Searching for the perfect 3 days in Iceland itinerary?
I will walk you through how to pack as much as possible into your three days in Iceland! You will see everything from waterfalls to canyons to black sand beaches!
This itinerary goes at a moderate to fast pace and can be customized to your interests. It is perfect for a quick trip to Iceland at any time of year.
When visiting Iceland for 3 days, I recommend renting a car as this will be a mini road trip!
If you don’t want to rent a car, you can still see many of these sites by booking a group tour or multiple-day tours. I will include more details about booking tours in Iceland later in this post.
I have been to Iceland multiple times and absolutely love it! I know all the best Iceland planning tips and how to make the most of a short stay in this amazing country!
Is 3 days enough to see Iceland? Of course, you cannot experience everything in such a short amount of time. However, 3 days is the ideal timeline to see many of the most popular things to do in Iceland!
Now, let’s look at what to see in Iceland in 3 days!
Get a FREE printable “Hidden Gems In Iceland” E-book by joining our private Iceland Facebook Group where you can share your photos and ask for tips and tricks.
3 Day Iceland Itinerary Map
If you are more of a visual person and are wondering where this 3 day Iceland road trip itinerary takes you, check out this map!
Iceland is a very GPS-friendly country and the majority of locations mentioned can be plugged into your GPS or Google Maps! This is our Iceland itinerary in map format!
3 Days In Iceland Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip To Iceland
Day 1: Reykjavik and the Golden Circle
Fly into Keflavik Airport to begin your three days in Iceland. Feel free to modify day one of this Iceland itinerary depending on what time your flight arrives.
This first day will be jam-packed with fantastic sites and things to do!
Stop 1: The Blue Lagoon
Some people think the Blue Lagoon is a big tourist attraction and don’t want to go. But, they are missing out!
While it can be expensive, it is one of the most amazing experiences you will have in your life! I visited the Blue Lagoon during winter, and it was so magical with the snowfall!
Visiting the Blue Lagoon is the perfect way to kick off your 3 days in Iceland itinerary, especially if you arrive on an early flight. They even have Blue Lagoon/Keflavik Airport transfer buses!
To visit the Blue Lagoon you MUST make a reservation! I recommend choosing the cheapest package as I recognize it is an expensive thing to do. However, I think it is 100% worth it as it is one of the best things to do near Reykjavik!
The hot spring pool is huge and even if there are a lot of people visiting, there are places that are more secluded! It is a fun way to begin your trip to Iceland!
Unwinding here is one of the best Iceland stopover ideas!
Book Here: From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers
Stop 2: A Grocery Store In Reykjavik
If this sounds like an odd thing to do in Iceland. Think again! Grocery stores in Iceland will save you buckets of money during your Iceland weekend trip!
Before you begin your Golden Circle drive, stock up on food and snacks! Purchasing food out, even at gas stations, can add up quickly in Iceland!
Since food is so expensive in Iceland, I recommend making a grocery store your first stop after visiting the Blue Lagoon. If you are staying at an Airbnb in Iceland, make sure to buy enough food to eat all meals for 3 days in Iceland.
If you can’t think of what you want, at least get bread, sandwich meat, peanut butter and jelly, fruit, snacks, and bottled drinks.
If you want to snack, eat something you purchased at the grocery store instead of breaking the bank by going out to eat!
Check out my guide to the prices in Iceland so you know how to budget!
Driving The Golden Circle
During the first day of your Iceland itinerary, you will drive a loop road called the Golden Circle. It begins and ends near Reykjavik.
The drive is an easy 190-mile round-trip journey. Since it is a circle, you can choose to complete it in either direction, but for this 3 days in Iceland itinerary, you will be going clockwise.
The drive can be done in under 3 hours, but I recommend spending at least 4 to 5 hours exploring. If you want to opt out of driving this part, there are many affordable Golden Circle Tours you can book.
Stop 3: Thingvellir National Park
The first stop you’ll make on the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park.
It is one of the coolest places to see in Iceland because it is where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates touch! Go snorkeling here to see this amazing geological feature!
It is also where the first parliament happened way back in the Viking days! Isn’t that so cool?
There are walks you can do, waterfalls to see, and pullouts to enjoy the views.
Book Here: Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos
Stop 4: Geysir Hot Spring Area
One great thing about the Golden Circle is the diversity of things you will see on this drive! Boiling mud pots? Check! Geysers that erupt almost on schedule? Check!
If you are based in the capital for this first day, you can easily make this a day trip from Reykjavik!
Geysir Hot Spring Area allows you to walk among geysers and boiling mud pots so you must be very careful to stay on the approved path.
