porch, a ‘50s diner, and a ‘60s lounge bar on the higher ground. If you wish to keep in step with the Lebowski theme then it is best to undoubtedly order The Dude’s favourite drink, a White Russian. There are over 23 different variations of White Russians on the menu!
Day 2: The Golden Circle & Northern Lights
On day two of your journey you may visit the Golden Circle. Whilst you can definitely lease a automotive and drive round Iceland, in the event you solely have three days I’d skip the automotive rental and simply guide a tour to see the Golden Circle. On brief stopover journeys like these I often can’t be bothered with the trouble of automotive leases, particularly when it’s really easy to get round by Uber.
We booked our Golden Circle tour with Reykjavik Excursions. We truly booked a combo package deal to see the Golden Circle and the Northern Lights. In case you do that choice you get a couple of hours to relaxation after the Golden Circle and then you definately return out to see the Northern Lights.
Sadly the Northern Lights didn’t come out for us that night time as a consequence of climate situations and it was so unbearably chilly. In case you don’t see them then you could have the choice of going again out a second night time without cost however we determined to present {that a} miss and simply get pleasure from Reykjavik as an alternative.
When visiting the Golden Circle you’ll see:
Geysir Geothermal Park – The tour will take you to see the Strokkur geysir spurting out columns of water into the air each 4-8 minutes. In case you go to in winter then ensure you put on mountaineering boots as a result of the world may be fairly slippy because of the ice.
Gulfoss Waterfall – Subsequent up you’ll see the Gulfoss Waterfall, which is a formidable waterfall created by the river Hvítá, which plunges right into a crevice some 32 m deep.
Thingvellir Nationwide Park – Lastly you’ll go to Thingvellir Nationwide Park, which is likely one of the few locations on the planet the place you may see the North-American and Eurasian tectonic plates above floor. The plates are pulling aside at a fee of some centimetres per 12 months.
In case you determine to do the Northern Lights as properly then you definately’ll arrive again within the metropolis at round 18:30 and then you definately’ll have a couple of hours to relaxation earlier than heading again out to see the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights tour lasts round 3 hours.
Dinner at Tapas barinn
In case you don’t go to see the Northern Lights then you may loosen up in Reykjavik and simply go to have a leisurely dinner. Try Tapas barinn, which has an in depth menu of fifty completely different small plates. If you wish to attempt conventional Icelandic delicacies, you may attempt the Icelandic Connoisseur Feast, which prices 8,990 ISK (roughly $68). It begins with a shot of Icelandic “Brennivín” adopted by six programs and a dessert.
Day 3: Iceland’s South Shore or Blue Lagoon
South Shore Tour
What you do on day 3 will depend on how relaxed you’d like your itinerary to be and if you’re flying residence. If you wish to cram as a lot as attainable into 3 days then you may squeeze within the Blue Lagoon on Day 1 after which see Iceland’s South Shore on Day 3.
The South Shore is likely one of the most scenic elements of Iceland. Reykjavik Excursions runs a South Shore Adventure which is an all-day tour that lasts round 10 hours and half-hour. The tour takes you to see Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you’ll stroll behind, and Skógafoss waterfall, which was used as a backdrop in Thor: The Darkish World and The Secret Lifetime of Walter Mitty.
After visiting the waterfalls you’ll cease at Reynisfjara black sand seaside, which is likely one of the most breathtaking and rugged seashores in Iceland. Right here you may see the Reynisdrangar rock formations and columnar basalt.
As well as, the tour takes you to Sólheimajökull glacier and a captivating village referred to as Vík, which is surrounded by excessive cliffs.
Dinner at Sjavargrillid
Whenever you get again to Reykjavik, go for dinner at Sjavargrillid, which is run by chef Gústav Axel Gunnlaugsson, who traveled across the nation on the lookout for the true style of Iceland. The inside of the restaurant is adorned with driftwood and different items that Gustav collected and dragged again to the restaurant from his travels.The meal I ate right here was one of the crucial memorable meals in my life and I want I may simply teleport myself there to eat it yet again. My meal consisted of grilled & crispy langoustine with pan fried plaice, natural barley, golden beet, date and kale, adopted by créme brûlée with strawberry, caramel, sorrel and cocoa nibs.
