Iceland is changing 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 basically, so even if you happen to’re not flying to Europe it’s nicely price a devoted journey.
Should you stay in New York the flight time is round 5 hours 45 minutes to Reykjavik (so lower than the flight to LA) and if you happen to fly from London it’ll take simply 3 hours quarter-hour to get there.
Iceland is understood for its magical panorama of volcanoes, sizzling springs, geysers and lava fields. For the reason that island is situated far north it’s doable to see the Northern Lights right here, though the local weather isn’t at all times as very 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, comparable to the perfect time to go to and the place to remain.
Steered 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 the town.
Reykjavik could also be small however there are literally numerous issues to do for the reason that majority of the nation’s inhabitants lives right here. It’s straightforward to discover on foot so guide a lodge within the heart and produce your strolling footwear.
In your first day in Reykjavik you’ll wish to discover a few of the metropolis’s main sights and finest eating places. The meals in Iceland is a few of the finest I’ve ever eaten, critically. Each dish is so contemporary 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 if you happen to’re actually brief on time, it’s finest to do it if you’re touring from or to the airport.
Once you go to will actually depend 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 could possibly cease on the Blue Lagoon in your manner from the airport to the town heart, then do your sightseeing.
Alternatively, you could possibly 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 could possibly spend the entire day right here. It’s as much as you. Should you’re flying out of Keflavik within the afternoon/night on day 3 then you could possibly 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 sizzling spring nevertheless it’s truly synthetic, 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 differ however they begin at round 6990 ISK for an grownup ($53) and there’s one free drink included within the value, so you’ll be able to 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 within the Blue Lagoon in winter.
The Blue Lagoon isn’t only a sizzling spring, it’s a vacation spot, with a luxurious lodge, spa and several other eating places on web site. If you wish to have a spa remedy and lunch then you could possibly 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 known as Vacation spot Blue Lagoon which takes you to the Blue Lagoon from the airport or the town. It may be booked on-line right 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 friends 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 heart 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 components of land and sea animals that may be present in Iceland. It sounds bizarre (which it’s) however the place else on the earth are you able to stare upon over 200 penises preserved in formaldehyde? On show you’ll be able to 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 bogs! Yep, as you’ll be able to most likely inform from this text up to now, Reykjavik is unquestionably offbeat and quirky. Should you’re a punk fanatic or fascinated by studying about punk historical past it is a enjoyable museum. Company are welcome to attempt on garments, play the drums and hearken to punk information utilizing headphones hanging from the ceiling.
Eat a sizzling canine at Bæjarins beztu pylsur
You’d suppose the U.S could be the perfect place to order a sizzling canine nevertheless it seems the perfect sizzling canine I’ve ever eaten are in Iceland. Courting again to 1937, this well-known sizzling canine stand serves scrumptious sizzling canine which might be nice to eat as a snack whilst you’re strolling round Reykjavik. I ate sizzling canine right here on daily basis! Sizzling canine value 550 ISK (round $4 USD) and it’s the most affordable lunch you’ll discover in Reykjavik. There’s one thing in regards to the mixture of the tremendous gentle bun and the distinctive style of the mustard that makes these sizzling canine simply so moorish, significantly after an evening out in town.
Snap a photograph with the Solar Voyager
Now that you simply’ve glad your starvation with a sizzling canine, take a stroll to the Solar Voyager to burn off the energy. This enormous stainless-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 simply’ll discover throughout the nation. It’s a hanging constructing that towers over the town and if you wish to take pictures 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 without doubt 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
If in case you have some power left then head over to Lebowski Bar, which will get its theme from the Large Lebowski film by the Coen Brothers. It is 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 flooring. If you wish to keep in line with the Lebowski theme then you need to undoubtedly order The Dude’s favourite drink, a White Russian. There are over 23 completely different variations of White Russians on the menu!
Day 2: The Golden Circle & Northern Lights
On day two of your journey you’ll be able to go to the Golden Circle. When you can definitely hire a automobile and drive round Iceland, if you happen to solely have three days I’d skip the automobile rental and simply guide a tour to see the Golden Circle. On brief stopover journeys like these I normally can’t be bothered with the trouble of automobile 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 bundle to see the Golden Circle and the Northern Lights. Should you do that choice you get just a few 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. Should you don’t see them then you’ve the choice of going again out a second night time totally free however we determined to offer {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. Should you go to in winter then be sure you put on mountain climbing boots as a result of the realm might be fairly slippy because of the ice.