The Strokkur geyser erupts almost on a schedule so you will see it during your stop! Have your camera ready as the best part of the eruption is the giant blue bubble that forms just moments before the geyser erupts hundreds of feet into the air!
Book Here: Reykjavik: The Golden Circle Day Tour
Stop 5: Brúarfoss Waterfall
Brúarfoss Waterfall is a much lesser-known Golden Circle location but it should not be missed!
This location isn’t a stop on the typical “Golden Circle Drive” but I know the secrets and think you should add it to your 3-day Iceland tour!
The water is stunning and really does look this blue in real life! It is a beautiful hike with multiple waterfalls along the way.
The waterfall can be found by typing “Brúarfoss Waterfall” into your GPS! Make sure to add the “waterfall” part to your GPS for accurate directions.
Stop 6: Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the biggest waterfalls you will see during your 3 days in Iceland.
Gullfoss is open whether you plan your Iceland layover tour in winter or summer, and it looks completely different during each season!
You can view Gullfoss from above, or you can walk down the stairs to get up close and personal with this powerful waterfall!
There is also a gift shop and restaurant that overlooks the waterfall. If you do choose to eat, this is a great place to grab lunch on the first afternoon in Iceland.
Book Here: From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full Day Tour
Stop 7: Downtown Reykjavik
End your first day in Iceland by exploring Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city.
You are probably super tired from your flight and day exploring the Golden Circle, so I don’t blame you if you just want to unwind in your lodging and sleep!
If you want to get out, visit the Sun Voyager sculpture and walk along the riverfront.
I also recommend seeing Hallgrímskirkja Church. It is one of the tallest buildings in the city and is located in the heart of downtown.
Book Here: Reykjavik: Sightseeing Walking Tour with a Viking
Book Here: Reykjavik: Icelandic Food Tour
Optional Activity For Winter: Take A Northern Lights Tour
If you visit Iceland in winter, you probably are dying to see the northern lights! They are super exciting to see and top many people’s bucket lists!
Since you only have 3 days in Iceland, taking a northern lights tour is a good way to maximize your chances of seeing the lights. The guides know the best tips and places for seeing the northern lights in Iceland.
Be prepared to stay up late. The lights are not always visible and you need the perfect conditions.
This is a top experience for a 3-day winter itinerary for Iceland!
Book Here: Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik
Book Here: From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise
Where to Stay on Your First Night in Iceland
The first day of your 3 days in Iceland was jam-packed with fun things to do! Don’t worry, the next two days will be a bit slower-paced!
For the first night, you can choose to book accommodation in the heart of Reykjavik or more on the outskirts. There are plenty of great places to stay in Reykjavik!
Since you are leaving town tomorrow and heading to Iceland’s south coast, I recommend booking accommodation on the outskirts of Reykjavik.
If you want to skip exploring downtown Reykjavik altogether, you can even spend the night in Selfoss which is right at the end of the Golden Circle drive. Check out where to stay on the Golden Circle!
Where To Stay In Reykjavik:
Mid-Range: Reykjavik Natura – Berjaya Iceland Hotels. Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Alda Hotel Reykjavik. Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury: Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com
Day 2: Best Of Iceland’s South Coast
On the second day of your 3 days in Iceland itinerary, you will leave the Reykjavik area and head towards the town of Vik on the south coast.
This is my all-time favorite part of Iceland and an unforgettable part of your Iceland itinerary. The driving is easy and the views are stunning. Many sights are close together so there is not a ton of driving.
Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Start the second day of your 3 days in Iceland by visiting the stunning Seljalandsfoss Waterfall!
This waterfall is located just under 2 hours from Reykjavik. Simply put “Seljalandsfoss Waterfall” in your GPS and head out.
Seljalandsfoss is a cool stop on your Iceland itinerary because you can walk behind it! Bring a poncho or risk getting wet!
If you visit Iceland in winter, Seljalandsfoss will be covered in snow and ice so you will not be able to walk behind it but you can still enjoy it from the front.
You can see Seljalandsfoss from the Ring Road so it is hard to miss!
This is one of the best stops along the Ring Road in Iceland!
Stop 2: Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
Located a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, the hidden Gljúfrabúi Waterfall is one of the most unique waterfalls in Iceland! To find the waterfall, face Seljalandsfoss and walk about a quarter-mile to your left.
Reach the waterfall by walking through a gorge on stepping stones. Wear waterproof shoes and don’t forget that poncho!
Here you will see Gljúfrabúi Waterfall in all of its glory cascading into the mossy gorge! This is one of the most fun stops on any Iceland itinerary and there is a big payoff at the end!
