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4-Day Tours in Iceland

You can pack in a lot on a 4-day trip to Iceland. Whether you want to drive part of the Ring Road, explore famous attractions with a professional guide, or perhaps celebrate Christmas or New Year's in Reykjavík, an expertly designed tour by Nordic Visitor is sure to fulfil a few bucket list experiences.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR 4 DAYS IN ICELAND

You'll be able to experience some of the most famous natural attractions – waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, volcanic sites, geothermal baths and more – on a 4-day tour of Iceland . Take your pick from activity-filled city breaks in Reykjavík , short road trips or privately guided tours in the countryside. 

Plus, when you book an Iceland tour with Nordic Visitor, you get tried-and-tested accommodation, transportation reservations, daily breakfast and access to our 24/7 helpline. Your personal travel consultant will arrange everything on your behalf.

Get in touch  with the Iceland travel team today to start planning your trip. You can reach us via our toll-free numbers, contact form or LiveChat.

Keep browsing below to explore ideas for 4-day tours to Iceland.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Value for your money
• Professional service from local experts
• 24/7 emergency helpline during tour

4-day self drive tours

Enjoy the freedom of a road trip, but with a helping hand. You decide what to see and do, we handle the rest.

Golden Circle & South Coast - Winter

Golden circle & south coast, multi-day tours.

Enjoy a blend of guided activities and independent free time. Check out these trips that have been popular with other travellers in Iceland.

Golden Circle Classic

Golden circle & blue lagoon, golden circle classic - winter, golden circle, blue lagoon & northern lights, private tours.

Experience Iceland's pristine nature, rugged beauty and hidden gems on your terms with a private tour guide.

Golden Circle & South Coast - Summer - Private

Land of the midnight sun - private 4x4 tour, golden circle & south coast - winter - private, stay a little longer in iceland.

Why not take more time to explore Take a look at these tours.

Winter Highlights & Northern Lights

Ice cave & glacier lagoon.

Scenic South Iceland

Geysers, volcanoes & glacier lagoon.

Best of South Iceland - Winter

Golden circle, south coast & blue lagoon, best of south iceland, winter highlights - private, scenic south iceland - private, a new year’s to remember, northern lights, super jeeps and nye party, christmas in iceland, reykjavik, waterfalls, northern lights, iceland luxury adventure - winter, northern lights, winter wonders & blue lagoon retreat.

1157452 ISK

Iceland Luxury Adventure - Summer

Glaciers, geysir & blue lagoon retreat.

1177270 ISK

New Year’s & Northern Lights

Best of south iceland & new year's eve party, new year’s in iceland, golden circle, northern lights & nye party, christmas & northern lights, south iceland & into the glacier - winter, south iceland classic - winter, south iceland classic, a christmas to remember, super jeeps, glaciers & blue lagoon, christmas in the countryside, south iceland & northern lights, glacier lagoon & northern lights, south iceland & into the glacier, active iceland, snowmobiling, ice tunnel & golden circle, classic south coast - winter, active iceland - winter, classic south coast, local travel agency.

As a travel agency with offices in Reykjavík, Edinburgh, Stockholm and Lucerne, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Europe. Choose from a variety of carefully curated tours that include must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights.

You can also make customisations to your itinerary by adding extra nights, optional activities, or upgrades to your tour. Or ask your personal travel consultant for advice and they will tailor your itinerary. This way you get a travel experience that is perfectly suited to you. 

Your dedicated travel consultant will arrange all the local details for you. You get accommodation, activities, transport, and other services included in your package. If you need to rework your itinerary, we’ll handle it for you so you can relax and look forward to your getaway.

Different ways you can experience Iceland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Iceland below.

Guided Small Groups

Multi-day tours, privately guided, northern lights packages, self-drive winter, best seller, what do our customers say.

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Scott, United Kingdom

Iceland full circle classic - winter, november 2023, we had an amazing time.

We cannot recommend our tour enough. We had an amazing time and have already told friends and family about it. Iceland is an amazing place and I am sure we will be back and will use Nordic Visitor again!

James, United States

Iceland full circle classic, september 2023, experience of a lifetime.

I primarily wanted to use Nordic Visitor as a resource for creating our 14-day trip itinerary, to help weed through what seemed to be an endless array of choices, and to help us to get the very most out of our time in Iceland. Yes, we could have pieced it together ourselves but I needed an advocate in Iceland, an advisor, and maybe a resource for us if issues were to arise. That piece of mind was important to my wife and me and I'm glad we chose them to frame our trip. It made it much easier to piece in the parts that were important to us to see and experience. That allowed us to just enjoy the trip and not get bogged down in the details of planning each and every moment.

There are so many things I could say about our experience, an experience of a lifetime and after posting snippets of our trip on social media I have found that several friends of mine want to know how we planned this trip. I told them the same thing I am saying here, save a little money if you want and plan it yourself or trust a reliable source like Nordic Visitor and let them give you the trip framework and essential advice. I would do it the same way if I were doing it over.

Dean, United States

Highlights of the ring road - private, july 2023, went off without a hitch.

Everything was well-organised and went off without a hitch. The private guide was amazing. He could not have been better. I highly recommend him to anyone considering a private guide as an option. He's extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area. He knew all of the best places to go and was entertaining and delightful as well. Accommodation was all spectacular.

Christopher, Australia

Winter highlights - private, november 2023, warm and engaging guide.

Great tour. The sights are of course amazing and the tour made the most of our time, weather and our interests/priorities. Driver and guide David managed all of these very well. He was also very knowledgeable and personally warm and engaging. Could not have asked for more.

Jerine, Canada

Natural wonders of iceland, august 2023, perfect for solo traveller.

A beautiful itinerary, exceptional guide and perfect weather made this a trip I will never forget. Nordic Visitor made the process easy, and Iceland opened her arms. My 10-day small group tour was perfect for a solo traveller who wanted to see it all. 

Cynthia, United States

Best of south iceland, april 2023.

Working with Nordic Visitor was wonderful. Our travel consultant, Heddy, was quick to respond when we had a question or concern. She helped us plan a fabulous itinerary. Everything we booked through Nordic Visitor was fantastic. I have already recommended Nordic Visitor to friends, and I will continue to do so.

Kimberly, Canada

Iceland road trip, october 2023, trip of a lifetime.

Overall this was an amazing experience! A trip of a lifetime that I could never have planned myself. Any questions I had during planning were answered faster than expected and I felt safe and well looked after during the trip. Trip was smooth and hassle free.

Patricia, United States

Scenic south iceland, august 2023, 5-star experience.

Not only did we absolutely love every stop on the Scenic South Iceland tour, but prior to the tour we stayed for 4 days in Reykjavík. I appreciated Nordic Visitor's recommendations for things to do and places to eat there and felt highly supported by Marko, our travel consultant, in every regard to booking our flight and own hotel, day trips I was interested in, and taking public transport around. A definite 5-star experience!

Janice, United States

Winter highlights & northern lights, march 2023, i will certainly travel with nordic visitor again.

I cannot thank Nordic Visitor enough for providing me with a wonderful and memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everything was seamless, from the pickup at the airport, to the excellent hotels, delicious food served and our friendly, knowledgeable guide, Jakob. Nothing was too much trouble - we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience in Iceland, and all came away with wonderful memories of many of the amazing sights of such a scenic country. We were even lucky enough to see the northern lights. I will certainly travel with Nordic Visitor again and would recommend them to anyone thinking about visiting the countries where they offer tours. Thank you Nordic Visitor!

David, Australia

Iceland full circle classic - winter, october 2023, many thanks to nordic visitor.

Absolutely amazing. No issues whatsoever. We saw it all from North to South and much of in between. From reindeer to whales and more beautiful waterfalls and volcanic bits than you could hope to see in a week. Every hour the scenery seemed to change dramatically. Just a great experience. Many thanks to Nordic Visitor.

Robert, United States

Romance around iceland, july 2023, best vacation we have had.

Everyone at Nordic Visitor were very responsive to all questions we had during our 30-year anniversary trip to Iceland. We had airline travel issues and the representative adjusted our itinerary so we were able to see the whole island. The accommodation were beautiful and everyone was so friendly. This was the best vacation we have had, we left Iceland relaxed!

Seth, United States

A new year’s to remember, december 2022, an amazing and unique experience.

Our tour was great! Went for our honeymoon and it was everything we wanted. First night we got to see the northern lights which were fantastic! Second day, most certainly our longest, visited several sites (Geysire & Þingvellir) and went snowmobiling on a glacier. Such an amazing and unique experience. The walking tour around Reykjavik was surprisingly educational and our guide pointed out things that we ordinarily would have missed. The NYE dinner was delicious and going out to see the firework displays by (what seemed to be like) everyone was something. Practically had to dodge fireworks! Our 4th day was spent at the Blue Lagoon; perfect after a night of partying! Our last day was nice and relaxing, did some final shopping before we headed off to the airport. Hope to go back & visit Iceland again!

Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Icelandic adventure.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is probably Iceland’s most famous attraction and has become considered a...

The famed hot spring Geysir is located in the Haukadalur valley in southwestern Iceland. It was...

Gullfoss, or the ‘Golden Waterfall’, is a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall that drops 32...

What to pack

Layers, layers, layers! Come prepared for all type..

Driving in Iceland

Are you prepared for your road trip? Learn the rul..

Climate & weather conditions

How icy is Iceland? You might be surprised

Time & Daylight

When to expect sunrises, sunsets, northern lights ..

Our services

Whether you choose a guided tour or a self-drive vacation, all customers receive personalised service with a designated travel consultant , tailor-made quality travel documents, and our self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines their route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, Nordic Visitor has long-standing professional relationships with local tour operators , which are carefully selected by our staff and are recognized for consistent, quality service.

Book with confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• Enjoy personal service from Iceland-based travel experts.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• As a local agency, we work closely with trusted suppliers.
• We’re a fully licensed and insured company in Iceland.

Whether you have queries about our tours or want to add activities to existing bookings, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our friendly team for any of your travel questions.

Our Icelandic phone number is +354 578 20 80

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog posts you might like

Top 10 experiences to have in iceland, what to wear in iceland : your guide, driving iceland's ring road: all you need to know, in brief: spending a day in reykjavík.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

The Ultimate 4 Days In Iceland Itinerary

May 30, 2021 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   14 Comments

Planning to spend 4 days in Iceland and looking for the perfect itinerary? We’ve got you covered. Despite being a small country, Iceland has an incredible amount of beauty and adventure to offer.

The island is one stunning natural wonder after the next. Even your drive from one place to the next will have you staring out the window in awe.

Exploring Iceland in a long weekend will allow you the time to cover some of the country’s most extraordinary sites, while still leaving you with plenty to keep you coming back for more.

Planning your trip to Iceland last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Iceland in advance to ensure availability! The longer you wait, the more difficult it gets. Here are my top picks for your trip :

Top Experiences And Tours In Iceland:

• Golden Circle Full Day Tour From Reykjavik (Likely to sell out!)
• Silfra Snorkeling Tour (Includes photos + only small group)
• South Of Iceland Full Day Trip (Our pick!)
• Whale Watching In Reykjavik (On a luxury yacht)
• Northern Lights Bus Tour (Great to go with a local)
• Ice Cave Tour And Glacier Hike (Likely to sell out)

Tickets You MUST book in advance:

• Keflavik > Reykjavik Bus Airport Transfer (Skip the line!)
• Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket (Includes 7-step spa ritual)
• Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket With Drink (Likely to sell out!)

Top picks for places to stay in Iceland:

• Hotel South Coast (Great central location)
• Grandi Reykjavik (Includes free breakfast)
• Hotel Kria (Close to black sand beach)
• Hotel Skaftafell (Mid-range price)

Our Iceland itinerary will have you visiting thundering waterfalls, brilliant white icebergs, black sand beaches, and canyons that look like something out of a fairytale. Iceland’s landscape is incredibly diverse making each stop unique and fascinating.

No matter what time of year you are visiting you’ll have more than enough activities to keep you busy.  Feel free to alter this Iceland itinerary as you see fit given your own time constraints and energy levels. Get a FREE printable “Hidden Gems In Iceland” E-book by joining our private  Iceland Facebook Group  and share your photos and ask for tips and tricks.

We definitely recommend renting a car for your 4 days in Iceland. It is possible to book tours that will take you to a number of stops on this itinerary, however in order to complete this itinerary in full or adjust your schedule as you see fit, most people find a car is the ideal option for getting around the country. This will allow you the chance to explore Iceland’s natural beauty on your own terms.

Driving in Iceland is not cheap, but we guarantee it will enhance your overall trip experience. Do take note, that unlike in the United States, many of the rental cars have a manual transmission, so if you don’t know how to drive a manual car, double check to make sure your rental car has an automatic transmission!

We’ve been to Iceland many times and are very fond of the country. The information you’ll find in this Iceland itinerary is the information we wish we had on our first visit to the land of fire and ice. We hope our past experiences will help make planning your trip a little easier!

4 Days In Iceland Map:

If you’re more of a visual person, we’ve provided this road trip map for your 4 days in Iceland below so it’s easier for you to see where each stop is located. For the driving route, check out the link to the map. This map will show you an idea of where all of the stops are along this route!

Click Here For Iceland in 4 Days Map

Day 1: Begin Your 4 Days In Iceland In And Around The Capital City

Stop 1: soak in a natural river at reykjadalur hot springs.

After a long flight and drive from Keflavik to Reykjavik, there’s no better way to start your trip than stretching your legs and getting your blood pumping on a beautiful hike. If you’ve ever wanted to bathe in a hot river in the middle of nature, you’ll be excited that the Reykjadalur Hot Springs is the first stop on your Iceland itinerary.

No matter what time of year you are visiting Iceland, bring a swimsuit! Understandably, it does seem counterintuitive to bring a swimsuit to a country called Iceland, but we guarantee you won’t regret having one handy.

Located in South Iceland, just 45 minutes from Reykjavik, Reykjadalur Hot Springs is the perfect quick nature escape from the capital. The hike to the hot springs is roughly 45 minutes-1 hour, and is easy to moderately difficult. The hike starts with a relatively steep uphill climb before leveling out.

The path is well maintained and clearly marked. Your hike will take you through a valley filled with steam, past a cascading waterfall and many grazing sheep.

As you approach the hot springs you’ll be greeted with the distinct smell of rotten eggs, which is attributed to the sulfur in the boiling water surrounding the hot springs. The boiling water is mesmerizing, but don’t touch it. The real prize is waiting for you, just mere steps away.

When you reach the part of the river that is safe for bathing, you can change on a wood platform with partitions. Privacy is lacking, but no one cares. Everyone is there to relax and have a good time.

Find your perfect spot in the river and enjoy bathing while the sheep suntan 10 yards away. The best spots in the river are right up against the rock piles dividing the river into sections. There you’ll find the deepest pockets of water.

In summer, the water in this section of the river resembles that of a Jacuzzi and is perfect for bathing. As the weather gets colder, you may need to hike a little further upriver to find a spot warm enough to enjoy for extended periods of time.

Arrive in the early morning or late evening (when you can enjoy the midnight sun in the summer) to avoid the biggest crowds. There is nothing quite like bathing in a river surrounded by stunning nature, and you’ll no doubt be glad you made this stop to kick off your 4 days in Iceland.

This is one of the best stops around Iceland’s Ring Road . If you happen to be driving in Iceland , you will want to ensure that you make time to see it! 

Stop 2: Downtown Reykjavik

Now that you’ve had a taste of Iceland’s natural outdoor beauty, we suggest taking a walk around downtown Reykjavik to explore the colorful capital. Laugavegur is the main shopping street downtown filled with shops, café’s, restaurants, galleries, etc. You can do anything from buying Icelandic wool sweaters to enjoying a delicious cup of coffee on this street.

Laugavegur along with Bankastræti and Austurstræti streets will take care of your shopping needs. There are also a number of wonderful museums in and around Reykjavik including Perlan, the former water towers turned observation deck and “Wonders of Iceland” museum, the Reykjavik Maritime Museum along the harbor, the underground Settlement Exhibition with an excavated longhouse, and the Arbær Open Air Museum where you’ll find preserved old Icelandic buildings with sod roofs.

A day in downtown Reykjavik would be incomplete without a visit to the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church, designed by architect Gudjón Samúelsson with an outside meant to resemble the basalt columns found in Iceland’s nature. It’s the tallest building in downtown Reykjavik and as a result is very difficult to miss. The area in front of the church is dominated by a statue of the famous Leifur Eiriksson, the first European to set foot in North America even before Christopher Columbus.

The inside of the church is minimalistic in design and not particularly grand, though the large pipe organ inside is eye-catching. The real draw of the church however is the spectacular 360 views you’ll find at the tower up top.

Entrance to the church alone is free, but admission to the tower is 1000 ISK per person. Once you pay at the church shop you’ll take an elevator up to the tower where you can take your time enjoying the views over all of Reykjavik and beyond.

Another stop you’ll want to make while in Reykjavik is to the Harpa Concert Hall, the beautiful concert venue downtown with 714 honeycomb-like glass panels that light up at night. Like Hallgrimskirkja, the design was meant to resemble basalt columns. The site is somewhat controversial as it was an expensive project completed shortly after the 2008 financial crisis with money that many people felt should have been invested elsewhere.