Gulfoss Waterfall – Subsequent up you’ll see the Gulfoss Waterfall, which is a powerful 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 without doubt one of the few locations on the earth the place you’ll be able to see the North-American and Eurasian tectonic plates above floor. The plates are pulling aside at a price of some centimetres per 12 months.
Should you determine to do the Northern Lights as nicely then you definately’ll arrive again within the metropolis at round 18:30 and then you definately’ll have just a few 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
Should you don’t go to see the Northern Lights then you could possibly chill out in Reykjavik and simply go to have a leisurely dinner. Take a look at Tapas barinn, which has an in depth menu of fifty completely different small plates. If you wish to attempt conventional Icelandic delicacies, you’ll be able to attempt the Icelandic Gourmand 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 is determined by how relaxed you’d like your itinerary to be and if you’re flying residence. If you wish to cram as a lot as doable into 3 days then you’ll be able to squeeze within the Blue Lagoon on Day 1 after which see Iceland’s South Shore on Day 3.
The South Shore is without doubt one of the most scenic components of Iceland. Reykjavik Excursions runs a South Shore Journey 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 be able to 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 without doubt one of the most breathtaking and rugged seashores in Iceland. Right here you’ll be able to see the Reynisdrangar rock formations and columnar basalt.
As well as, the tour takes you to Sólheimajökull glacier and a captivating village known as Vík, which is surrounded by excessive cliffs.
Dinner at Sjavargrillid
Once you get again to Reykjavik, go for dinner at Sjavargrillid, which is run by chef Gústav Axel Gunnlaugsson, who traveled across the nation in search of 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 could possibly go to the Blue Lagoon on the best way again to the airport. Or, if you happen to’d simply want a extra leisurely itinerary basically, you could possibly 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’ll be able to 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 may 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 known as Reykjavikur Apotek. The constructing was in-built 1917 by the previous State Architect of Iceland, Guðjón Samúelsson. Rooms are cozy and comfy, plus the meals and cocktails within the Apotek restaurant are unimaginable. I undoubtedly loved my keep right here.
Is three days in Iceland Sufficient?
3 days primarily based in Reykjavik will help you see all of the locations I discussed above. Should you’re ready to pack quite a bit into every day, then you’ll be able to undoubtedly see the perfect 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 hire a automobile and see different issues, such because the Iceland Ring Highway, then you definately’ll wish to spend as much as every week in Iceland.
Should you’re visiting Iceland on a stopover otherwise you simply have just a few days off from work then 3 days might be all you’ve. You’ll be able to undoubtedly take advantage of it and see Iceland’s finest sights. Nonetheless, like every nation, the longer you keep the extra you get to chill out, transfer at a barely slower tempo and see extra issues.
Do I must hire a automobile in Iceland?
For this itinerary and with just a few days in Iceland, I’d say ditch the automobile concept 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 like a problem to spend time on the automobile rental desk on arrival and worrying about parking. Should you’re planning to remain in Iceland for longer and also you wish to drive the Iceland Ring Highway then undoubtedly wish to hire a automobile or 4×4 and self-drive so you’ve the flexibleness to cease wherever you need.
What’s the perfect time of 12 months to go to Iceland?
That actually is determined by the person. There are execs and cons to every season.
I went within the winter and Iceland appears to be like magical with snow on the bottom. I beloved 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 sights. If you wish to take pictures, you solely have just a few hours to take them earlier than it will get darkish. Nonetheless, 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 be sure you pack ski gloves, a giant puffy jacket and thermals. After 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 mountain climbing and expertise Iceland’s dramatic surroundings, then the summer season 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 comparable to Secret Solstice Competition.
When’s the perfect time to go whale watching in Iceland?
For whale watching, April to October is the perfect time to see the orcas.
When’s the perfect time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
You’ll be able to see the Northern Lights between September and April, though the perfect months for viewing are February, March, September and October.
Is Iceland Costly?
Foods 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, if you happen to’re solely in Iceland for 3 days then you definately received’t have a lot probability to burn by means of your money.
Iceland’s foreign money is known as Króna (ISK). The excursions weren’t that costly however consuming out was.
A ultimate phrase…
I hope you discovered this urged Iceland itinerary helpful. When you’ve solely 3 days in a metropolis you are likely to wish to slot in as a lot as doable however on the similar time you don’t wish to really feel exhausted and burnt out. Whereas it’s doable to most likely cram Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon into in the future after which do two full day excursions, I attempted to make this 3 day itinerary a contact extra leisurely.