Stop 3: Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
After driving in the car and exploring two waterfalls, it is time for a short hike and a relaxing soak in the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool.
This hot spring is located in the mountains near the waterfalls you just visited. To get there, simply type “Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool” in your GPS.
From the parking lot, walk a short 20 minutes to this hidden swimming pool in the mountains heated by geothermal water! The walk is winding and has a bit of uphill and downhill, but it is moderate.
This is a great free choice for hot springs in Iceland!
Stop 4: Skogafoss Waterfall
Your next stop will be the impressive Skogafoss Waterfall! This 197-foot-tall and 82-foot-wide waterfall can be seen from the road so you won’t waste time trying to find it!
Skogafoss is easily accessible in both the winter and the summer! It is a short walk from the parking lot.
When visiting Skogafoss on your Iceland itinerary, make sure to walk the stairs on the right side of the waterfall to the top! Here you will get a unique perspective of the landscape!
This is my favorite waterfall in the world! If you have 3 days in Iceland, you really need to stop here!
Stop 5: Kvernufoss Waterfall
Kvernufoss Waterfall is another special hidden gem that isn’t included on most 3-day Iceland itineraries!
This waterfall is located off the same Ring Road stop as Skogafoss Waterfall, but there are no GPS directions to Kvernufoss Waterfall!
The short hike to this waterfall begins behind the Skogar Museum so navigate yourself there and begin! You have to hop over a fence but it is set up so you can easily jump over!
Not far from the fence, you will enter a rugged and mossy gorge. The hike goes along the river until you reach Kvernufoss!
This is another waterfall you can walk behind and it is quite a cool experience!
Stop 6: Sólheimasandur Airplane Wreck
Looking for a unique thing to do during your 3 days in Iceland? Visiting the Sólheimasandur Airplane Wreck on a black sand beach will be one of the most memorable activities!
Luckily, no one died in this plane crash so you can explore without being disrespectful. The wreck is located very near Skogafoss so keep your eye out for a small, makeshift parking area.
The walk from the parking lot is long at about 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip. It is easy though, on flat to a slightly rocky beach. Depending on how fast you walk, it can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes each way.
You will not see the plane until you come over a hill and are right upon it. Make sure to budget plenty of time for this walk so you don’t get caught out in the dark and have enough time to enjoy your stay!
Please note that climbing or walking on the plane is not allowed.
Here are the exact coordinates to get to the plane crash – 63.459523,-19.364618
Book Here: South Coast: ATV Quad Bike Safari
Spend The Night in Vik on Day Two
For the second night, spend the night in the cute town of Vik!
Although it is a small town, there are a variety of accommodation options ranging from nice hotels, hostels, and a campground. There is a grocery store and a gas station.
I have an entire article about where to stay in Vik so if you are searching, this is the place to check out even more detailed suggestions!
Where to Stay In Vik:
Affordable: Puffin Hostel Vik. Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Guest House Galleri Vik. Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury: Hotel Kria. Check Rates: Booking.com
Day 3: South Coast Highlights
As the last of your 3 days in Iceland, you want to make the most of it!
Since you spent the night in Vik, you are in luck as there are a lot of great things to do in Vik and nearby!
This is also a great time to see anything you may have missed or skipped for the sake of time on the other two days!
Stop 1: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is located less than 5 minutes from Vik back the way you entered the town!
You can easily reach the amazing black sand and basalt columns by a side road off Highway 1 near Vik.
If the tide is out, and I mean way out, you can climb on the basalt columns on Reynisfjara Beach. Otherwise, walk along the beach and marvel at the stunning views and black sand!
This is one of the most dangerous beaches in Iceland and “sneaker waves” have claimed the lives of tourists in the past. Always keep an eye on the waves.
Stop 2: Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is located down the hill on the Ring Road after you get back on the main road from the beach. Make sure to keep an eye out for the small sign!
There are two parts to Dyrhólaey, a lower part where you can walk around rocks and down onto the beach, and a higher part where you can drive up to Dyrhólaey Lighthouse!
To see the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, the drive is short but steep and winding and there are no guardrails! It is doable during the winter in a 2×2 car but it is sketchy!
Once you park, walk straight toward the edge of the cliff. You will be rewarded with a view of a black sand beach stretching as far as the eye can see!
While you are up there, make sure to walk around Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and explore the different views. There is a sea arch that is pretty cool to take pictures of as well!
If you are a photographer, this is a particularly epic stop on your Iceland weekend itinerary! Look for puffins from May through August. They are some of the cutest animals in Iceland!