Whether or not its completion was warranted, it stands today as an architectural beauty, recipient of the Mies Van der Rohe award for architecture and home to festivals, concerts of all music genres, conferences and more. Even if there are no concerts happening during your visit, it’s worth wandering the impressive building to admire the architectural work.

For those with a sweet tooth we’ve got a couple of locations you won’t regret visiting. The first is the Brauð & Co. bakery where you’ll delight in the most delicious pastries. The cinnamon and vanilla rolls and chocolate croissants are particularly fantastic and addicting.

The name of the bakery is not well marked on the building, but the outside is very distinguishable with its colorful street art, and the smells waft down the street so it can’t be missed! Our other suggestion is Valdis ice cream. The idea of eating ice cream in a cold climate can sound strange and yet Icelanders absolutely love their ice cream all year round.

This is a tried and true favorite of both locals and visitors alike. There are a large variety of flavors that are constantly changing. It’s hard to go wrong with this delicious ice cream.

Stop 3: Relax In The Hot Tubs At The Local Swimming Pool

Every town in Iceland has at least one swimming pool complex (Reykjavik has many), and there’s no better way to finish off an adventurous day than with a soak in one or all of the multiple hot tubs of differing temperatures. This is the perfect way to spend one of your four days in Iceland!

There are a couple things you should know about the public swimming pools. After you pay to use the pools (1030 ISK for adults), you’ll leave your shoes outside the locker room on a shoe rack.

You’ll be given a wristband or key to lock your individual locker. When you enter the locker room, don’t be alarmed if everyone is naked. In fact it’s a requirement that you shower naked before putting on your bathing suit and getting in the pool.

In Iceland, it’s entirely normal, and no one is paying attention to you anyway, so there’s no need to feel self-conscious. Most of the showers are communal, but if you’d feel more comfortable with some privacy there are sometimes a handful of shower stalls with doors. When returning from the pool you also have to dry yourself completely after showering before you can enter the locker room area.

We suggest heading to Laugardalslaug, the largest of Reykjavik’s pool complexes located right next to Iceland’s National Soccer Team Stadium. This complex is made up of an indoor pool, an Olympic sized heated outdoor pool, a kiddie pool with a slide, hot tubs of varying temperatures (38°C, 42°C, and 44°C) as well as a salt water hot tub. For those daring souls perhaps trying to recover from aches and pains, there is a cold tub as well, though as you might expect, it gets far fewer visitors.

This pool complex is a favorite of locals and tourists at all times of the year. And in the winter, there’s nothing quite like sitting in a steaming hot tub, surrounded by snow while reflecting on the adventures of your day.

Stop 4: Try To Catch A Glimpse Of The Elusive Northern Lights

If you’re visiting Iceland in the winter, we highly suggest driving out of town to try to see the lights or paying for a tour. The Northern Lights have the potential to be seen from September-April. A strong Northern Lights show makes your heart want to leap out of your chest with excitement, but the Northern Lights are inconsistent and elusive.

One minute the sky is dancing in brilliant hues of green and purple, and the next, clouds are obscuring anything and everything in the sky. In Iceland, there’s precipitation approximately 300 days a year on average, meaning the sky is more often than not cloudy or at least slightly overcast.

This makes the northern lights search particularly frustrating when you know there’s solar activity, but the lights are hidden behind clouds. Sometimes patience wins out, and the clouds will part long enough for you to see the lights; sometimes it never clears, and you’re just out of luck.

If you’re hoping to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, you have two options. Your first is paying to take a guided Northern Lights Tour . These tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and seek out the Northern Lights for a living, so they know the best places to wait and watch.

Remember though, nature is the only one in control of the Northern Lights, so even with a guide there is no guarantee you’ll see the lights. If you don’t see the lights on your first trip, most tour companies allow you to rebook a second trip at no extra charge.

The other option is to take your car, drive away from the city lights and search for the lights yourself. Dark, clear skies give you the best chance of seeing the lights so the longest nights of the year will give you the highest percentage of both.

You can track the aurora strength and visibility yourself, and you can continue to check it throughout the night as it continuously updates. The Northern Lights are a remarkable sight and worth taking a chance on!

Where to stay in Reykjavik:

Affordable: Hotel Klettur  Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Fosshotel Reykjavik  Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Borg  Check rates: Booking.com

Day 2: Explore The Waterfalls Along Iceland’s South Coast

Stop 1: hrunalaug hot springs.

Hrunalaug is one of the many fantastic natural hot springs in Iceland, perfect for bathing and relaxing. Everything about this spot and its surrounding nature is picturesque and ideal, however recent surges in tourism and visits to the sites by large tour buses have worn down the site to the point where the owner considered bulldozing the whole thing down. The natural hot spring was built up to accommodate humans, but it remains very small and is not designed for large groups of people.

A small little turf hut acts as a changing room. Behind the hut is a small two-person rectangular hot pot that is designed almost more like a bathtub. To the left of the changing room as you face it is a slightly larger pot, but even that only holds perhaps 8-10 people.

As a result of the limited space, early morning and late evening is the best time to visit the natural hot spring to avoid the biggest crowds. The hot pot is also particularly popular because it is known to maintain a comfortable water temperature all year long. It is the perfect stop when spending 4 nights in Iceland!

If you’re fortunate enough to get one of the coveted spots in the hot spring, you’re in for an incredibly enjoyable experience soaking up the welcome heat of the water while gazing out at the undeniable natural beauty around you. 

We cannot express the importance of keeping this location clean, being respectful and picking up after yourself. For the most part, the changing hut and pools are clean and well maintained mostly thanks to the owner who comes by now and then to see to its upkeep. But as we mentioned, this wonderful natural hot spring is at risk of being shut down for good, so please play your part in preserving it so it can remain for future visitors to enjoy.

Stop 2: Visit The Þjóðveldisbærinn Saga-Age Farm

Have you ever wanted to learn more about how the Vikings lived? Well now is your chance at the Þjóðveldisbærinn Saga-Age farm, an impressive replica of Stöng, the excavated manor farm in Þjórsárdalur. You might find their buildings to be more charming and majestic than you had expected.

The reconstructed Settlement farm was built in honor of the 1100th anniversary of the Settlement of Iceland and opened in 1977. The idea was to provide an example of a medieval Icelandic farm, and it was thought a replica of Stöng would be the best representation of a farm from that time period.

Stöng was located dangerously close to the volcano Hekla. It is thought that the farm and the rest of the surrounding settlement was destroyed and abandoned after the 1104 Hekla eruption, however, Hekla also erupted many other times in later years, so the exact time of its final destruction and abandonment is unclear. Despite being covered in white volcanic ash, the remains of Stöng underneath were remarkably well preserved.

The farm was reconstructed with much love and care in an attempt to get every detail both on the interior and exterior exact and preserve an important piece of Icelandic history. Of course, without a full original to copy, there are aspects of the reconstructed work that had to be imagined, estimated, or pulled from story and folklore, but by all accounts, the finished result is remarkably accurate. You won’t regret immersing yourself in this fascinating piece of history when seeing Iceland in 4 days!

Stop 3: Admire One Of The Highest Waterfalls In Iceland At Haifoss

Right on the edge of the highlands in South Iceland sits Haifoss, an impressive 400-foot waterfall. It is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland. Haifoss thunders down right next to its partner waterfall, Granni (which translates to neighbor).

Though Granni’s flow is slightly less powerful, the two waterfalls side by side are a sight to behold. Haifoss by itself eclipses most other waterfalls you’ll see in your lifetime. The two waterfalls are located in a gorge created by the Fossa River.

It is possible to hike down to the falls if you’re spending a significant amount of your day at the waterfall and its surrounding valley, but the view from the top is incredible, and easily accessible from the parking lot. From the parking lot, you can walk along the edge of the gorge taking in the waterfalls from multiple viewing points which is the perfect thing to do with 4 days in Iceland!

In the winter, Haifoss is usually inaccessible unless you are driving there in buses or jeeps designed for winter weather and icy gravel roads. Don’t attempt the drive unless you are in an appropriate vehicle. Even in summer, the gravel roads are rocky and full of potholes and require slow driving and patience.

Because of its distance from the more popular Golden Circle stops along the South Coast, and the rockiness of the road, the gorge is never crowded, and there’s always plenty of time and room to take pictures and take in the waterfalls in all their glory. If you can brave the drive to get there, the view at the end of the road is unforgettable, and you won’t regret making the drive, however bumpy.

Stop 4: Relax In The Hidden Oasis of Gjain

Gjain is a stunning valley that you won’t want to miss during your 4 days in Iceland, particularly in the summertime when the vegetation is at its peak. The valley truly comes alive with beauty. It’s full of a whole collection of small waterfalls, brilliant blue pools of water, carved out shallow caves, green growth of all kinds, flowers and birdlife.

When the weather is nice it’s the perfect place to bring a blanket and have a picnic. Because it’s a valley it feels very private and secluded giving you a welcome peace and quiet to your experience. It becomes your own little slice of paradise.

You’ll hardly ever find crowds here as it’s off the main road and not a stop that general tour buses make. The valley is beautiful at other times of year as well but it can just become harder or impossible to reach in the winter as the roads and paths turn icy.

Getting to Gjain is fairly straightforward from Haifoss. You’ll continue back down the road the way you came then turn right when you reach the fork in the road instead of heading all the way back to road No. 32.

To reach both Gjain and Haifoss it’s recommended you have a 4×4 with ground clearance because of the bumpy roads. The drive itself isn’t anything particularly spectacular as you pass through expanses of lava fields and rock, but it makes arriving at this hidden oasis even more spectacular and magical. It is a must see when visiting Iceland in 4 days!

Stop 5: Walk Behind A Thundering Waterfall At Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss, a 200-foot waterfall, is right off the Route 1 (Ring Road) on the South Coast of Iceland. There is no hiking required to see this waterfall. This is one of the most famous Waterfalls In Iceland! It is the perfect stop when spending 4 days in Iceland because there are multiple waterfalls nearby!

It is just a short walk from the parking lot, and it can even be seen from farther away as you drive up to it along the Ring Road. Though Iceland is graced with an endless display of stunning waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss’s unique quality is that it is possible to walk behind the waterfall.

A path leads from the parking lot up to the front of the waterfall and then loops around the sides and back so you get a view of the waterfall from every angle. We suggest wearing raingear, as you’ll likely get wet, particularly on a windy day.

With a waterfall as powerful as Seljalandsfoss, the spray is far-reaching. It is entirely worth walking the loop though, and being that up close and personal makes you appreciate the sheer size and power of the waterfall.

Seljalandsfoss is fed by the famed glacier-capped volcano Eyjafjallajokull that erupted in 2010 disrupting air traffic across Europe. The waterfall is relatively narrow, but its power is mighty as is evident when standing behind it inside the cave in the cliff. In the summer, the cliff and ground surrounding Seljalandsfoss are a brilliant green, and everything is dotted with yellow wildflowers creating a colorfully picturesque landscape.

Though the path gets wet, particularly on the backside of the waterfall, it is a well-marked path, and easy to navigate. In the winter, when the snow turns to ice and the path gets slippery, the path is often partially closed off. This is for your own safety.

Don’t try and circumvent the restricted area. Though closures may alter your experience, it isn’t lessened.

Seljalandsfoss is beautiful even in winter. For much of the winter, everything is coated in white, and the impressive waterfall becomes part of a winter wonderland. No matter when you visit, this waterfall should top your 4 day trip to Iceland!

Stop 6: Find Seljalandsfoss’ Hidden Neighbor Gljufrabui

Gljufrabui is often overlooked as it is slightly hidden and is smaller than its towering neighbor, Seljalandsfoss. However, we suggest that anyone completing this 4 day Iceland itinerary should take some time to explore this hidden gem as well. Why not when it’s right next door!

Gljufrabui is within walking distance of Seljalandsfoss. When you finish your loop around Seljalandsfoss, head to the right (if you’re facing the parking lot), and walk until you hit the campground.

On your right will be a sign for the waterfall, and you’ll see a cavern with a river running through it. To get to the waterfall you’ll have to walk through the river, so be prepared with waterproof boots or a change of shoes.

Oftentimes the river rocks will rise out of the water just enough for you to step from rock to rock and avoid getting anything more than the soles of your boots wet. After heavy rain though, the water level rises and it becomes a bit trickier to maneuver your way into the cavern. Once inside the cavern, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful waterfall that looks as if it’s pouring through a skylight in nature’s ceiling.

The sun lights up the cavern, illuminating the green, mossy walls and highlighting the streaming, crystal clear water. There’s a giant boulder in the middle of the cavern, which is easy to climb and perfect for taking pictures.

When you’re done you’ll exit the cavern that same way you came in. Just be careful to wait your turn and make sure no one is on the rocks trying to enter the cavern at the same time.

It’s also possible to view the waterfall from above, looking down on the waterfall from the skylight opening. The pathway up the hill though is steep.

Particularly after it rains the path becomes muddy and slippery, so if you go this way, use caution. Though the waterfall is of course still beautiful when viewed from above, the best view is from inside the cavern where you’re surrounded and almost consumed by your natural surroundings.

Stop 7: Climb To The Top Of The Impressive Skogafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss is just a 25-minute drive from Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui. It is also visible from the road and is easily accessible from the parking lot. At 197 feet, Skogafoss is roughly the same height as Seljalandsfoss but its width is an impressive 82 feet.

This is our favorite waterfall in Iceland, and a trip hasn’t begun until we see this site! It is truly the best!

The Skoga River flows along a wide pebbled path leading right up to the waterfall. The path is flat and easy to walk. The waterfall is forceful, and you will get unrelentingly sprayed as you approach it from its base, so you’ll want to consider wearing water resistant clothing.

But the feeling of standing that close to such a powerful force of nature is incredible. You might even see a rainbow on a sunny day, adding its finishing touch on an already stunning waterfall.

After you’ve spent some time appreciating the enormity of the waterfall from its base, you can climb the steps to view the waterfall from above. There are a little over 500 stairs to the top of the waterfall. It is definitely a quadricep workout, but the view is worth it.

From the viewing platform, you can see the Skoga River which flows to the top of the waterfall before plummeting over the edge. This is a much less photographed view of Skogafoss, but it’s still remarkable.

After spending some time viewing the waterfall from above, most people head back down the staircase to the parking lot. However, there is a hiking trail that follows the Skoga River back into the valley, and it’s filled with additional waterfalls if you’re up for a long, extended day hike. Assuming you’re returning to the parking lot, you’ll turn back to face the staircase and be greeted with a beautiful, sprawling view of South Iceland below.

Stop 8: Walk To The Secluded, Picturesque Kvernufoss Waterfall

Right next door to Skogafoss is the waterfall Kvernufoss. Kvernufoss is one of South Iceland’s less frequented gems. Fewer tourists know of its existence, but it’s certainly not lacking in beauty.

To get to Kvernufoss, you’ll take the same exit off the Ring Road as you would to get to Skogafoss, but instead of following the signs to the left for Skogafoss, continue straight down Skogar to the end of the road and turn right. You’ll park near Hotel Edda and walk the rest of the way into the valley. In the summer, it takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the waterfall.

The walk is comfortable, requiring very little in the way of elevation hiking or rocky terrain. From the hotel you’ll climb a short ladder over a fence and make your way back into the valley where the path is clearly marked. You might even run into a few Icelandic horses grazing by the river.

The waterfall itself is similar in looks to its neighbor, Seljalandsfoss. You can even walk behind it too! This is one of our favorite hidden gems to visit with 4 days in Iceland as it is so close to other waterfalls!

The whole valley is beautiful. It’s green and lush in summer, and sparkling white in winter. Best of all, it’s not overcrowded with tourists at any time of year. 

Though the path is easily navigated in the summer months, in the winter, it is often covered in ice and can be dangerous. Bring crampons to stabilize your feet on the slippery ground and exercise caution. It might be best to view the waterfall from farther away.

Where to stay in/near Vík:

Affordable/Mid-range: Þ akgil Campground . Check rates: thakgil.is

Mid-range: The Garage Apartments . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Kria . Check rates: Booking.com

We have an entire article about Where To Stay In Vik Iceland so if you are searching, this is the place to check out even more detailed suggestions! 

Day 3: Black Sand Beaches And Plane Wrecks

Stop 1: explore the eerie remains from the solheimasandur plane wreck.

This popular tourist destination is the result of a DC-3 US navy plane running out of fuel and crashing on Solheimasandur Beach in 1973. Fortunately everyone survived, but the body of the plane was abandoned. The white wreckage of the plane lies in sharp contrast with the black sand of the beach, and together they make for hauntingly beautiful photographs.

There is a designated parking lot for visitors to the plane wreck located right along the Ring Road just 10 minutes down the coast from Skogafoss. Though at one time you could drive right up to the plane wreck you now have to walk 2 miles from the parking lot.

The path is flat and relatively easy, but will take you roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour each way. There is very little to see besides vast expanses of rocks and black sand, and on a windy day the walk can be particularly frustrating, as you have to fight the wind resistance as well.

If there is one thing to skip on your 4 days in Iceland, this would be it, as it takes quite a bit of time to go see! It is still epic, but if you are looking to save time, this is what we suggest cutting out!

The plane doesn’t come into sight until the end of your walk. Get your camera ready, and be prepared to photograph the wreckage. There are a lot of tourists and slim windows for getting pictures without other people in them.

So bring a friend and catch up on life as you hike to this unique, beautiful wreckage stranded in the middle of the beach. If you’re willing to power through the walk, it’s worth the trip.