Various choice for day 3: Museums & Blue Lagoon
If you wish to fly out within the afternoon on day 3, you may go to the Blue Lagoon on the best way again to the airport. Or, in the event you’d simply choose a extra leisurely itinerary typically, you may spend this final day exploring Reyakjavik’s museums, then go to the Blue Lagoon earlier than spending your final night time having fun with a pleasant dinner in Reykjavik.
Museums you may go to in your final day embrace the Nationwide Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik Artwork Museum, Reykjavik Maritime Museum, Saga Museum and The Settlement Exhibition. You can additionally go to Þúfa, an artwork set up which was created by artist Ólöf Nordal in 2013. The set up options an 8m-tall grassy mound with a spiral pathway that leads you as much as the highest.
The place to remain in Reykjavik
Apotek Resort
I stayed on the Apotek Resort, which is residence to the Apotek Kitchen + Bar. This lodge is a centrally situated boutique lodge with 45 rooms, housed in a constructing that was as soon as a pharmacy referred to as Reykjavikur Apotek. The constructing was in-built 1917 by the previous State Architect of Iceland, Guðjón Samúelsson. Rooms are cozy and cozy, plus the meals and cocktails within the Apotek restaurant are unbelievable. I undoubtedly loved my keep right here.
Is three days in Iceland Sufficient?
3 days based mostly in Reykjavik will help you see all of the locations I discussed above. In case you’re ready to pack quite a bit into every day, then you may undoubtedly see one of the best of Iceland in three days. You’ll be busy and there’s probably not time for napping in your lodge room. If you wish to lease a automotive and see different issues, such because the Iceland Ring Street, then you definately’ll wish to spend as much as every week in Iceland.
In case you’re visiting Iceland on a stopover otherwise you simply have a couple of days off from work then 3 days might be all you could have. You may undoubtedly profit from it and see Iceland’s finest sights. Nevertheless, like every nation, the longer you keep the extra you get to loosen up, transfer at a barely slower tempo and see extra issues.
Do I must lease a automotive in Iceland?
For this itinerary and with just a few days in Iceland, I’d say ditch the automotive thought and simply get round utilizing taxis and excursions. I don’t find out about you however with such a brief period of time it looks as if a problem to spend time on the automotive rental desk on arrival and worrying about parking. In case you’re planning to remain in Iceland for longer and also you wish to drive the Iceland Ring Street then undoubtedly wish to rent a car or 4×4 and self-drive so you could have the flexibleness to cease wherever you need.
What’s one of the best time of 12 months to go to Iceland?
That basically will depend on the person. There are execs and cons to every season.
I went within the winter and Iceland seems magical with snow on the bottom. I cherished it. The draw back is it’s freezing in winter and the times are brief, so that you don’t have many daylight hours to see the sights and points of interest. If you wish to take images, you solely have a couple of hours to take them earlier than it will get darkish. Nevertheless, you do have extra hours to see the Aurora Borealis aka the Northern Lights. Temperatures within the winter months between December to February can attain as little as -30 Celsius, so ensure you pack ski gloves, an enormous puffy jacket and thermals. Once we went to do the Northern Lights tour I needed to spend most of my time on the bus as a result of it was simply so chilly.
If you wish to go mountaineering and expertise Iceland’s dramatic surroundings, then the summer time months between June to August are a good time to go to. The times are infinite (critically the solar is up until midnight) and the climate is heat, plus there are many festivals similar to Secret Solstice Competition.
When’s one of the best time to go whale watching in Iceland?
For whale watching, April to October is one of the best time to see the orcas.
When’s one of the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
You may see the Northern Lights between September and April, though one of the best months for viewing are February, March, September and October.
Is Iceland Costly?
Food and drinks in Iceland is on the costly facet. I didn’t discover it to be as costly as Norway nevertheless it was undoubtedly up there when it got here to costs. Nonetheless, in the event you’re solely in Iceland for 3 days then you definately gained’t have a lot probability to burn via your money.
Iceland’s forex known as Króna (ISK). The excursions weren’t that costly however consuming out was.
A closing phrase…
I hope you discovered this urged Iceland itinerary helpful. When you could have solely 3 days in a metropolis you are likely to wish to slot in as a lot as attainable however on the identical time you don’t wish to really feel exhausted and burnt out. Whereas it’s attainable to in all probability cram Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon into sooner or later after which do two full day excursions, I attempted to make this 3 day itinerary a contact extra leisurely.