Stop 3: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
After you explore the black sand beaches near Vik, drive east on the Ring Road for about 50 minutes until you come across the sign for Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.
This is the furthest you will go on the Ring Road since you have just 3 days in Iceland but this is well worth the stop!
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a lesser-known stop and is rarely included on many Iceland itineraries but it is stunning and easy to get to.
To get to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, simply plug it into your GPS or Google Maps and you will be taken right to the mouth of the canyon. It is located right off the Ring Road and there is a bathroom and parking lot at the bottom.
You can walk down in the canyon or up along the edges. This makes for some fantastic photo opportunities!
Just be careful when walking near the edge of the cliff as the edge of the dirt may be loose and it could be dangerous!
This is one of the coolest Iceland canyons and should not be missed during your layover in Iceland!
Optional Stop 6: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
This stop is optional on your 3-day Iceland itinerary because the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a bit far from Reykjavik for your drive back.
You haven’t seen anything until you have seen a glacier lagoon in Iceland! This is such a beautiful and unique landscape!
Chunks of crystal-clear, blue ice sit on a perfectly black beach. Look for the seals that often come out to play among the floating icebergs.
Once you are done at the glacier lagoon, drive across the street and see the famous Diamond Beach.
This is where the ice chunks from the glacier lagoon flow into the ocean. Then the smooth ice chunks wash up on the black sand beach which looks like a diamond.
Book Here: From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Stop 5: Reykjavik
If you were too tired to explore Reykjavik on your first day, I don’t blame you! Now is a great time to end your 3 days in Iceland itinerary in the capital city. Do a little shopping or take a walking tour!
The drive to Reykjavik from Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon will take about 3 hours. You will pass all the sites you saw on day 2 if you want to stop and see anything a second time.
This is also a good time for an evening at the Blue Lagoon if you missed it at the beginning of your Iceland stopover itinerary!
Spend Your Last Night In Iceland In Reykjavik Or Vik
Depending on what time your flight leaves, you may choose to spend your third night in Vik as opposed to Reykjavik. This will give you time to explore the south coast of Iceland more.
If you choose to stay in Reykjavik, I recommend picking a place that is on the outskirts of town if you have an early flight to catch.
Keflavik Airport is pretty chill when it comes to security and getting through the airport because it is small, but you don’t want to be late!
Where to Stay In Vik:
Affordable: Puffin Hostel Vik. Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Guest House Galleri Vik. Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury: Hotel Kria. Check Rates: Booking.com
Where To Stay In Reykjavik:
Mid-Range: Reykjavik Natura – Berjaya Iceland Hotels. Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Alda Hotel Reykjavik. Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury: Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com
Spending 3 Days In Iceland Without Driving (Tours)
If you want to spend 3 days in Iceland and don’t want to drive, that is okay!
I will recommend the best tours in Iceland below that mimic what I recommended above. You won’t be able to see some of the lesser-known spots I suggested, but you will see the highlights!
If you choose to do your 3-night trip to Iceland through tours, I recommend making Reykjavik your home base. This way, you will be near where the tours start and some even pick you up from your lodging.
Spending 3 days in Reykjavik means you don’t have to bother booking multiple accommodations.
If you just have a layover in Reykjavik these tours are ideal!
Day 1: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour (8.5 Hours)
This trip is one of the bestselling guided tours in Iceland! This tour mimics day 1 of my self-drive 3 days in Iceland itinerary.
This 8.5-hour Golden Circle Full-Day Guided Trip will bring you to Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, and the Kerid Crater.
The Kerid volcano crater is amazing with iron-colored dirt and deep, green water at the bottom.
It is one of the best Iceland tours because, for an extremely affordable rate, you pack in everything there is to see on the Golden Circle. All without having to drive!
If you want to end the day relaxing at the Blue Lagoon, consider booking the 11-hour Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour.
After exploring the Golden Circle, you will love unwinding in the mineral-rich water.
Book Here: From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Guided Trip
Book Here: From Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour
Day 2: South Iceland Full Day Tour From Reykjavik (10 hours)
This may be your favorite day in Iceland especially if you love waterfalls and beaches!
This 10-hour South of Iceland Full-Day Trip features all of the top sights in the region.
Watch the dramatic Iceland landscape pass by as you are driven to Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Sólheimajökull glacier, and Reynisfjara Beach. You’ll have lunch in Vik.
If you want to tack on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, book this 14-hour day tour instead!
Book Here: From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip
Book Here: From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Day 3: Explore Reykjavik With A City Tour
On the last day of your weekend in Iceland itinerary, spend the day exploring Reykjavik.