Recently a shuttle bus has been provided to the plane for 2500 ISK round trip or 1500 ISK one way giving you roughly an hour to explore the wreck before you head back if you choose the round trip ticket. This is a fairly new development however that is still being tested out, so don’t depend on it being a reliable mode of transportation on your trip. As we said, if you’re willing and able (and the weather isn’t too bad), walking to the wreck can actually be quite enjoyable. 

Stop 2: Climb The Basalt Columns At Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

One of the most famous stops on your 4 days in Iceland itinerary is Reynisfjara Beach, known for its signature black sand and towering basalt columns. This beach is among Iceland’s most impressive black sand beaches, and was even featured in the TV show Game of Thrones .

There are so many incredible spots along the beach to enjoy. However you should be aware that the beach is developing a reputation for its large sleeper waves. So take your pictures, but be aware and don’t let your desire for the “perfect” photo affect your judgment.

The beach and its surrounding waters boast an impressive collection of rock formations including the cliff of basalt columns that seems to rise out of the sand. This is a prime photograph location and you’ll see many tourists climbing the uneven columns to pose for a picture.

When facing the roaring Atlantic Ocean, to the left are the Reynisdrangar rock formations. These pointy basalt pillars rise straight out of the ocean, like man-made sculptures in the water. To the right is the Dyrholaey rock formation, an arched bridge-like formation with a large hole in the bottom.

Stop 3: Mulagljufur Canyon

Mulagljufur Canyon is one of Iceland’s lesser-known canyons along the South Coast, but it is certainly a gem to see during your 4 days in Iceland! Once you reach the gravel parking area you’ll hike along a moderately difficult trail for roughly 1.5 miles to reach the canyon.

Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. You will get wet crossing rivers and squelching through mud, but the views are more than worth it. Trekking to Mulagljufur is the perfect way to leave the South Coast crowds behind and marvel at the beauty that nature has created.

Though steep canyon walls and flowing rivers would be enough to draw anyone in, this canyon also offers a look at two beautiful waterfalls, Hangandifoss and Mulafoss. At 50m, Mulafoss is perhaps not the most impressive of the waterfalls you’ll experience along the South Coast, but it carries its own beauty streaming from the canyon walls.

Hangandifoss on the other hand is quite tall at 123m and paired with the imposing canyon walls, it would surely be a well-trafficked South Coast staple if it were more easily accessible and clearly marked. For now, be thankful it is neither as you’ll feel particularly special getting to appreciate the magnificence of the waterfall all on your own.

Stop 4: Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Though Fjallsarlon is smaller and less frequented than its neighbor Jokulsarlon, these are exactly the reasons that this glacier lagoon is magical. This lagoon is a must-see during your 4 days in Iceland, and if you could only pick one glacier lagoon, it should be this one!

You’ll find this gem on the south end of the Vatnajökull glacier (Europe’s biggest glacier outside of the Arctic) just 15 minutes down the road from Jokulsarlon, and yet many tourists don’t even know of its existence. You’re also unlikely to find the big tour buses here, meaning you’re free to absorb your natural surroundings in relative peace and quiet.

In the silence you can sit along the edge of the water and listen to the ice breaking and colliding as the scene slowly but constantly continues to shift. Though there’s still a lagoon separating you from the glacier, at Fjallsarlon your experience with the majestic, calving glacier is far more intimate.

Fjallsarlon is conveniently located right off the Ring Road just before you reach Jokulsarlon. Once you park you’ll have to walk a short distance to reach the edge of the water, but you’ll be face to face with sparkling icebergs in no time.

Because Fjallsarlon is smaller in size, you might find that standing on the shore and taking in the views is enough to give you a complete experience at the lagoon. If however you wish to get even closer, you can take a boat tour which will allow you to navigate through the icebergs on a small boat with a knowledgeable guide.  The actual time spent on the boat is roughly 45 minutes.

Stop 4: Watch The Floating Icebergs At Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Next up on your 4 days in Iceland itinerary is the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon . This stop is so vastly different from anything else you’ll have seen along the rest of the coast. Located on the east part of the South Coast, Jokulsarlon is a stunning lagoon filled with floating icebergs.

The lagoon is ever-changing as the surrounding glacier continues to melt and new ice blocks fall. During the summer, you can take a boat tour through the lagoon and get an up close view of the icebergs.

All year long you can view the lagoon from the shore, walking along its edge to see the icebergs from varying angles. The enormous glacier looms large in the background.

Across the street is a black sand beach called Diamond Beach. It sets itself apart from other black sand beaches like Reynisfjara Beach, because the entire beach is covered in clear sparkling ice. Pieces of the icebergs floating in the glacier lagoon break off and wash ashore, scattering themselves around the beach. This is such a cool stop on your 4 day trip to Iceland!

The contrast of the black sand against the clear ice is striking and makes for some powerful photographs. The beach becomes even more fairytale-esque at sunset when the sky is painted yellow. As the day comes to a close you’ll be thrilled you continued your drive up the coast to this natural beauty. Don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Guide To Iceland’s Glacier Lagoon!

Where to stay in/near Hofn:

Affordable/Mid-range: Old Airline Guesthouse . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Glacier World-Hoffell Guesthouse . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range/Luxury: Dima Studio Apartments . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 4: Visit A Striking Mountain Before Driving Back To Reykjavik To End Your 4 Days In Iceland

Stop 1: marvel at the imposing vestrahorn mountain.

You’ll begin the last of your 4 days in Iceland with a trip to one of the country’s most striking mountains. Think jagged snow-capped mountains seemingly rising from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by dunes of pitch-black sand spotted with tufts of brilliant green sea grass.

When the lupines are in bloom the scene is even more fantastic, adding various shades of purple to the mixture. It’s impressive and picturesque to say the least.

When a thin layer of water covers the beach you can see the reflection of the mountain and yourself as you appear to be walking on water. It makes for a truly stunning photograph. Be careful though as you photograph from the beach as the waves can sneak up on you if you’re not careful and they have the potential to be high and strong.

The mountain itself is called Vestrahorn or perhaps you might have heard it referred to by its nickname, Batman Mountain. You’ll find this mountain on the Stokksnes Peninsula roughly 10.5 miles east of Hofn where you’ll have spent the night the previous day. About half of that distance will be driven on the Ring Road before branching off on a gravel road.

Typing in Vestrahorn Mountain into your GPS will take you to the exact location. When you reach the Viking Café you’ll have to pay the 800 ISK entrance fee. The fee is well worth the sites you’ll see.

This is also the perfect spot to catch a dramatic sunrise or sunset as the brilliant colors light up the mountain. It’s also a great spot for Northern Lights viewing given the right weather conditions, because the sky is so dark out at the beach.

Stop 2: Walk The Edge Of the Magical Fjadrargljufur Canyon

As if you haven’t seen enough picturesque landscapes during the course of your 4 days in Iceland, the next stop on your Iceland itinerary is at the magical Fjadrargljufur Canyon. This impressive canyon was thought to be formed at the end of the last Ice Age by a glacial river that carried sediment with it ultimately creating a 100-meter deep slice through the earth. The whole canyon is lined with moss that is a vibrant green in the summer with flowers blooming in the spring and summer.

In the winter the landscape is sometimes covered in lacy snow making it a whole different kind of magical. You’ll have to be careful though and potentially bring crampons to make your way over icy patches in the winter. Even when there’s no snow and the moss is more of a brownish color, you can’t help but find beauty in the canyon anyway.

A river runs down the center and you might even spot a waterfall or two as you wander along. Walking the edge of the canyon is a breathtaking experience, but we implore you to please stay on the designated path. At various points along the designated path, you’ll find viewpoints, each with a view seemingly more beautiful than the last.

As long as the water level remains low, you also have the option of walking down to the base of the canyon along the water. If you choose this option you’ll definitely need waterproof shoes.

In 2015, Justin Bieber released the music video for his song “I’ll Show You” in which he was seen frolicking around various Iceland locations including Fjadrargljufur. This video brought a surge of attention to the small island, but not all of it was positive. The number of tourists visiting the canyon surged and many of the visitors, following in Justin Bieber’s footsteps, were not respectful of the fragile landscape of the canyon.

As a result, the vegetation and stability of the edge of the canyon were severely damaged. Eventually, the Icelandic Environment Agency closed the canyon to visitors in an attempt to reverse some of the damage, some of which will take decades to restore. It has also been closed down in the springtime when the ice and snowmelt make the path too muddy and dangerous.

For now, the canyon is again open to the public but will only continue to remain open if people respect the environment and let nature thrive. If the canyon happens to be closed during your visit, you’ll just continue the drive west back towards Keflavik to end your 4 day Iceland itinerary.

Stop 3: Visit The Blue Lagoon

To finish off your 4 days in Iceland with a bang, we’re recommending you go to the Blue Lagoon , one of Iceland’s most famous attractions/activities and a hot spot for tourists and even celebrities. Another reason why it’s crucial you pack your swimsuit for your 4 days in Iceland!

This stop is in a great area and actually on our list of Best Places To Stay In Iceland . In this post, we offer suggestions for where to stay around the Ring Road!

The Blue Lagoon is conveniently located in Grindavik, only 13.5 miles from the Keflavik International Airport, making it the perfect final stop on your Iceland itinerary before heading to catch your flight home. You’ll need to book well in advance on the Blue Lagoon website to guarantee a time slot due to a heavy increase in tourism. Despite the crowds and hefty prices, this is an experience that is definitely worthy of a visit at least once.

Contrary to popular belief, this geothermal slice of heaven is not actually a natural hot spring. Though Iceland is filled with natural hot pots, this particular lagoon is actually a man-made lagoon resulting from activity at the nearby geothermal power plant, Svartsengi.

Though that sounds less than glamorous, the water is truly wonderful, safe to enjoy and is renewed every 48 hours. In fact it might just be the most relaxing, healing experience you’ll have during your 4 days in Iceland.

Like the public swimming pool complexes you’ll be required to shower naked prior to entering the lagoon, however there are private shower stalls available. When you’re showered and ready to go, it’s time to enter the Blue Lagoon and bask in its glorious waters. It is possible to enter the lagoon from the inside and swim to the outside so you don’t have to brave the cold air walking to the water.

You should take note, that while the water is wonderful for your skin due to its mineral richness, it is terrible for your hair. It will very quickly dry out your hair so we suggest keeping it dry (and tied up if it’s long) or if you’re set on getting it wet, prepare to condition it like crazy afterwards.

We are not kidding, getting your hair wet here sucks!!! And it will take 3-4 washes to get your hair back to normal! How do we know? Because we have made that mistake before.

The temperature of the Blue Lagoon varies, but you can always find an area of the huge lagoon that’s a suitable temperature for you. It’s easy to spend hours relaxing in the water.

As tourism has expanded, so has the Blue Lagoon and all that it offers. There is a bar in the lagoon itself where you can buy drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) without having to get out of the water. They charge the amount to your wristband and you’ll pay on your way out.

There are also a number of restaurants on the property as well as additional spa experiences you can pay extra for. Though the Blue Lagoon welcomes an enormous number of tourists these days, you don’t feel cramped when in the lagoon. There’s plenty of space and the number of guests allowed in is limited.

This is definitely a pricey experience as the lowest entrance package is $55-$95 depending on the time of day you visit, and the price seems to be constantly rising as tourism increases. However there is no doubt you’re in for a wonderful time in these blue waters surrounded by natural lava and moss.

As we said before, it’s an experience we think you’ll want to have at least once in your life. And boy will you feel good on your plane ride home!

From the Blue Lagoon you’ll drive the relatively short distance to the Keflavik International Airport to catch your evening flight home. If you are not flying out until the next day, you have the option of driving back to Reykjavik to spend the night, or staying in Keflavik for a quick and easy drive to the airport in the morning.

Where to stay in Keflavik:

Affordable: A. Bernhard Guest House . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Hotel Jazz by Keflavik Airport . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Berg by Keflavik Airport . Check rates: Booking.com

The Golden Circle And Why It Was Left Off Our Iceland Itinerary

If you’ve begun planning a trip to Iceland, you’ve likely heard of The Golden Circle , one of the most famous and heavily trafficked tourist routes in the country. This route includes the Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss (the golden) Waterfall, and the Strokkur geyser with additional optional stops at places such as Kerið crater and the Secret Lagoon.

We’ve chosen to leave the Golden Circle off of our itinerary because of its heavy tourist crowds, and because there are equally if not more spectacular spots to explore throughout the rest of Iceland that are more peaceful and isolated.

That being said, the stops along the Golden Circle are still wonderful and probably exceed many other natural wonders you’ll see in your lifetime. Because of that we wanted to provide you with information on the Golden Circle and leave it up to you whether you want to include it and swap it out for other stops currently included in our Iceland itinerary. If you decide to include it, at the very least it can make for a great introduction to all that Iceland’s nature has to offer.

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland’s first parliament was formed back in 930 AD. It was conveniently accessible from all corners of the country by horse or foot. This is where the chieftains met to create and change the country’s laws.

Meetings continued to be held there until 1798. The parliament would later be moved to Reykjavik in 1844.

Thingvellir National Park is also the site of a giant rift valley, which marks the meeting of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Between the impressive rift valley, unbelievably clear waters, and Oxararfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park is certainly a beautiful stop.

Your next stop will be Geyser, the geothermal hot spot. While the actual Geyser is no longer active, its neighbor, Strokkur still erupts at 5-7 minute intervals. Crowds of tourists gather around Strokkur in anticipation of its burst of water and steam shooting up into the air.

While the main attraction is the geyser, the surrounding landscape is full of pots of boiling water. As you might expect, the water would be dangerously hot to the touch, so steer clear and enjoy the natural phenomenon at a safe distance.

You’ll wrap up the three stops with Gullfoss Waterfall. In the summer months, it is common to see a rainbow arching over the waterfall, earning it the name Golden Waterfall.

Though Iceland spoils you with an abnormally large number of impressive waterfalls, Gullfoss is rightfully among the top. It’s an impressive sight at any time of year. The waterfall has both upper and lower viewing platforms, and we suggest spending some time at both.

Where to stay along the Golden Circle:

Affordable: Selfoss Hostel . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Icelandair Hotel Fludir . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Ion Adventure Hotel . Check rates: Booking.com

We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to spend 4 days in Iceland, the enchanting land of fire and ice. We have no doubt you’ll leave Iceland with an abundance of unforgettable experiences and more fantastic pictures than you can count. We hope you find this Iceland itinerary to be helpful as you plan your trip, and encourage you to comment below with any questions or stories you might have of your own Iceland adventures.

Reader Interactions

June 6, 2021 at 10:06 pm

This 4 day drive trip looks amazing!!!!! I did your GOT in Ireland and that was amazing a couple of years ago. so driving this 4 day adventure works for me. Thank you you guys are awesome with . Going the end of June 2021.

June 7, 2021 at 4:05 am

OMG!!!!!! REALLY!!! That is so amazing to hear! The GOT trip is sooooo fun I am glad you loved it! Enjoy! You won’t regret this itinerary!

June 27, 2021 at 4:51 am

Hi, I stumbled onto your site and finds it very informative and very useful. Thank you! I assumed this 4 days itinerary is more suited for the summer months. If it’s winter months (late Nov/early Dec), which places of interests would you drop due to shorter day light hours?

Given a choice, which waterfall (Seljalandsfoss vs Skogass) is preferred?

June 28, 2021 at 3:23 am

Hello! So this itinerary can be done pretty much all year round!! The only trouble may be hiking to the hot spring river which is difficult in winter. The two waterfalls are within 15 min drive of each other so you don’t have to choose just one! you can EASILY do both!!!!

August 24, 2021 at 11:08 pm

Hello, thank you for providing such useful guides on Iceland. We’re headed there for 10 days next month and was thinking of doubling the time in this itinerary. Do you think it’s overkill or should we spend time elsewhere?

I’m worried that 10 days on the full ring road would be too rushed

August 27, 2021 at 8:24 pm

Hello! you could EASILY double the time of this itinerary! We stay near Skogafoss area for 4 days on our trips! And then an additional 2+ in glacier lagoon area! You can easily double it! If you wanted, you can add a trip to Westman Islands which is nearby and easily doable in 10 days OR you can ‎Visit Snaefellsnes Peninsula for a day or two which is still nearby! I totally approve doing this over 10 days!

February 14, 2022 at 11:12 pm

Hi planning for end of June early July for a 4 day trip as our day 1 we arrived late evening so definitely not counted. We would still like to do the golden circle though, do we do this at the start after Reykjavik? Thank you your itinerary is amazing .

February 15, 2022 at 7:14 pm

Hello!!!! so YES! You do this at the start after Reykjavik! That is my suggestion!!! Do that part on your first day when you get started and then continue with this itinerary! Cut out parts you don’t have time for!

May 16, 2022 at 2:16 pm

HI – great site and most informative. For the four day itinerary, did/would you overnight in one or two spots and do day trips. Or spend three/four nights in different places. I have three clear days after arriving and a half day before leaving. Thoughts?

May 30, 2022 at 7:50 pm

I would overnight in the Vik/south coast region!! Thank you!

June 3, 2022 at 2:50 am

We’ve never been to Iceland, so we are totally lost! Find this itinerary and it is so complete, we feel like just doing it! Only question, is how does this vary from the Golden Circle. Would you recommend this itinerary or the Golden Circle? What important stops would we miss if we do this versus the Golden Circle?