What better way to see the city than with an affordable hop-on hop-off bus tour? I particularly love the Reykjavik waterfront so make sure you hop off here and walk around.
You can also enjoy some of the best food and drinks in town on a food tour. Spend 3 hours eating delicious local cuisine!
Animal lovers will want to book a whale-watching tour in Iceland. Near Reykjavik in Faxaflói Bay, you will spot many cool marine animals! The best time to see whales is in the summer.
Add a whale-watching tour to your 3-day summer itinerary for Iceland!
Book Here: Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: 24 or 48-Hour Ticket
Book Here: Reykjavik: 3-Hour Foodie Adventure Walking Tour
Book Here: Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise
Optional Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour (11 hours)
If you want to skip Reykjavik and find something more unique, consider taking a tour to visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula!
This West Iceland region is a much lesser-known part of the country even though it is home to Kirkjufell, a mountain seen in almost every article about Iceland!
This 11-hour Snaefellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour will bring you to rocky coastlines, lava fields, waterfalls, mountains, and more!
If you want to book a great Iceland 3-day itinerary without a car, this is it!
Book Here: From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour
Multi-Day Group Tours
Another option is to book a multi-day tour in Iceland. This is a great alternative to booking many different day tours.
These are more expensive, but all the planning, transportation, and accommodations are taken care of. You will have a fun and stress-free trip with experienced guides leading the way.
Book Here: Reykjavík: 2-Day Tour with Icebergs, Glaciers & Waterfalls
Book Here: Iceland: 3-Day Golden Circle, South Coast, & Glacier Tour
First Time In Iceland Travel Tips
How To Get To Iceland
Start your 3 days in Iceland by flying into Keflavik Airport. This is the main international airport in Iceland.
I recommend checking out Skyscanner to find the best and most affordable flights into Iceland. I use this tool to discover the best flights because you can easily compare rates.
Keflavik Airport is located about 45 minutes away from the city of Reykjavik.
If you are not renting a car in Iceland or taking tours, you will want to take a bus into the city. This is also an option if you are going to be picking up your rental car from Reykjavik instead of the airport.
Book Here: Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels: Economy Bus Transfer
How To Drive In Iceland
If you only have 3 days in Iceland, a great way to maximize your time is to rent a car! Renting a car and driving in Iceland is quite easy, even during the winter!
You do NOT have to rent a 4×4 vehicle to complete this Iceland itinerary. I have never rented a 4×4 for any trips to Iceland.
The roads in Iceland are in incredible shape and drivers are not crazy. Driving for the first time is easy! There are speed cameras, so if you don’t want a speeding ticket, make sure to follow the laws of the road.
When driving in Iceland, you will also have to factor in gas because it can get pricey! Luckily, since you are spending just 3 days in Iceland, you will save on gas as you won’t be driving quite as far as others due to the length of your stay.
Is Driving Necessary In Iceland?
My 3-day Iceland itinerary offers both the option of a self-drive road trip OR completing the entire itinerary via tours. If you are tentative about driving in Iceland, do not worry as it is really easy!
I have driven in Iceland in all four seasons including rain, snow, sleet, hail, wind, and more. If you take proper precautions, you should be 100% fine!
Remember to look out for local road closures and safety information. You can visit this website to keep up with the conditions during your trip! It has all the up-to-date information.
That being said, if you do NOT want to drive in Iceland, there are still some options to see this entire 3-day Iceland itinerary without driving. Simply book guided tours!
It is easy to do an Iceland itinerary without a car!
While in the Reykjavik area, you can also utilize public buses. Hitchhiking is also common and considered safe in Iceland.
Accommodations In Iceland
It is no secret that Iceland is expensive. I recommend booking a vacation rental because you will gain valuable access to a kitchen. You can save money by buying groceries and cooking your own meals.
I have tried both hotels and Airbnbs while in Iceland and both are great. I have a complete hotel guide on where to stay in Iceland!
For something unique, camping in Iceland is also super popular and affordable. There are a ton of campgrounds dotted throughout the country.
Many campsites in Iceland are modern with restrooms, showers, shared kitchens, wifi, and other amenities.
Iceland is remote and vast so no matter where you stay, you will be close to nature and amazing views.
I hope you enjoy your amazing 3 nights in Iceland!
Want to stay in Iceland a little longer? Check out my 5 days in Iceland itinerary!
Iceland In May: 6 Things To Know Before You Go
Hello! First, thank you for all of the wonderful information. Second, I recall you having the 3 day Iceland road trip itinerary available to download/import directly into Google Maps. However, I no longer see that as an option. Can you help? Thanks in advance!
is there a way to print the itinerary?