June 4, 2022 at 8:47 pm

Personally i do not like or suggest the golden circle, i highly suggest this much more! golden circle is alright, but very touristy, a lot of driving, and this just generally has more epic sites! you won’t regret skipping it, i promise!

June 2, 2023 at 8:59 pm

Hello! I would love to do this itinerary for January to celebrate my 50th birthday. I have been looking through the flights. If I leave late from Houston, I arrive early morning, but I do not know to what city I should come. Which would you suggest, and since it is winter which stops should I do? I most definitely want to see the Northern lights! But also like all the scenery you have suggested. I did notice your post was in 2021. Is it still this amazing?

June 3, 2023 at 1:55 pm

Hello! Yes this is still amazing! I have done this route twice in 2022, once including in winter! I think you should fly into Keflavik Airport which is the closest one to Reykjavik. And then you can do this itinerary or some version of it in winter! Most of these stops are doable in winter!

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Iceland in 4 Days (Best Itinerary, Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 17, 2023

Are you planning a four-day trip to Iceland and wondering how to see the very best of Iceland in 4 days ? Look no further!

In this post, I am sharing the ultimate four day Iceland itinerary that brings you to all the most popular landmarks of Southern Iceland.

Why four days? Because 4 days is really the minimum time that you need in order to see all the main landmarks of southern Iceland. This self-drive Iceland 4 days itinerary does just that – it covers all the must-see places that you shouldn’t miss when traveling to Iceland for the first time .

Will you be able to see all the best places of Iceland in four days? No, 4 days in Iceland aren’t really sufficient for that… So if you have more time, you may want to check these Iceland itinerary suggestions for trips for up to 2 weeks … However, if four days is all you have, then this ultimate 4 day Iceland itinerary will show you how to make the very best of your trip. Find out!

Top Experiences & Tours to Book for This Itinerary:

• Blue Lagoon .
• Silfra Snorkeling .
• Katla Ice Cave (all year) or Natural Ice Caves (Oct-March).
• Sky Lagoon .
• Glacier Hike in Skaftafell .

TIP: To make your four day Iceland itinerary a bit more special, I also included a couple of less known, offbeat places, or fun activities that you see and do along the way.

That way you not only get to see all the main highlights of Iceland in 4 days, but also explore this beautiful country just a little bit deeper.

4 days in Iceland:

• Tips on how to use this 4-day Iceland itinerary
• DAY 1: Golden Circle

DAY 2: South Coast to Jokulsarlon

• DAY 3: Jokulsarlon to Vik
• DAY 4: Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon
• Tips for a few extra days

4 Days in Iceland – How to Use This Itinerary

✓ For this four-day Iceland itinerary, I assume that you indeed have 4 full days, 5 nights to spend in Iceland. I am not counting your arrival and departure days, so depending on your flight times, you will have to adapt this itinerary to best suit your trip. But at least it gives you a good idea of where to go, what to see, and how to best plan your short trip to Iceland.

✓ This itinerary is best suited for a self-drive trip during the months from +- March to October. You will need a car for this trip. In the warmer months, from May to September, you can do this trip in a regular car. During the rest of the year (and especially in winter) it is probably wiser to rent a 4×4.

✓ We recommend renting your car via the RentalCars website . Not only can you compare different providers and find the best car hire deals in Iceland, but you also have a much better cancelation policy. Furthermore, you are better protected in case a local company goes bankrupt as recently happened with our favorite car rental company in Iceland. We now use RentalCars for all our car hire, all over the world, and they have refunded all our bookings for the trips we had to cancel.

TIP: Make sure to book your rental car in Iceland well in advance as it only gets more expensive! Furthermore, it’s often difficult to even find a car in the high season. Your rental car should be one of the very first things to book after you book the flights!

✓ I created this 4-day itinerary based on our personal experience in Iceland . It allows you to break the long drives by planning some sightseeing time in between, rather than do all the driving on one day and all the sightseeing on the other. Therefore I also recommend different hotels every night along this trip. If you rather stay at one accommodation for two nights (days 2 and 3 of this trip), it’s also possible. In that case, the best area to stay along the South Coast is Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

✓ If you are traveling to Iceland in the heart of the winter when the days are really short, you will need about a week in order to see all the places mentioned in this itinerary. In that case, please check our suggested Iceland winter itinerary and our top tips for visiting Iceland in winter .

✓ If you have 4 days in Iceland in winter and still want to see just the main landmarks mentioned in this article, it should be possible. However, you have to be really confident with driving in extreme winter conditions (more info about driving in Iceland in winter ). Please also keep in mind that you’ll have to drive in the dark a lot. Therefore, my personal recommendation for a 4 day trip to Iceland in winter would be to book this 2-day winter tour, in addition to exploring the main sights in and near Reykjavik for two days. Another way to see most of the places mentioned in this post is to use Reykjavik as your home base and join guided winter tours from Reykjavik .

Four Days Iceland Itinerary on the Map

TIP: To make your trip planning easier, I also created this map , indicating all the places mentioned in this 4-day Iceland itinerary (you can also see the map here ).

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Without further ado, here is our suggested four-day itinerary that brings you to all the must-see places in southern Iceland :

DAY 1: Golden Circle +

+-200 km (125 miles), 3 hrs driving time. This doesn’t include time for sightseeing, detours or other delays.

Golden Circle is one of the most popular places in Iceland and you will see it included in every Iceland itinerary, no matter how short or long. Golden Circle is relatively close to Reykjavik and so I suggest that you start your 4-day Iceland itinerary here.

The three main landmarks along the Golden Circle are Thingvellir National Park , Geysir geothermal area , and Gullfoss Waterfall . If the days are short and you only have the time to see the main highlights of the Golden Circle, these are the places not to be missed.

If, however, you are visiting Iceland in spring or summer and have plenty of daylight, there are some other great stops that you can make along the Golden Circle. I included a few most popular options below. But first – the musts.

Thingvellir National Park

Located just 45km from Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park will likely be your first stop along the Golden Circle.

Thingvellir is one of the oldest National Parks in Iceland and since recently also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a place where the world’s oldest parliament was formed in the 10th century, but most visitors come here for the unique geology of this area. The mid-Atlantic Ridge – where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet- is visible in Thingvellir NP.

The scenery in Thingvellir is stunning and it’s worth a visit any time of the year. Probably the best view is from the top of Almannagja , at the visitor center. Don’t miss the Öxarárfoss – one of my personal favorite waterfalls in Iceland.

Don’t miss the Nikulasargja Gorge. It is now also known as Peningagja (Money Gorge) because it’s customary to toss coins into the gorge and make a wish. I’d refrain from tossing anything in nature, but it’s a nice place to see, so don’t miss it!

There is also an old church, Þingvallakirkja (Thingvellir Church) , that might be worth a quick stop.

There is no fee to visit Thingvellir NP, but you have to pay for car parking.

Thingvellir National Park is also home to Lake Thingvallavatn . It is best known for Silfra Gorge where you can swim between the two continents in crystal clear and freezing cold glacial water. It’s an extremely popular snorkeling and diving location and if you are looking for a unique experience in Iceland, you should certainly consider Silfra snorkeling . Tours run the whole year, so also in winter. I personally haven’t tried Silfra snorkeling, but have only heard great things about it.

TIP: Book the first snorkeling tour available in the morning (usually around 9 AM or 10 AM, depending on the season), so that you still have plenty of time left for the other Golden Circle attractions. You can find all the practical information and book Silfra snorkeling tour here .

Geysir Geothermal Area

Another must-see place along the Golden Circle is Geysir geothermal area, located about 50 minutes drive from Thingvellir. It’s a place where the mother of all geysers – Geysir – is located. However, Geysir itself hasn’t erupted in years and nobody can predict when it will happen again.

The good news is that the nearby Strokkur geyser is one of the most active and easiest to see geysers in the world. It erupts every 5-7 minutes, spouting water up to 30 meters (100 ft) into the air. You never have to wait long to see Strokkur in action, so you don’t have to time your visit or make any special arrangements to see the geyser.

Don’t forget to explore the whole area with boiling mud pools and colorful geothermal features steaming and bubbling all around you. Also, take a look at the newly opened Geysir Center which has great displays about geothermal activity, earthquakes, and more natural wonders of Iceland. You can even try the earthquake simulator…

This area has a restaurant, a shop, and now also a beautiful hotel. Just as with most other natural landmarks of Iceland, you can visit the Geysir area free of charge.

TIP: Hotel Gullfoss is a beautiful modern hotel in this area and it would be a wonderful place to spend your first night in Iceland. For example, you could come here immediately after landing at Reykjavik airport, about 2 hrs drive away, and explore the geyser area all by yourselves.

Gullfoss – the Golden Waterfall

Just a few minutes drive from Geysir, you can find the third and last of the must-see landmarks of the Golden Circle – Gullfoss , or the Golden Falls.

Gullfoss is one of the most powerful and spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, fed by Iceland’s second-biggest glacier, Langjökull. It’s most powerful in summer, but every season has its charms. In winter, the waterfall can get (partially frozen) and on sunny days you can see the rainbow over the falls. I have been to Gullfoss in three different seasons and it’s always just as impressive.

You should know that the lower trail leading to the falls is usually closed in winter. However, there are many great viewpoints from further away, so you aren’t really missing anything if you can’t walk up to it. Also, make sure to dress really warm – the wind is very strong here and it brings freezing cold air from the nearby glacier.

TIP: Gullfoss is located just next to the Langjokull glacier, a popular place for snowmobile tours. You can go snowmobiling on a glacier the whole year round. Here you can find more information and book your glacier snowmobiling experience .

There’s also a tour that visits a man-made ice tunnel inside the glacier .

Other Nice Stops Along the Golden Circle

Visiting the three major attractions of the Golden Circle should take you about 5-6 hours (including driving there from Reykjavik). Therefore – time and daylight permitting – I also suggest one or several of the following stops along the Golden Circle or adding one of the activities mentioned below.

• Silfra Snorkeling . Already mentioned above – see Thingvellir area.
• Glacier Snowmobiling on Langjokull Glacier – see Gullfoss area above for the explanation.
• Fridheimar Tomato Farm and Restaurant. This popular little restaurant located inside a greenhouse is one of the most unique places along the Golden Circle and a great place for lunch. It’s only open from 12 till 4 PM and you should probably reserve in advance. You could either go here for lunch after visiting Thingvellir (perfect place to warm up after Silfra snorkeling), or after visiting Gullfoss waterfall.
• Kerid Crater. If you want to see a real volcano in Iceland, then don’t miss the Kerid Crater along the Golden Circle. You can walk around the crater or take the stairs down to see the bottom of the crater. Count about 30-45 minutes for a visit. There is a small fee to enter.
• Secret Lagoon – low-key geothermal pool in Fludir. Great way to warm up and relax after the whole day of sightseeing. Perfect location on the way to your next accommodation in Hella or Holvollur area (see suggestions below).
• Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths . A bit more expensive than the Secret Lagoon, but still much cheaper than the famous Blue Lagoon. Located just next to the Golden Circle, however, the location is a bit less convenient to visit in the evening, depends on your accommodation.
• Úlfljótsvatnskirkja – a little white church with a red roof in the spectacular setting near Þingvallavatn lake.

TIP: If you are visiting in summer and don’t mind a short detour from the Golden Circle, check out the beautiful Haifoss waterfall nearby. It’s one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland!

Accommodation: Ideally, you stay along the Ring Road, a bit more in the direction of the south coast that you’ll be exploring the next day. Probably the best-located towns for this itinerary are Hella or Hvolsvöllur .

Alternatively, there are more accommodations in Selfoss , but it’s a bit more back in the direction of Reykjavik, so it means more driving the next day.

TIP: If you are looking for a really nice place to stay in this area, I recommend either Hotel Ranga or Stracta Hotel – both in Hella.

+-300km (186 miles), 3,5 hrs driving time. This doesn’t include time for sightseeing, detours or other delays.

Iceland’s South Coast is considered one of the most beautiful regions of Iceland and is another absolute favorite. It will come as no surprise that the south coast is included in all Iceland itineraries, and it’s also one of the most popular day trips from Reykjavik.

If you only have four days in Iceland, it means that you will be driving the south coast twice – first to get to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and then again to come back to Reykjavik at the end of your trip. Therefore, there are many itinerary possibilities, depending on what you decide to visit on which day. The itinerary suggested below is just one example, so use it just as an indication and adjust it to your wishes.

For the second day of your four day Iceland itinerary I suggest that you drive all the way to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon . The main reason is that by staying close to the lagoon you can visit it late in the evening or early in the morning when there are no tour buses. On top of that, it’s a beautiful place to be at sunset or at sunrise. But, as I already said, if you rather don’t change hotels every night, then you may want to stay in Kirkjubæjarklaustur for 2 nights.

The three main places you have to see along the South Coast are Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls as well as the black sand beach in Vik – Reynisfjara . If the days are short and you only have the time to see the main highlights, these are the places not to be missed.

If you are visiting in spring or in summer when the roads are better and the days are longer, there are some other nice stops that you can make along the South Coast. If you still have the time, make sure to also visit Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon . I included a couple of other popular options below. But first – the musts.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, mostly known for the fact that you can walk behind it. It’s an extremely popular landmark along the South Coast, but if you start your day early, it’s quite likely you’ll be here before the groups of day tourists arrive from Reykjavik.

In winter, the path behind the waterfall is closed and you need stabilicers/crampons to even get somewhat closer to the falls. But if you are visiting Seljalandsfoss in a warmer season and the walk behind the falls is open, it’s a must-do! Don’t worry, it’s just a short easy walk that will only take a few minutes. You may get wet, so make sure you are wearing a rain jacket!

There is no fee to visit the waterfall, but you have to pay for the parking.

TIP: Many people come here for Seljalandsfoss, but don’t know that there is another beautiful waterfall just a little bit further. Gljúfrabúi waterfall is somewhat hidden inside the gorge and isn’t well visible till you actually get to it. It takes less than five minutes to visit – follow the path to the left from Seljalandsfoss and you’ll see informational panels on the right side.

In the past, it was possible to walk up closer to the Gljufrabui waterfall, but the last time I was there the path was closed. It is possible to reach the waterfall by just walking inside the gorge, but depending on how high the water level is, your feet might get wet if you choose this route.

I didn’t go inside as everyone who was coming out was soaking wet, from head to toes… This picture is taken from the entrance to the gorge.

Just half an hour ride along the Ring Road further to the east, you will find another major landmark of Iceland – Skogafoss . Skogafoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.

With a drop of 60 meters (200 ft) it’s also one of the biggest waterfalls in the country. If you come here on a sunny day, the chances are big that you’ll see a beautiful rainbow (or even two) on the falls.

TIP: If you are fit and can handle some steep stairs, I strongly advise climbing to the top of the waterfall. The views of the surroundings are spectacular! Also, it’s really impressive to see the top of the falls and feel the power of water tumbling down. At the top, you can also make a short hike that takes you to a few small rapids and even more spectacular views.

TIP: If you have some time to spare, you may want to visit the nearby Skogar museum – more info below.

There is no fee to visit the waterfall.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Vik

Another must-see place along the South Coast of Iceland is the famous black sand beach Reynisfjara in Vik . Just to make things a bit more confusing, some sources call it Reynisdrangar . It’s all the same place. It takes about half an hour to reach Vik from Skogafoss.

Famous not just for its black sand, Reynisfjara beach is also known for its impressive basalt columns and beautiful rock formations Reynisdrangar. Take the time to walk along the beach, just please keep a very safe distance from the water. The waves here are known to be really dangerous and can unexpectedly swipe you off your feet and pull you into the sea.

TIP: There is a cafe here where you can warm up on a cold windy day and they have free bathroom facilities inside (you have to pay for the other bathrooms).

There is no entry or parking fee, but I know that there have been talks to introduce parking fees in this area as well.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

About an hour’s drive away, next to the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, you will find another must-see place in Iceland – Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.

It’s one of the most beautiful canyons in Iceland and certainly the one that is most-known and most-visited. Now that I have seen the other incredible canyons of the Icelandic highlands , I think there are other places that deserve more fame than Fjadrargljufur. Nevertheless, it’s a great place that is well worth a visit.

Fjadrargljufur Canyon is suffering from its own popularity and quite some viewpoints and paths have been recently closed due to the disrespectful behavior of too many tourists. Still, it’s worth a short visit and there is a good view just close to the main car parking.

TIP: If you have at least half an hour to spare, take a walk along the canyon.

Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach at Sunset

If you are staying at an accommodation near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon as I suggested, make sure to visit the Diamond Beach at sunset . If you are short on time, leave Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon for the next day and head straight to the beach located across the road from the glacier lagoon.

There are actually two beaches here, split by the bridge. You never know which part will be more beautiful as a lot depends on the direction of the wind, so I suggest you go to the one that has bigger pieces of ice at that time.

The beach got its name because of the big chunks of ice sparkling against the black sand background. Somebody called it the Diamond Beach and the name stuck. An Icelander told us that locals have no idea what or where Diamond Beach is, but if you ask any tourist, they’ll all tell you it’s their favorite place in Iceland…

Diamond Beach is always beautiful, but it’s never the same, so you don’t know what you’ll find till you get there. In winter, you’ll find huge parts of icebergs on the beach, whereas in summer there will probably only be a couple of smaller pieces scattered around as little diamonds.

TIP: By far the best time to visit Diamond Beach is during the coldest months of the year at sunset when ice is sparkling in the last sun rays of the day. But no matter when you visit, it will be one of the best things you did in Iceland. This is also a wonderful place to try to see the Northern Lights in Iceland (if you are traveling in the right season).

Other Nice Stops Along the South Coast

The places mentioned above are really not to be missed along the South Coast. In principle, you should be able to cover them all in one day, but of course, that depends on the season and on how much time you spend at each place.

There are quite some other nice stops along the South Coast and I’ll mention a few in the following days of this itinerary. In the meantime, here are a couple of shorter stops to consider if you are traveling in summer when the days are endless and want to fill your days and see as much as possible in a short time.

• Skogar museum . If you want to see typical Icelandic turf houses, then there is probably no better place along the south coast than this. It’s open every day of the year, hours vary by season.
• Svinafellsjokull (glacier). You can make a short walk to the glacier viewpoint. The gravel road leading to the parking isn’t long, but can be quite bumpy.
• Hofskirkja (church). It’s a small turf church that doesn’t require much time to visit. There are also bathroom facilities – so it’s a good place for a quick stop along the south coast.

Accommodation: By far the nicest and best-located hotels in this area are Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon and Hali Country Hotel . Here you can find more suggestions on where to stay near Jokulsarlon .

DAY 3: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to Vik

+-200km (125 miles), 2,5 hrs driving time. This doesn’t include time for sightseeing, detours or other delays.

The main highlight you have to see on this third day of your 4-day Iceland itinerary is Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon . Depending on how much time you have, I also highly recommend Skaftafell National Park, and more particularly a short hike to Svartifoss waterfall .

If you are traveling in winter (+- October – March), don’t miss the natural ice caves (although, there is also one that you can visit in summer – more info below)! Glacier hiking is another great activity and is available all year round, so you could incorporate it into your itinerary as well.

Furthermore, there are a few additional short stops along the way that are also nice to see if you have some time to spare. Find out!

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Together with Diamond Beach, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is one of my absolute favorite places in Iceland. It’s never the same and always mesmerizing. A place you really have to see for yourselves!

There are basically two ways to visit the glacier lagoon. First, on foot. Just walk along the eastern shore of the lagoon and enjoy the most beautiful scenery. The second option is to take a boat. There are amphibian boats and also zodiac boat tours available. Please note that boat tours on Jokulsarlon only run from May till October.

Should you book a boat tour? If you are traveling on a budget or don’t have much time, don’t feel like you are missing much if you decide not to do the tour. It’s just as nice to explore the lagoon from ashore. The only difference is that the boat brings you closer to the icebergs.

If you decide to book, you should know that amphibian boat tours are the cheapest option. They cost about 45% less than zodiac tours. If you go, book in advance and try to get the first tour in the morning, that way you have more time for the other places.

TIP: You can also visit the nearby smaller glacier lagoon, Fjallsarlon. It’s just a few minutes down the road, but it’s lesser-known and a lot less visited by big groups.

There is no fee to visit Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, only for the boat tours.

From around October till the end of March you can visit natural ice caves near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. It’s a bucket-list experience, so if you splurge on one activity in Iceland, make it this one. Here you can check availability and book an ice cave tour starting at Jokulsarlon .

Make sure you book the tour well in advance because they do sell out! It’s probably best to do it as early in the morning as possible, that way you still have some time left for the rest of this itinerary.

Good to know: While the majority of ice caves in Iceland can only be visited in winter, there is one natural cave – at Katla – that can be visited the whole year round (but please keep in mind that it’s a natural phenomenon and so the conditions can change depending on the weather).

Also here, you can only visit with a tour and this is the best-rated tour that I was able to find . It’s an easy tour that also allows kids from 8 years old. It takes just 3 hours and departs from Vik, so if you absolutely want to visit a natural ice cave in Iceland, you could quite easily include it in your trip itinerary in summer as well. Since it starts in Vik, you can do it either on day 2 or on day 3 of this itinerary.

Skaftafell National Park OR…

About 50 minutes drive back in the direction of Reykjavik, you’ll find Skaftafell National Park. It’s a real hiker’s paradise, but since you only have four days in Iceland, you probably won’t be able to do much hiking…

If you have time to make just one short hike, then walk to Skaftafellsjökull for a nice view on the glacier. This easy hike shouldn’t take longer than 1,5 hours. The most popular hike in Skaftafell NP is the trail to Svartifoss (the Black Waterfall). It’s a moderate hike of about 1,5 km (1 mile) one way, and should take you 1,5-2 hrs in total.

I don’t recommend any of the longer trails here, unless you are not doing any of the other activities suggested in this itinerary. You’ll run out of time. But if you only visit Jokulsarlon and Skaftafell on this third day of your itinerary, then you could attempt one of the longer hikes.

My personal favorite is the Sjornarnipa trail. It’s a moderate/difficult loop hike of 6,4 km (4 miles) and you should count at least 2,5-3 hours for it. Here you can find more information about hiking trails in Skaftafell .

There is no fee to visit Skaftafell National Park.

OR… Glacier hike

An alternative suggestion, instead of hiking in Skaftafell National Park, is to go hiking on a glacier. Probably the best option for this itinerary is this highly-rated glacier hike that starts at the Skaftafell National Park. The good news is that glacier hiking is a year-round activity, so you can do it in any season.

Glacier hiking is not as strenuous as you’d think and pretty much everyone in regular physical condition can do it. The minimum age limit for most glacier hikes in Iceland at this moment is 8 years. We had people of over 70 in our group as well and they managed just fine.

TIP: For more information and practical tips, please refer to our blog post about glacier hiking in Iceland .

TIP: If you have opted for other activities on day 3, but still want to do a glacier hike, there is another great place for this that fits perfectly with the last day of this itinerary. More information under the 4th day below.

Other Nice Places to Visit Along the Way

Depending on what you decide to do this day, you may have lots of free time left or none at all… Here are a few other places that could be worth a quick stop if you have some time.

• Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon. It’s a smaller and less visited glacier lagoon, not far from Jokulsarlon.
• Eldhraun Lava Fields. Just a quick stop is enough to admire this beautiful scenery of endless lava fields. See our custom map for the location.
• Dyrhólaey lighthouse and Kirkjufjara beach . This place is very close to Vik and – unless you make a walk – won’t take you longer than half an hour. You can visit it either in the evening of day 3 or in the morning of the last day of this itinerary.

TIP: If you are near Vik at sunset, I suggest you go back to Reynisfjara beach that you visited on the second day. It’s spectacular at sunset!

READ ALSO: Best Places to See on the South Coast in Iceland

Accommodation: I suggest that you stay in Vik. It’s about halfway between Jokulsarlon and Reykjavik, so staying here gives you a bit more flexibility to adjust your itinerary if needed. You can find the best deals for Vik accommodation here .

Alternatively, there are some nice hotels in the nearby Skogar as well. One of the nicest hotels in Vik is Hotel Kria . Also, Icelandair Hotel Vik and Volcano Hotel are excellent choices in this area.

DAY 4: Back to Reykjavik and The Blue Lagoon

+-200km (125 miles), 2,5 hrs driving time. This doesn’t include time for sightseeing, detours or other delays. If you opt to visit the Blue Lagoon, please note that it’s about 45 minutes from the city, in the direction of the airport.

Since this four day itinerary is ideal for those visiting Iceland for the first time, I assume you will want to see Reykjavik . Therefore, on this last day in Iceland, I suggest that you drive back all the way to Reykjavik and explore the city.

An extremely popular thing to do is to visit the geothermal baths of the Blue Lagoon . If you prefer a less touristy place, check out the recently opened Sky Lagoon . It is definitely possible to see the main landmarks of Reykjavik and also visit either the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon on this last day of your 4-day Iceland itinerary.

If you rather stay in nature just a bit longer, you could visit any of the places mentioned in this post that you skipped on the previous days. As I already said, you can also do a glacier hike near Vik area – more info here: glacier hike at Solheimajokull . But if you do that, you’ll probably not get to Reykjavik before at the earliest 4-5 PM. Which is still enough time to see the old town OR visit the Blue Lagoon, but not both.

Reykjavik is a city that is changing rapidly. I have to admit that I like it much more now than the first time we visited it back in 2006. Still, it’s not a big city and you can visit the main landmarks in just a couple of hours.

Here are a few places that you must see in Reykjavik:

• View from Hallgrimskirkja (take an elevator up the church tower)
• Old town with the main shopping streets Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur .
• Harpa concert hall.
• Solfar – Sun Voyager (steel boat sculpture).
• Reykjavik Lake .
• Icelandic Parliament building .
• If you have more time, Perlan is also really worth a visit. Here you can read all about visiting the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik .
• Also the FlyOver Iceland experience is absolutely worth half an hour of your time.

TIP: Join a highly-rated Reykjavik city walking tour and see all the highlights in just 2-3 hours.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik & Reykjavik in One Day

Blue Lagoon

If you still have a couple of hours left, you could end your day with a relaxing soak in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon . It will take you 45 minutes just to get there, so count at least 4-5 hours for a visit. Blue Lagoon is normally open till 10 PM.

TIP: If you want to visit the Blue Lagoon, you really have to book your tickets in advance . It doesn’t have to be long in advance – a week or even a few days upfront might be enough, but you have to book it.

Accommodation TIP: If you are visiting the Blue Lagoon and your flight is early in the morning, then you could just as well stay in a hotel in that area and save yourself unnecessary driving up and down (KEF airport is just 20 minutes from the Blue Lagoon). Here you can find accommodation in the Keflavik airport area .

For the ultimate experience and if your budget allows, check out The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Hotel . Alternatively, pick one of the following highly-rated hotels close to the airport: Hotel Berg , Hotel Keflavik , or B&B Keflavik Airport Hotel (this hotel offers a shuttle to the airport).

If you rather stay in Reykjavik, there are countless options. Here you can find our hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Reykjavik .

Alternative: If you don’t want to drive far from the city, you could visit Sky Lagoon geothermal baths instead of the Blue Lagoon. It’s located closer to the city center, is not as touristy, and the views are amazing! You can just get the tickets in advance and drive there by car, or get tickets that include a transfer from the city .

So, this is our suggested four day itinerary for Iceland. You can easily use parts of this itinerary for a shorter or a longer stay as well, but at least now you know how to see the very best of Iceland in four days .

TIP: If you are looking for more information for your trip to Iceland, practical tips, clothing advice, etc. please check our complete travel guide to Iceland .

If you have any questions about this itinerary, feel free to leave a reply below and I’ll try to help. Alternatively, please join our Facebook group for Iceland & Scandinavia Travel – it’s a great place to meet other travelers, ask questions, and share experiences.

If you have more time…

If you are looking for some nice places to visit in addition to this 4-day itinerary , I can really recommend adding at least one day in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula . There is so much to see and do in Snaefellsnes !

If you are visiting Iceland’s south coast in the warmer months, Heimaey Island (Westman Islands) is another wonderful day trip that would make a nice addition to this itinerary as well!

If you have an additional half a day, you can easily visit Reykjanes Peninsula . It’s just next to Keflavik airport. It’s a perfect addition to your four days itinerary in Iceland!

READ ALSO: Best Iceland Itinerary for 7 Days Iceland Ring Road Itinerary for 10 Days

More tips for your trip to Iceland:

• Airport transfers: How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
• Budget: How Expensive is Iceland (& How to Save Money)
• Accommodation: Where to Stay in Iceland and Where to Stay in Reykjavik
• Packing: What to Wear in Iceland in Winter and What to Pack for Iceland in Summer
• Tours: Best Tours and Day Trips in Iceland and Best Half Day Tours from Reykjavik
• Itinerary: Iceland Itinerary Suggestions for 1 to 14 Days
• What to see: Must See Places in Iceland & Best Stops on Iceland’s South Coast
• Auroras: How to See and Photograph the Northern Lights & Best Time to See Northern Lights in Iceland
• More: Check our Iceland travel guide for even more inspiration and tips

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

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Tuesday 10th of October 2023

Looking for an ice cave in Iceland to visit in November. We are staying in Grimsnes so something within driving distance. Say two hours each way.

Hi Mike, the most impressive natural ice caves are located close to Jokulsarlon/ Skaftafell which - if I'm understanding correctly where you are staying - is about 4 hours drive each way. So not really an option for you. There is also a very nice natural ice cave - Katla - that can be visited with a tour from Vik. It's about 2 hours drive each way and you can also visit Reynisfjara Beach in Vik at the same time. Just beware that you might have to drive in the dark since the days are short. Closer to where you are staying, you can visit Langjökull Glacier. Most tours at this location go inside man-made ice caves. However, last year, they discovered a natural ice cave there and there is this tour that goes to the natural ice cave. I'm not sure how it looks, but people were quite enthusiastic about it last winter and I see that the tour is scheduled for this November as well. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Tuesday 15th of August 2023

I loved reading through this! Quick question for you - could you essentially reverse the itinerary and start in Reykjavik/Blue Lagoon? Or would you not recommend that?

Thursday 17th of August 2023

Hi Emily, of course, you can do whatever you want. This itinerary is just to give you an idea of what is possible in 4 days. See what makes sense for you and plan accordingly. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 26th of July 2023

Hey Jurga, many thanks for all the blogs you put up, My wife and I are confused in choosing between visiting Switzerland/ Iceland/ Norway in our trip being planned for September this year. We have 9 Nights of time for travel(Plus flight time) and are wondering if we can do Norway + Iceland in that period.

Do you suggest sticking to one country in the time or is it decent enough to capture the best of two countries?

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Hi Sidharta, with 9 days, I'd definitely suggest just visiting one country - either Iceland or Norway. There is so much to see and do in both countries that splitting such a short visit in two would only give you a glimpse of each. While in Iceland, you can see a lot in 9-10 days and do an entire Ring Road (see this itinerary for some inspiration), with 9 days in Norway, you'll have to be very selective which areas you want to visit. It's a much bigger country and the distances are not comparable to those in Iceland. Please see our Norway guide for some itinerary suggestions. Hope this helps. Good luck with the planning!

Friday 21st of July 2023

Hi, We are visiting Iceland this summer. I read your comments about the Katla Ice Cave tours and the Solheimajokull tours. Both sound great, but we only have time for one. We have a short trip to Iceland so are trying to get in some of the most unique things we can. If you had to pick one over another, which would you pick?

Saturday 22nd of July 2023

@Jurga, thank you so much for your thoughtful (and researched!) response. We’ll keep an eye on the reviews of the cave as we get closer. That and the volcano! 😊

Hi Ann, it's a bit hard to say, mainly because Katla Cave is an ice cave and summer is not the best time to visit ice caves since they can be melting... That said, I checked a few recent reviews and most people seem to say it's impressive, but still, you never know 100% what you get. Glacier hiking is a bit more predictable and fun to do if you have never done it before. If, however, you have done it somewhere else in the world, then I think I'd go for the ice cave. Maybe see what's still available for your travel dates and what fits your schedule best. Sometimes, the decision is made for you because of practical reasons or availability. You can't go wrong with either of them, so pick whatever looks best to you and enjoy!

Kishaloya Roychowdhury

Monday 26th of June 2023

Hu Jurga - We are planning for a trip (we have 5 night) in late October. I went through your suggestions and the feedback from people. We will definitely follow. As we will be there in October, one of our objective to see Northern Lights. Can you please suggest how to fit this in the itinerary ? Appreciate your response.

Saturday 15th of July 2023

@Jurga, we are planning our trip to Iceland and your guide has been so helpful

what do you suggest for clothes in early august

Tuesday 27th of June 2023

Hi, Northern Lights is a natural phenomena and if they show up, you can see them anywhere. If you follow this itinerary, you will be staying at accommodations outside the city. So all you have to do is keep an eye on the aurora forecast a bit and if it's not cloudy, go outside and wait for them to show up. It's not something you can plan, but if you make an effort to actually look for them, you can increase your chances. Check out our guide on the Northern Lights in Iceland for more information and tips on how to increase your chances of seeing auroras. Have a great trip!

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Iceland Northern Lights Experience 4D/3N

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Golden Circle of Iceland Winter

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Glaciers
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The Perfect 4 Days in Iceland Itinerary & Travel Guide

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

Are you planning a 4 day trip to Iceland and wondering how to best spend your time? After two completely different visits, I’ve come to fall in love with this Nordic wonderland full of colorful homes and breathtaking landscapes.  Below I’m sharing the perfect itinerary to help you have your own magical trip during 4 days in Iceland.

This island in the North Atlantic is overflowing with natural wonders, and it sometimes seems like the land is actually alive.  Where else can you experience steamy hot springs, erupting volcanos, waterfalls literally surrounding you, and auroras dancing in the sky? Iceland offers so many opportunities for new adventures!

The best part is that it’s totally possible to get a sampling of all these things with just 4 days in Iceland.  Even if a volcano isn’t actively erupting or the northern lights don’t appear, there are so many other unique experiences to have in Iceland (glaciers, anyone?).  Bottom line: a visit to Iceland is always worth it , so go on and book that flight and let’s get to planning!

The Ultimate 4 Days in Iceland: Complete Guide

While this 4 day Iceland itinerary focuses on self-driving, I will also include options for those of you who prefer not to rent a car.

Table of Contents

• Pick Up Rental Car
• Blue Lagoon
• Northern Lights Tour
• Day 2 in Iceland: Golden Circle
• Day 3 in Iceland: South Coast
• Icelandic Coffee
• Hallgrímskirkja Church
• Self-Guided Walking Tour
• Where to Eat

Electrical Converters/Adaptors

• Where to Stay
• When to Visit Iceland
• Should You Self-Drive?

Day 1: Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights

Pick up your rental car.

Upon arrival into Keflavík International Airport, you’ll first need to pick up your rental car. Most companies will shuttle you to their rental office from the airport. If you aren’t renting a car, there is also a bus that can transfer you to destinations like Reykjavik, or even the Blue Lagoon. 

Book your bus transfer to Reykjavik here

Head to the Blue Lagoon

Iceland is famous for its hot springs, like the bucket list worthy Blue Lagoon . As it’s conveniently located 15 minutes from Keflavik airport, we opted to make this our first stop in Iceland. Nothing like wearing a bikini in the cold morning drizzle to wake you up after a red eye flight!

The Blue Lagoon has a giant parking lot with plenty of spots and lockers to store your valuables (for a fee). Once you’re settled, it’s time for a luxurious soak in the Blue Lagoon’s iconicly warm, milky blue water. 

It’s no surprise that this popular otherworldly hot spring is also the most expensive in Iceland. The lowest level package to enter the Blue Lagoon is the Comfort Package, which runs around $80 USD depending on your booking time.

The Comfort Package includes a towel, locker, white silica mask, and one beverage from the bar.  You could also level up to get a robe, slippers, and additional mask. Just be sure to reserve your timeslot a few weeks out, as spots fill up quickly and you cannot book on arrival.

The Blue Lagoon is completely worth visiting at least once. However, if you’d rather not pay the high price, there are plenty more hot spring options in Iceland, like the chic, earthy Sky Lagoon .

Make your way to Reykjavik

For this 4 day Iceland itinerary, it makes the most sense to base yourself in Reykjavik. Especially if this is your first time visiting Iceland’s adorable capital!

If you flew into Reykjavik overnight like we did, it’s possible you’ll be a little early. Thankfully, the cozy, well-located hotel we recently booked allowed us an early check-in, whereas our previous Airbnb would not let us check in until 4pm.

If you can’t go to your lodging right away, I recommend parking and doing a little exploring.  You could also warm up at a café and grab lunch – Reykjavik has plenty of options! Do note that pretty much all parking in Reykjavik is paid, including street parking.

Do a Northern Lights Tour

If seeing the northern lights is your priority, it’s essential to book a northern lights tour on night one. You’ll want to give yourself as many potential attempts as possible, as sightings can be unpredictable. Tours often get cancelled due to poor conditions, but can usually be rescheduled as many times as needed. 

While a tour is not 100% necessary to spot the aurora borealis, a local guide can hugely increase your chances of success. For more information and tips, check out this post about our own northern lights sighting in Iceland .

Day 2: The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle’s majestic waterfalls, vast landscapes, and geothermal spots make it a must during 4 days in Iceland.  If the weather and road conditions are good enough, prioritize seeing the Golden Circle on day two.

Unless you are traveling in the warmer months, the volatile Icelandic weather ensures you never know whether safe road conditions will last. Therefore, it’s always good to take full advantage of them! You can check current Iceland road conditions here.

The Golden Circle stops are listed below in the order they’ll appear on your route.  If you are short on time or daylight, prioritize the following: Thingvellir, Gulfoss, and Strokur . I’ve also mapped the route in this link and below:

Not renting a car? Book your Golden Circle bus tour here

Thorufoss Waterfall

Thorufoss is a minor waterfall compared to the ones you’ll encounter later. That being said, it’s worth a quick stop if you have the time.

Funny enough, Aaron and I randomly encountered a short, heavy snowfall as we made our turn towards the waterfall. We were seriously questioning whether this detour was a mistake, as we saw no other cars around us! However, we were very pleased when the snow stopped and we had the waterfall to ourselves.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is a legendary location and UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and European tectonic plates are slowly separating.  A site of historical importance, the Icelandic general legislative assembly convened here for centuries, spanning from 930 to 1798.

The park hosts a variety of outdoorsy activities, with hiking trails, scuba diving in the fissure between the continental plates, and even fishing.

Note: There is a parking fee of 750 ISK, which is equivalent to around 5 USD.

Lunch Spot at Efstidalur Farm

There aren’t many eateries along the Golden Circle, and many people pack a picnic lunch. However, one exception is Efstidalur Farm, whose restaurant serves deliciously fresh local beef and veggie burgers.

Efstidalur is a 7 th generation family farm that has been living and operating on the current site since 1750.  The site also features an adjacent shop that sells the farm’s ice cream, skyr and feta cheese.

Pet Icelandic Horses

Another unique experience to have in Iceland is petting an Icelandic horse, and you’ll see many of them grazing along the Golden Circle route. Some places even offer the opportunity to go horseback riding, and experience their legendary 5th gait. The horses are generally friendly, but may nip when you go to pet them (they are used to being fed by humans).

Join the other visitors waiting in eager anticipation to see Strokur, a very active geyser, erupt about every 10 minutes.  I was so nervous waiting for it, thinking it would take me by surprise and startle me! It actually isn’t very scary when it goes off, and it’s so frequent that there are many opportunities for photos.

Gullfoss, translated to “golden waterfall”, is a massive and breathtakingly beautiful sight – a photo doesn’t quite do it justice.  On a sunny day, you could be lucky enough to see a rainbow above the falls like we did. To see the waterfall’s majesty close up, follow the other visitors along the pathway that leads to a rocky viewing platform.

Caution: This platform can be slippery and is barricaded from the falls by a mere skinny rope. Be cautious when approaching the edge.

Other Golden Circle Sites

You’ve now seen all the major Golden Circle sites and could return to Reykjavik if you are short on time and energy. Otherwise, the below places are totally worth a stop, and you’ll pass them on the way back anyhow:

• Faxi Waterfall : Small, but lovely lesser-known waterfall.  There’s a good chance you’ll be the only person there.
• Skálholt Church – The sharp angles of this church are striking against the rugged Icelandic landscape.  It’s great for a quick photo stop.
• Kerið C rater : Walk around, and even into, this enchanting volcanic crater that boasts picturesque red soil and turquoise water.  Its “fresh” 3,000 year old iron deposits provide the fantastical red color that gives fantasy, or even Harry Potter vibes.  In fact, I think the Sword of Gryffindor might be at the bottom on the lake…
• Olverk Brewery : Stop here for some Icelandic craft beer and pizza on your way back.

Day 3: Drive the South Coast

If the weather continues to cooperate during your 4 days in Iceland, you must take a road trip down the spectacular South Coast.  This out and back drive takes about 2.5 hours each way with no stops, but you should plan to spend the entire day exploring. Of course, if you are not renting a car, you can book this South Coast bus tour instead.

The South Coast will show you even more waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches. It’s hard to believe, but we’ve still just scratched the surface of the beauty that Iceland possesses!

Here are the top sights to see along Iceland’s South Coast ( mapped here and listed below in order):

Seljalandsfoss

Witness the elegant cascade of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take a walk on the path behind the falls (unless conditions are icy).  Just be ready to get a little damp!

Down the path to the left of the main waterfall (facing the falls), you can find another secret waterfall tucked behind large rocks.  You can only reach it by wading through water, so bring waterproof boots for the best viewing of it.

Unlike the graceful flow of Seljalandsfoss, the wide breath of the Skógafoss waterfall dramatically plunges straight to the ground.  Its simultaneous beauty and no nonsense power continues to inspire photographers and copious selfies.

For another perspective, you can climb the steep staircase next to the falls to reach a viewing point at the top.

Sólheimajökull Glacier

This was the first glacier I ever saw and my favorite stop along the South Coast.  The Sólheimajökull Glacier stood majestically larger than life and it was much less crowded than most other South Coast stops. 

From the parking lot, it was only about a half mile walk to reach the glacier.  While you will probably see tour groups approach the glacier for guided hikes, there are warning signs for the average person to keep their distance.  

Aaron and I did still see people did go all the way up to the glacier to touch it.  However, in Iceland I think it’s best to respect the rules, as there are too many horror stories about tourists who break them each year.

Sólheimasandur plane crash

The ghostly 40-year-old wreckage of an abandoned US Navy plane at Sólheimasandur beach is an Instagram hot spot. Driving to the crash site is forbidden, so you must park in a lot off the road and then hike 2.5 miles to the crash site.  

The hike takes about two hours in total, so skip this if you’re short on time or daylight. Look for the unmarked lot on the right side of the road about 10km past Skógafoss. Be sure to bring plenty of layers for the everchanging weather conditions.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

The Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is one of the most popular stops along the South Coast.  The waves and seafoam are absolutely stunning during constant winter sunset lighting or on a desaturated moody day.  Many visitors like to take pictures on the basalt column rock formations near the water.

Important: Stay back from the breaking waves. Tourists continue to get swept away by the powerful currents each year – so much so that Iceland’s Minister of Tourism is considering closing the beach .

The town of Vik is a nice place to find lunch, warm up, and even dry off before heading back.  Vik also has its own gorgeous black sand beach that is worth a short visit to take in the view. On our last January trip, I couldn’t resist a stop here to photograph an incredible sunset sighting over the water.

Stop at Smiðjan Brugghús for craft beer and burgers or Suður-Vík for pizzas before turning back the way you came. 

Have More Time?

If you have 5 days in Iceland, turn your South Coast drive into an overnight stay by continuing past Vik towards the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Stop at the breathtaking diamond beach along the way to see glittering chunks of broken-off glacier washed onto the jet black sand.

Stay overnight at  Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon , which has cozy rooms with giant windows facing out towards the sea. If you are visiting between November and March, do an ice cave tour the next morning before driving back to Reykjavik. If you didn’t rent a car, this can also be done as a 2-day guided tour from Reykjavik .

Day 4: Reykjavik

Spend the last of your 4 days in Iceland exploring Reykjavik, the country’s capital.  The top things to do in this colorful Nordic city can easily be done in one day. I’ve listed them below:

Visit a Cute Coffee Shop

There’s no doubt that Icelanders love a quality cup of coffee; the multitude of great cafes around Reykjavik proves it.  From trendy hangouts to cat cafes, here’s where you can warm up with a hot espresso drink:

• Kaffitar : Aaron and I once holed up here for four hours before we could check into our Airbnb.  There was plenty of space, free wifi, and sandwiches to keep us cozy.
• Reykjavik Roasters : The best overall coffee, in my opinion, although it can be hard to find seating at this popular spot.  The space was cute and homey, with vintage furniture everywhere.
• Kattakaffihusid: If you need to pet a furry friend during your stay in Iceland, this cat cafe is the perfect stop. Order a coffee and grilled sandwich to enjoy among your adoptable feline companions.
• Kaffibrennslan: A minimalistic, yet warm space to enjoy a cappuccino and light lunch. I am obsessed with the dark wooden planks making up the floor and enjoyed the quaint candles lit at the tables.

Climb the Hallgrímskirkja Church

Ascend the  Hallgrímskirkja Church for famous views over the colorful Reykjavik rooftops.  An elevator takes you up most of the way, with just a couple flights of stairs at the top. 

Arrive early to avoid a long line to the elevator.  Visiting the tower costs 1200 ISK (or about $8 USD), and is totally worth it for views out to the mountains and sea.

Take a walking tour of the city

You could either sign up for this free walking tour or do your own self-guided tour, like we did using our Rick Steves guidebook .  My husband and I loosely followed the proposed route, as I awkwardly read the descriptions aloud.

No matter which option you choose, make sure you don’t miss the following top sights in Reykjavik:

• Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
• Sun Voyager Sculpture
• Einar Jónsson Sculpture garden
• Alþingishúsið (Icelandic Parliament Building)
• Austurvollur Square

Check out the craft beer scene

Iceland has an impressive craft beer scene, with varieties from local breweries featured on menus throughout the country. Here’s where to go in Reykjavik to try the top local brews:

• Skuli Craft Bar : Features a tap list with a wide selection of choices from Icelandic breweries. They do not serve food, but it’s a great place to socialize and sample beer.  We stopped by in the afternoon and basically had the place to ourselves.
• Bastard Brew & Food : Popular hangout with a modern interior and a beautiful display of copper brewing tanks on the 2nd floor.  The menu has an array of craft beer options, as well as unique and sophisticated cocktails, like the Bastard Mule.
• Malbygg: A local microbrewery with some of the best IPA’s crafted in Iceland. It’s cool to see their transition from just a tiny space containing brewing tanks to now having a taproom for tastings. You may also find Malbygg’s beer at Skuli.

Where to Eat in Reykjavik

Either try every Icelandic specialty at once with this food tour , or try our favorite dining spots in Reykjavik on your own:

• Bastard Brew & Food: Our favorite overall place in Reykjavik for upscale appetizers, especially the carpaccio flatbread and the soft pretzel.
• Cafe Babalu: Great spot near Hallgrímskirkja Church to satisfy your sweet tooth. Features an array of delicious cakes and other snacks.
• Sandholt : This lovely café has the most delicious baked goods on display, as well as a full breakfast and lunch menu.  You can formally dine in or take your order to go.  Since I’m obsessed with Iceland’s prevalent smoked salmon, I was super pleased with the croissant sandwich filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese!
• Hi Noodle: Warm up from a dreary day with some steamy, flavorful ramen. Unfortunately, this restaurant temporarily closed beginning May 18th, and has not given a reopening date.
• Bæjarins Beztu: A local institution for hot dogs in Iceland for 80 years, made famous by a visit from Bill Clinton. There tends to be a long line, but it moves fast.

The first time Aaron and I visited Iceland, we were on a tight budget and ate affordable, yet healthy and delicious bowls at Glo almost every night. Although this restaurant moved out of its convenient downtown Reykjavik spot, it still offers three other locations in the area.

Finally, for an affordable, yet still authentic Icelandic option, why not stop by the grocery store for some delicious Skyr (aka Icelandic yogurt).

Things to Consider Before Spending 4 Days in Iceland

Suggested Stay in Reykjavik

We loved our stay at the Canopy by Hilton . The breakfast had a lovely spread of fruits, breads, and meats, and the rooms were chic and comfortable after a day’s explorations. Plus, we could easily walk to all the main sights in Reykjavik from our hotel.

Iceland will not go easy on your wallet, and expenses seem to add up quickly. See my complete run-down of how to budget for Iceland to get an idea of what you will spend.

I also recommend putting your own loose budget together before your trip to help you stay on track. While we never follow our budgets to a tee, they do have us stay mindful of our spending and avoid going off the rails. Believe me – I wouldn’t be saying it if I hadn’t come home to my own vomit-inducing credit card statements before.

The local currency is the Icelandic Krona, although you will rarely need cash during your 4 days in Iceland. We took out the equivalent of $50 USD at an ATM upon arrival at the airport, which is the equivalent of about 7200 ISK. We had to actively try to spend it before going home, since we never encountered a business that didn’t accept credit cards.

Try to use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign exchange fees, like the Capital One Venture or Chase Sapphire Reserve. Also, avoid using currency exchanges to change out your US dollars for Icelandic Krona, as they notoriously have unfavorable rates. ATM on arrival is the way to go!

Electrical appliances in Europe run on a different voltage than U.S. appliances (220 volts vs. 110 volts). Although most modern appliances are dual voltage (check yours to be sure), you should still bring a converter with you to be safe.

The other electrical item you should definitely bring is an adaptor, as the plugs are shaped differently in Europe. It’s easiest to buy a 2-in-1 converter that is also an adaptor .

When is the Best Time to Spend 4 Days in Iceland?

What you most want to see and do in Iceland should dictate the time of year that you go. For example:

• September through April is the best time for seeing the Northern Lights , as there are enough hours of darkness for the auroras to be visible.
• November through March is best for activities like glacier hikes and ice caving . The downside is the sketchy winter driving, which can mean high winds, snow, and ice. That said, my husband and I recently visited Iceland in January , and despite some morning fog, found the main roads very well-maintained.
• May through August brings warmer weather for camping and hiking, as well as the chance to experience the “midnight sun”. The near 24 hours of sunlight allows for adventures beyond normal sight-seeing hours, which offers to chance to see popular sights without crowds. You may even have a puffin sighting!

I personally believe the sweet spot is visiting Iceland in October . There is plenty of darkness for seeing the Northern Lights, the crowds from summer have died down, and the weather is warm enough for outdoor adventures. Although it’s never a guarantee, Iceland’s roads are likely to still be in decent driving condition during this month.

Should You Self-Drive During 4 Days in Iceland?

• Why I Recommend Self-Driving: The roads to all the major sights mentioned in this article are paved and in good condition. The only exception to this is in winter, when weather can be very unpredictable and quite harsh. If you are a tried and true winter driver, you may feel comfortable heading out at your own risk. Just know that even Icelanders will choose to stay indoors if the conditions are bad enough.
• Do you need four wheel drive? Rental cars with four wheel drive can be expensive – especially if you also need an automatic transmission. The four wheel drive vehicle we rented for our trip in October was largely unnecessary, but there were a couple snowy mountain passes where we we were glad to have it. As a general rule, I would say to rent a 4×4 from October through April unless you are driving solely from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik.
• Who Should Not Self-Drive: Visitors from warmer climates who are not accustomed to driving in snow and ice shouldn’t make their first attempt in Iceland. There are year-round tours that can take you to all the major sites instead.

That was a lot to cover, but now you are all set to have the Icelandic trip of a lifetime! I hope you are beyond excited for the incredible adventures that await you in this Nordic wonderland. With the likes of waterfalls, geysers, and volcanos right at your fingertips, spending 4 days in Iceland gives you the chance to sample it all. 

What magical sights are inspiring your next trip to Iceland?

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The Perfect 4-Day Iceland Itinerary: What to Do & All You Need to Know

Last Updated: April 8, 2024 //  by  Ashley Smith 1 Comment

If this post accomplishes anything, I hope it’s showing you that with this Iceland itinerary 4 days is still long enough to get a taste of this amazing country.

Iceland is the kind of place you could really use at least a month to explore (and would never get bored or cease to be amazed). However, even with just 4 days in Iceland you can see and do some awesome, otherworldly stuff. (But if you do want to see more of the country and have more time, check out my full 7-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary .)

Iceland is diverse and vast, but there are a lot of amazing things to see and do even in and around Reykjavik. You definitely won’t feel like you’re just killing time if you stay around the capital for your entire 4 days.

Table of Contents

Iceland Packing List

Getting to iceland.

Iceland, small and remote that it is, is still surprisingly easy to get to, especially if you come from the East Coast. You can find quick (and often reasonably priced!) direct flights from many U.S. cities (and some Canadian ones).

For instance, Reykjavik is just a quick 4.5-hour flight from Boston where I live so it’s no sweat for us to just pop over for a long weekend. We save our sweat for the geothermal pools, thank you very much. You can also get direct flights to Iceland from:

• Washington D.C.
• New York City
• and Toronto
• (Not to mention all the many European cities on their list)

Icelandair also offers a superb stopover program so you can sample Iceland for free while en route to other European destinations. Think of it as a fun-sized little taster, only covered in hot dog mustard instead of chocolate. Use this stopover opportunity to simply check off a new country, see if Iceland is somewhere you want to spend more time, or just to see all you can see in the time you have available.

The Icelandair Stopover program

The first time I visited Iceland I did so as part of the Icelandair Stopover program. My group of friends and I were headed to Prague for a few days and then on to Oktoberfest in Munich via Icelandair. When booking my flight it asked me if I would like to spend a few days in Iceland at no extra charge.

Obviously, the answer was a resounding YES! (or, you know, just a regular tap on the ol’ trackpad). I love sampling new places, especially when I can do so for free! The world is my Costco and each city in it a small piece of cheese on a toothpick.

When flying to Europe from the United States via Icelandair, every single flight connects in Reykjavik, Iceland. Whether you decide to stay on that plane and continue on to Europe, or get off to see what the heck the big deal is with those hot dogs, is totally up to you. (Pro tip: hot dogs!)

And this is Icelandair’s Stopover program – the chance to add a “stopover” in Iceland at no extra charge. Meaning: your flight will cost the same even if you choose to stay over in Iceland for a few days before continuing on.

How does it work?

When booking your flight on Icelandair, simply check the box that says you want to add an Iceland stopover to your flight plan and, if so, how many nights you want to stay. (You can choose between one and seven nights.) Then, continue booking your flight as always!

It’s as simple as that. Then, you’re free to spend those four days (or however long you choose) however you like. Since the Iceland portion of your trip is all on your own expense, you are free to book whichever hotels, restaurants, and activities you want. (Though Icelandair often has phenomenal package deals!) * No, I am not affiliated with Icelandair in any way I just really love this airline and everything they offer.

You can add a 4-day Iceland stopover to your trip on the way to Europe, on the way home from Europe, or both! Icelandair’s Stopover program is all about helping you test the waters, and as you’ll see, damn those waters are warm!

However, I do want to add that Iceland is AMAZING in and of itself and is absolutely worth a dedicated visit even if you’re not heading elsewhere in Europe. Please do not feel like you should only bother with Iceland if you’re “already headed that way.” It truly is a magical place.

Iceland in 4 days

There’s a lot to see and do here for a country that boasts more sheep than people, but you can still cover so much of it in just a few days. With this Iceland itinerary-4 days, you’ll be able to see Iceland’s tippity-top highlights, the absolute must-sees and -dos, and get in so much ethereal adventure.

With just 4 days in Iceland, you’ll want to stay in the western part of the country, relatively in and around Reykjavik. From here, you can enjoy the country’s vibrant capital city, easily visit some of the most popular sites, get in some unforgettable outdoor adventure, some much-needed relaxation, delicious food, cool bars, and so much more!

You will not feel deprived when you leave the Land of Fire and Ice. The only thing my latest Iceland trip lacked was a quirky musical duo playing “Jaja Ding Dong.” (If you haven’t watched Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga on Netflix, do it now .)

Don’t miss some huge money-saving Iceland tips at the bottom of this post!

4 days in Iceland: When to go

Obviously, if you’re visiting Iceland on a stopover, when you spend your 4 days in Iceland will largely depend on the rest of your trip. However, if you’re visiting Iceland on its own, you have a few options:

Visiting Iceland in the winter

While it’s much colder and much snow-ier at this time, visiting Iceland in the winter does have its advantages. First and foremost is the chance to see the Northern Lights, a bucket list for many including myself. (I’ve managed to see them twice, both times from the plane while flying into Iceland.)

The Northern Lights technically occur in Iceland between September and May, but your best chance of seeing them is between October and April.

Winter in Iceland also means the chance to go glacier hiking , snowmobiling, ice cave exploring , and more that you can’t do in the summer. Plus, you can still do most of the most popular things too – hot springs, horseback riding, etc. However, keep in mind that the amount of daylight will be slim.

Visiting Iceland in the summer

Okay so Iceland in the summer is still cold, but the lack of snow and wintry conditions on the island’s western coast makes most outdoor adventures a bit easier and urban exploring more enjoyable.

Summertime is Iceland’s most popular season for visitors and you can see and do just about everything Iceland is famous for. Plus, when visiting in the summer you get to experience 24-hour daylight which is THE COOLEST! (Just remember to bring your sleep mask.) The sun does set, but it’s never fully dark out.

Spending 4 days in Iceland in the summer is going to be your ideal time as all of the activities you’ll want to partake in will have their least chance of being affected by weather. Many of Iceland’s outdoor adventures depend on the weather conditions and may force last minute cancelations. Visiting in the summer means you probably won’t have to deal with this (as you would more so during the rest of the year).

And if you do plan on visiting in the summer, be sure to check out my post on what to pack for Iceland in the summer . It checks all the boxes and even includes a free printable checklist for you!

Visiting Iceland in the fall and spring

When I visited Iceland in the fall, it was cold and cloudy and rainy for the entirety of my visit. It was not fun; it was not beautiful; I did not see the Northern Lights as I was hoping to. I did see a rainbow. From what I’ve read, this seems to be the norm in Iceland during the fall months.

I personally have not visited Iceland in the spring, but from what I gather it’s a lot like spring here in Boston. By that I mean, it shouldn’t even be called “spring” as it is nothing like the “spring” you’re imagining. It’s more like an extended winter.

It can be cold and rainy or even snowy in Iceland late into April and road conditions are not ideal. However, because some of the snow is already melting, the waterfalls are at their mightiest during this time!

Iceland itinerary 4 days: where to stay

If you’ve only got 4 days in Iceland, I highly recommend staying in downtown Reykjavik. This way, you’ll have the benefit of convenience as well as a solid base from which to explore outwards. Don’t try to move around too much—it’s really unnecessary and will only complicate your trip.

Center Hotels Plaza

My personal recommendation for where to stay in Reykjavik is the Center Hotels Plaza . This is where I stayed on my most recent visit to Iceland (2021) and I found it to be fantastic in every way.

Its location is perfect. You can walk everywhere you want to go in Reykjavik and it’s convenient for tour pickup and drop off. It’s right around the corner from Iceland’s famous hot dog stand. (What? This is totally a perk! I ate there four times in four days!) It’s also just a couple of blocks away from the Kolaportid flea market, the Harpa, and the harbor if you’ll be taking any water-based tours.

The staff is so nice and helpful. They offer a great breakfast every morning and luggage storage if you need it. We had great city views and the rooms were just what we needed. Read more reviews here on Tripadvisor then book your room here !

Note : “Center Hotels” is the name of the chain and “Plaza” is this particular location that I stayed at. You may see a number of Center Hotels in Reykjavik so I just wanted to clear that up. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay at any of the others though.

Iceland hotel tips

Big pro tip here: splurge on the early check-in. Regardless of where in the U.S. you’re coming from, your flight will land in Reykjavik at either 6:10, 6:15, 6:30, or 6:40 AM. That’s just the way it is. And since most hotels don’t allow you to check in until something like 2:00 PM, you’ll have to make a choice.

Sure, powering through the jet lag sounds like the best option. (Narrator: “It was not the best option.”) But really, you’ll fare much better with a nap and a post-airplane shower, if your hotel offers early check-in that is. I’m just saying, at least consider it.

Secondly, keep it simple—stay in Reykjavik. On my first trip to Iceland I wanted to stay somewhere outside the city in the hopes of maybe seeing the Northern Lights during my quick stay. All five of us stayed at Hotel Laxnes in Mosfellsbær. The hotel was great, but this decision had its downsides.

• The notoriously unpredictable fall weather was more than uncooperative so the Lights were a no-go anyway.
• It’s way outside the city so getting to and from there (especially in the middle of the night) was a bit of a hassle. (Our flight to Prague was at 1:00 AM.)
• It’s pretty remote so we had just one option for dinner: a Domino’s Pizza we could walk to. Where we spent $75 US on two medium pizzas and a 2-liter of Sprite.
• We missed out on really getting to explore Reykjavik.

So while this is definitely doable, I would still recommend just parking it in Reykjavik, especially if this will be your first time to Iceland.

Read more: How to Pick the Perfect Hotel for Your Trip Every Time

Iceland vacation rentals

Besides hotels, there’s always the option of booking a vacation rental if that’s more your thing. I have a few friends who have done this in Iceland and it’s always a popular option. You can check out available Iceland vacation rentals here .

4 days in Iceland: How to get around

Iceland has really nailed the concept of tourism. So, one of the many great things about Iceland is how easy it is to get around, even on just a short stopover. You’ll have no trouble seeing and doing everything you want during your 4 days in Iceland.

Renting a car in Iceland

For longer stays in Iceland, most people rent their own cars, allowing them the freedom to explore every piece of this beautiful country at their own pace. If this is your wish for your 4-day Iceland itinerary, you can absolutely do this!

You’ll have full control over where you go and when you do it. You’ll be able to head out into the countryside and check out some amazing waterfalls , meet some sheep, see it all. Maybe you even want to go explore some of Iceland’s World War II sites . (Yes, Iceland played a part in the war that many don’t know about! Click that link for more info.)  

If this is something you’re interested in for your 4-day Iceland itinerary, check out car rental options in Iceland here at RentalCars.com .

Getting around without a car

Otherwise, you can absolutely spend 4 days in Iceland without renting a car of your own. For any tours you book, transportation to and from Reykjavik (and even pickup and drop off at your hotel) will probably be included. Just one less thing you need to think about!

Transportation between the airport and Reykjavik is also down to a science. The whole thing is very quick and smooth–like what I imagine it feels like to be whisked from the back of a limo into a grand opera house while being shielded from the paparazzi. For this, you’ll want to book your airport transfer with one of Iceland’s airport transfer companies. You can book private cars or simply a seat on one of their shared shuttles.

I have used both Grayline and Flybus (part of Reykjavik Excursions) and they were both fantastic. For what it’s worth, it’s been a while since I’ve used Grayline and I used the Flybus on my most recent visit. (Keep in mind that the Reykjavik airport is actually 45 minutes or so outside the city in the middle of nowhere. So, no, calling an Uber is out of the question. But also because Uber doesn’t exist here.)

At the time of publishing, both companies charge about the same price for this service. Don’t forget to book transportation both from and back to the airport lest you get trapped in the land of geothermal spas and delicious hot dogs. Oh no… that would be awful…

Getting aro und in Reykjavik

If you’re staying in downtown Reykjavik, you can walk just about anywhere you want to go. However, if you’re looking to head into the outskirts of Reykjavik beyond reasonable walking distance, you have options.

You or someone from your hotel can easily call a taxi for you (but know that since this is Iceland that taxi ride is going to be much more expensive than you’re probably used to). You can also utilize Iceland’s public bus system which is much cheaper. Get bus schedules and routes here .

Icel and itinerary 4 days

So what should you do with your time in Iceland? You have so many options! This 4-day Iceland itinerary will narrow them down for you and cover a wide range of site and activities. (Feel free to steal in whole!)

Depending on your travel schedule, you may need to amend this itinerary a bit, but it (and Iceland) is quite flexible. Most, if not all, of these tours and activities operate multiple times, every day, year round.

Iceland itinerary day 1: exploring Reykjavik

If you choose to power through the jetlag (go you!), your first day in Iceland will start around 6:00 am. If that’s the case, drop off your bags at your hotel and go get yourself some much-needed sugar and caffeine.

Brauð & Co

First things first, walk over to Brauð & Co (Bread and Co.) for coffee and some of the most delicious pastries you’ll ever have. (On my latest 4 days in Iceland, we stopped here a few of those days, and one day we went back for seconds.)

Everything I’ve had here is phenomenal, especially the rhubarb cake and the vanilla roll. The staff is so friendly and all the goodies are freshly made. It’s the best way to start all 4 of your Reykjavik mornings.

Ex plo re Reykjavik

There’s a good chance you’ll have much of the city to yourself at this hour. Take advantage of this and check out all there is to see in Reykjavik without lots of other people. (This is a good time to go see the famous Sun Voyager sculpture.)

Spend some time just walking around the city, checking out the architecture and street art, and making friends with all the street cats begging for pets. Or, if you’re into walking tours, join this VIP Reykjavik walking tour . (It has a 5-star rating with over 4,200 reviews!)

The Handknitting Association of Iceland

This is also a great time to pop into the Handknitting Association of Iceland and pick up some ahh-mazing (and warm) handmade Icelandic goods. Want to take home a lopapeysa, one of the famous Icelandic sweaters? Get the real thing here.

The Handknitting Association of Iceland hand knits (obviously) all of these sweaters from pure Icelandic wool. They are handmade locally with love and care and will be the best quality you can find. While many other shops around Reykjavik sell lopapeysa, the ones you’ll find are often imposters, many of them made in China or elsewhere and certainly not from true Icelandic wool. This is the only place you can go where you know you’re getting the real thing.

These sweaters are truly special and make the absolute best Icelandic souvenir. However, do know that their prices reflect their quality. Prepare to spend between $100 – $200+ US for one of these. (Totally worth it! Especially if you live in arctic New England like me!) The good news is that you can get a refund on all the tax money you spend here! Instructions for this are at the bottom of this post.

The Handknitting Association also sells many other items like scarves, mittens, hats, figurines, and so much more. (I bought a scarf too and it’s possibly my favorite purchase ever.) I highly recommend stopping here early in your trip so you can take advantage of your purchases while you’re here.

More ways to buy

Fun fact: the Handknitting Association didn’t have my size in the design I wanted, so I ordered it instead and they knitted one specially for me! It wasn’t available for my trip unfortunately, but it arrived at my house in Boston just two weeks later (and with a hand signed card from the woman who knitted it). Talk about warm and fuzzies!

Also, if you don’t see your size in a design you like, you can also ask them to call their other location.

Hallgrímskirkja

While you’re out and about, stop by Reykjavik’s famous Hallgrímskirkja , the tallest church in Iceland. Both the exterior and interior are interesting, but don’t miss the elevator to the top where you can get awesome views of downtown Reykjavik and beyond (on a clear day).

Kolaportið Flea Market

If you’re in Reykjavik on a weekend you can stop by the Kolaportið Flea Market . It’s only open on Saturdays and Sundays and it’s relatively small but you can still find some neat stuff in there from local vendors.

Grab some famous Icelandic hot dogs

When it’s time for lunch, be sure to stop by Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur , the famous Icelandic hot dog stand. Iceland is famous for their hot dogs, and when you try one you’ll know why. They are fantastic! And cheap in a land where nothing is cheap! I eat one every day I’m there.

Icelandic hot dogs are made from lamb and they are far superior to regular ol’ dogs. You can choose from a wide variety of toppings, though they will all be different from what you’re used to. Yes, they have mustard, ketchup, mayo, etc., but they serve all Icelandic versions of these. However, the Icelandic versions are way better.

The traditional way to order one is “with everything” which means it’s topped with: crispy fried onions and chopped raw onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard, and remoulade (a kind of sauce made with mayo, mustard, herbs, and capers). Even if none of that sounds appetizing, I still say try it. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, after all. (Pretty sure Aristotle was talking about Iceland’s hot dogs here.)

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is just a small kiosk on a corner in downtown Reykjavik. (Right around the corner from the Center Hotels Plaza !) There’s often a line but it’s always worth the short wait.

Sægreifinn – The Sea Baron Restaurant

Still hungry? Head a few blocks west along the water and stop by the Sea baron . This tiny seafood shack has probably the best soup I’ve ever had in my life (and many others agree). You absolutely must try the lobster curry soup here. (Again, I visited here on 2 of my 4 days in Iceland. I like what I like, shut up.)

And if that isn’t enough, do know that everything here is good. You can pick which kind of fish you want from the display case and they’ll cook it right up for you. It’s all amazing and deliciously prepared.

Hólavallagarður Cemetery

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys visiting cemeteries around the world, definitely check out Reykjavik’s Hólavallagarður Cemetery (also known as the Old Cemetery). It dates back to just the 1800s, but the place is so neat.

Hólavallagarður Cemetery is basically a forest, which is interesting because Iceland is a virtual land without trees. Huge twisty trees sprout from the graves here giving this place a truly hauntingly beautiful vibe.

Happy Hour in Reykjavik

Happy hour in Reykjavik is a pastime of its own. Iceland has many cool bars and a seriously interesting craft beer scene. But, as you’ll discover, Iceland is not cheap, especially when it comes to alcohol.

Your new best friend will be the Appy Hour app. This app shows you which bars in Reykjavik have happy hour specials, what they are, and when they are happening so you can bar hop accordingly. Get it here on Google Play or the App Store .

Lebowski Bar

And while you’re out, don’t miss the Lebowski Bar , arguably Iceland’s most famous bar. This bar is full-on Big Lebowski themed from top to bottom. There are bowling alleys on the wall, rugs on the bar, and a long menu of white Russians.

I’m not gonna lie to you – I have tried watching The Big Lebowski like five times and I fall asleep every time. I am not one of the ones who “get it.” However, I do love an over-the-top theme and a white russian! So even if you’re not a fan of the film, it’s still a fun place.

Iceland itinerary day 2: Horseback riding & Golden Circle

Now that you’re more rested, it’s time to seek out some beautiful Icelandic adventure. The second of your Iceland itinerary 4 days is going to start off with a bang whinny.

Horseback riding in Iceland

Iceland’s horses are an adorable and well-known symbol of this country. They are smaller than “regular” horses, have the playful personalities of puppies, have a gait that no other breed has, and you can’t deny they’re the studliest of all the horses. Case in point:

Maybe he’s born with it? Yes, Icelandic horses are true natural wonders and they are so fun to watch. They jump and play and roll around on the ground. They’re friendly and loveable and, let’s be honest, they’re the Fabios and Cindy Crawfords of the horse world. They are highly protected and are the direct descendants of the horses the Vikings brought to Iceland in the 9 th century. I call them Thorses.

If you’re out driving around Iceland, you’ll no doubt spot many of these horses in the fields. But if you stick around Reykjavik during your 4 days, you could potentially miss out on meeting these babies. However, you can (and should) book a horseback riding excursion.

Like I said, Icelandic horses have a gait that is unique to them. While your ordinary, run-of-the-mill horse has three gaits—walk, trot, and gallop—the Icelandic horse has five. Nowhere else can you experience the tölt and pace of the Icelandic horse. This is a lot more exciting if you’re already a horse person.

Also, horseback riding in Iceland is a great way to access some remote country areas, see some waterfalls, and get up close with Iceland’s lunar landscape. Plus, Icelandic horses are patient and therefore perfect for riders of all skill levels. Even riders with absolutely no skill level whatsoever.

Icelandic horseback riding tours

Icelandic horseback riding tours typically include roundtrip transportation, rain gear if necessary, helmet, and rubber boots, but check with your tour company to make sure so you can plan accordingly. Because of timing, in order to fit in both horseback riding and the Golden Circle tour (which I’m about to explain) into one magnificent day, I recommend booking this combination tour .

It includes both activities, hotel pickup and drop off, and the express Golden Circle tour so you can concentrate on the highlights and not a bunch of other stuff you might not be interested in. This is what my friends and I did and it worked out great!

However, if you’d like to try to book all of your excursions separately, here are some of Iceland’s top horseback riding tours to choose from:

• Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik – Top rated tour, 2 hours, beautiful scenery in the Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, includes pickup and drop off
• Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour from Reykjavik – Highly rated, 2 hours, you can opt for pickup and drop off
• Private Horse Riding Tour in Thoromodsdale from Reykjavik – Also highly rated, half-day tour, includes refreshments, private guide for your group, intimate experience

Golden Circle tour

You’ve probably heard by now that touring the Golden Circle is one of the top things to do in Iceland. And I totally agree! With just 4 days in Iceland, this tour shows you some really cool stuff and introduces you to some of Iceland’s iconic landscapes—geysers, waterfalls, tectonic plates, etc.

All Golden Circle tours cover three significant sites all within 62 miles of Winterfell. I mean Reykjavik:

1. Þingvellir National Park is where the Vikings established the world’s first democratic republic in the year 930. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some Game of Thrones filming locations.

2. Gullfoss is Iceland’s most famous and iconic waterfall (in a land with more waterfalls than unpronounceable words). Gullfoss is also the largest waterfall in Europe (when ranking by volume).

3. The Geysir geothermal area is the last and stinkiest stop on the tour. No, not geyser , Geysir—the geyser from which all geysers worldwide got their name. Like Kleenex or Band-Aid. This is the name brand product right here.

And right next to Geysir is Strokkur, the geyser that erupts every five to ten minutes without fail. At this site you’ll see a number of geysers, big and small, and a bunch of random pools of boiling water that smell like broken sewer pipes. As stinky as Iceland’s geothermal areas are, seeing the earth boil right in front of you is still pretty incredible. It’s like Earth soup.

Golden Cir cle tours

A tour of the Golden Circle is always a must-do on any Iceland itinerary and is a great introduction to the unique landscape that is Westeros. I mean Iceland. You’ll see waterfalls, geysers, mountains, rainbows, and of course Game of Thrones filming locations.

Again, I highly recommend booking this combination tour that includes both Icelandic horseback riding and the Golden Circle highlights tour. But if you’d like to book them separately, here are some of Iceland’s most popular Golden Circle tours:

• Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik – Definitely the most popular Golden Circle tour in Iceland, 7 hours, includes local guide and all transportation (hotel pickup and drop off from certain locations only, Center Hotels Plaza is one of them! I’m just saying.)
• All the Golden Circle tours to choose from – check out this full list that features many different kind of Golden Circle tours. You can filter the results at the top according to your needs.

Iceland itinerary day 3: Volcano hike & best meal of your life

Day 3 of your 4 days in Iceland is going to make up for all the time you spent sitting down yesterday (on a horse, on a bus). Then, it’s going to end with the delicious reward you’ve earned.

Fagradalsfjall volcano hike

You may have heard, in March of 2021 (and then again in 2022 and 2023) the Fagradalsfjall volcano began erupting and putting on a real show for Icelanders. Previously, this volcano in the Geldingadalir Valley had actually been dormant for over 6,000 years. This eruption is the area’s first active volcano in 800 years. So, obviously this has been a major coup for Iceland’s tourism.

Also obviously, yours truly is going to get as close as she (safely) can. And now I’m recommending you do the same!

The Fagradalsfjall volcano is conveniently located on the Reykjanes peninsula, also known as the part of Iceland where the Keflavik airport and the Blue Lagoon are located. So, not that far from Reykjavik, yay! This makes a day hike to the volcano super accessible even on just a short visit.

If you have your own car you can drive to the site and hike yourself. However, I highly recommend going with a trained guide. The environment is fragile and the volcano—because it’s, umm, an erupting volcano—is unpredictable and makes the conditions in the area potentially very dangerous.

Hike Fagradalsfjall with a guide

Going with a guide ensures you won’t go into a dangerous area, will leave when the conditions get too bad (i.e., poisonous air), and will be as safe on your hike as possible. He/she/they will guide you to the best viewpoints and to some other very cool (but like super duper hot) areas. But they’ll also give you tons of freedom so you never feel corralled at all.

You’ll get to see the unbelievable lava fields that are still red hot and smoking. We got to see hot red lava bursting out of the erupting volcano and hear the roar of the eruption (my favorite part). You’ll see so much amazing scenery. It’s definitely one of the coolest things to do in Iceland right now and was hands down one of my all-time favorite hikes .

Iceland graciously offers a number of well-reviewed volcano hikes. Choose from these:

• Volcano Eruption Site Hike Including Pickup from Reykjavik (7 hours) – Includes roundtrip transportation from Reykjavik and a half-day volcano hike to the new eruption sites at Fagradalsfjall and Meradalir.
• Volcano Hike with a Geologist Small-Group Tour (6 hours) – Hike up to Iceland’s newest volcano in the company of a geologist/volcanologist guide.
• Volcano Tour on Reykjanes Peninsula Including Icelandic Snacks (4-6 hours) – Check out the new lava fields and craters created by the Fagradalsfjall eruption up close. (They’re so cool!)
• Private Fagradalsfjall volcano tour for your group – this tour is great if the thought of hiking in a group gives you anxiety. (Like, maybe you’re not a strong/fast hiker or just prefer to go at your own pace.) This tour includes a private guide for your group, gas masks (if necessary), crampons if you need those too, trekking poles, and free energy bars. Plus, your guide carries a gas meter as well to stay on top of the air quality. This is actually a fantastic deal!

Seltún Geothermal Area

The eruption of Fagradalsfjall isn’t random—the entire Reykjanes Peninsula is literally bursting with geothermal activity. Another great place to see some of that up close is at some of the surrounding geothermal areas.

Just a short drive from the volcano you can visit (for free) the Seltún Geothermal Area and/or the Gunnuhver Hot Springs (though they are in opposite directions so you might have to choose). Personally, I visited the Seltún Geothermal Area and it was such an unexpected treat. The kind of treats that are covered in mud and smell like rotten eggs, that is.

At Seltún, you get to see the boiling mud pits, the hot springs, and the many different colors up close thanks to the boardwalks and walking paths. There are informational signs explaining the pits and restroom facilities on site making this a real pit stop .

If you’re driving yourself, there is a free parking lot at the site right off the main road. However, there are also a number of Fagradalsfjall volcano hikes that include a stop at a geothermal area afterwards. These combo tours also include a few other notable sites in the area like the Reykjanes Lighthouse, the Bridge Between Continents, and Kleifarvatn Lake.

Iceland geothermal tours

This combo tour is the route I took and it was perfect . Choose from these volcano hikes + geothermal tours:

• Fagradalsfjall Active Volcano Hike & Geothermal Tour from Reykjavik –This 10-hour tour covers everything . You get to visit the lake, hike to the erupting volcano, visit both Gunnuhver and Seltún geothermal areas, see the lighthouse, and walk across the bridge that connects the Eurasian and American continents.
• Guided volcano hike and the Reykjanes Peninsula – This awesome volcano hike tour includes most of the things already mentioned, but also includes stops at the beautiful Grænavatn lakes and the cliffs of Krisuvikurberg. This tour also includes trekking poles, headlamps, and crampons.
• Half-Day Afternoon/Evening Volcano Hike from Reykjavik – If a full day of outdoor adventure is not your thing, check out this half-day (6-hour) tour. It covers a Fagradalsfjall volcano hike and a visit to the Seltún Geothermal Area.

Dinner at Apotek

Now that you’ve had some time to shower (…the smell of eggs out of your hair) and rest after your day of adventure in Iceland, it’s time for more happy hour. If craft beer is your thing, don’t miss Skúli Craft Bar .

This intimate little joint has a big selection of beers you’ve never heard nor can pronounce. I literally just told them to fill a flight with some beers. All delicious, all interesting. Afterwards, head to Apotek for what just might be the best meal of your life. (At least, it was for me!)

Apotek is no doubt a splurge, but one definitely worth making. The food here is phenomenal and so are the drinks, the service, the atmosphere, and everything else. For dinner, my husband and I had:

• Waffle bites – Cured sea trout, lamb shoulder, and duck confit… all on waffles with delicious toppings and sauces. Amazing.
• Arctic char on a Himalayan salt block
• Rack of lamb
• Lamb rump steak
• The Skyr Fantasia (skyr fromage, skyr mousse, strawberry and lime gel, lime sponge cake) – I am a lover of all things skyr.
• And I have no idea what my husband got for dessert but this is what it looked like:

They also serve their super fancy, award-winning cocktails in some hilarious mugs. Look, I cannot recommend this place enough. It was superb, top to bottom. And while the place is pretty big and walk-ins are welcome, I would definitely make reservations so you don’t miss out.

They also serve lunch, brunch on the weekends, and afternoon tea every day of the week.

Iceland itinerary day 4: Wildlife watching & the Blue Lagoon

Iceland is wild, yes, but even the capital city of Reykjavik is surrounded by abundant wildlife. If your 4 days in Iceland take place between April and September, you’ll have some easy opportunities to see it for yourself.

Whale watching

One of the most popular things to do in Reykjavik is to go on a whale watching tour. Iceland is home to more than 20 species of whales, but here you’ll most likely see minke whales, humpback whales, and even orcas! Whale watching tours in Iceland take place year round, but between April and September is when you’re going to have the best viewing experience.

Whale watching tours operate outside of Reykjavik Harbor, within walking distance from most downtown area hotels. They last between 2-3 hours and are such fun experiences. I personally am a big fan of whale watching and I’m lucky that I live in Boston and get to see whales on a pretty regular basis. However, if you’ve never taken a tour like this, you definitely should!

Check out these Iceland whale watching tours:

• The original classic whale watching tour in Reykjavik – This 3-hour tour is the most popular and has 95% success rate of seeing whales during the summer months. You’ll have a knowledgeable guide and overalls, raincoats, and blankets will be provided.
• Small-group RIB whale watching cruise – If you want a more intimate experience, check out RIB tours. These tours use much smaller boats and fit just 12 people max. This 2-hour speedboat tour spends more time wildlife viewing and less time traveling.

Take a puffin tour

If you’ve seen whales before and want something different and unique to Iceland, check out puffin tours instead. Iceland is home to between 8-10 million Atlantic puffins from May until August and many of them can be seen on a quick tour from Reykjavik Harbor. (They even have combination whale and puffin cruises !)

These adorable little birds spend their summer on a small island off Reykjavik’s coast and you can take a trip out there with a local nature guide. You won’t be able to step onto the island yourself, but your guide will get you as close as is safe for the birds so you can get great views of them.

Because the boats are much faster and the destination is set, these tours are much shorter than the whale watching tours. They take just one hour, so that might be something to consider if you have to choose between the two.

Pro tip : some of the puffin tours include binoculars for you to use, but keep in mind that you’ll probably have to share. Instead, just bring a small pair of your own . You may want them for the volcano hike and whale watching as well.

Blue Lagoon

Now that you’ve spent your morning on the water, it’s time to get in the water. Specifically, some superheated geothermal milky blue water in the middle of nowhere.

The Blue Lagoon is arguably the most well-known tourist site in Iceland. And while many people may be turned off by this fact and think it’s going to be “too touristy,” I can assure you that it is, in fact, amazing and every bit worth a visit.

First of all, don’t listen to the haters. If you want to do the most popular thing for visitors to do in Iceland, go for it! The Blue Lagoon is fantastic and you’ll have such a fun time. It’s unique and interesting, hot and relaxing, and definitely an activity you’ll never forget. I’ve been multiple times and I still love it.

Before you book your day at the Blue Lagoon though, definitely check out my post on visiting the Blue Lagoon and all you need to know before you go . It has all the info, tips, cool hidden things not to miss, and more.

As always, if you’re driving yourself, you can show up to the Blue Lagoon any ol’ time. But if not, you’ll need to book a Blue Lagoon tour. These tours include admission to the Blue Lagoon as well as round trip transportation to and from downtown Reykjavik.

Your 4 days in Iceland is sadly coming to a close. Back in Reykjavik, hit up happy hour somewhere new and stop by one of Reykjavik’s well-loved eateries. Grab some more soup (at Svarta Kaffið ), some fish ‘n’ chips (at Reykjavik Fish ), and/or maybe even end your trip with this awesome Reykjavik walking food tour .

Iceland itinerary 4 days – tips:

I have a few additional notes to add to this 4-day Iceland itinerary that I hope will save you tons of money and time. Or at least recoup some that you spent on hot dogs and petting cats on the street.

Don’t forget about the Northern Lights

Remember, if you visit in the winter months, you can add a Northern Lights tour to this itinerary! And because the late hour at which they take place, you probably won’t even have to sacrifice anything else. Turns out you can have it all!

The Northern Lights can best be seen in Iceland from October to April, so if you’re visiting during that time, check out these Iceland Northern Lights tour options . (But this one, the midnight adventure , is the most popular!)

Buy in bulk

One of the great things about Iceland’s tours is that you can mix and match until the Icelandic horses come home. You can book all separate tours if that’s what works best for you, or you can book tours that include two, three, or more activities all together. Like, say, a Golden Circle + Blue Lagoon + Kerid volcanic crater tour .

This is a very popular and convenient way to plan your Iceland itinerary for 4 days. There are tons of options and combinations too. Take a look through the many Iceland tour options to see which ones are perfect for your needs.

Get your money back!

If you’re a non-Iceland resident, you are automatically eligible for tax-free shopping while in Iceland. The way it works is: you do your shopping in Iceland as normal (lopapeysas, other souvenirs, etc.), submit your receipts at the airport, then get your tax money back. It’s that simple.

When you make a purchase in Iceland, make sure the store fills out the information on the tax-free form and staples the original receipt to the form. Do this everywhere you buy items you plan to take back to the U.S. (or wherever home is). All of the shops will have these forms and know exactly what to do with them. And if you forget, there’s a good chance the clerk will ask if you’re collecting tax-free forms. To which you’ll answer: OMG YES I forgot thank you for reminding me!

They will give you a little brochure-sized folder to keep them all in. Back at the airport before you depart, stop by the International Refund Point to submit these receipts and forms. You’ll get a refund for all the tax money you paid on these items (known as a VAT refund). (And if you’re like the guy who checked out before me at the Handknitting Association who spent over $1200 US, that will be a lot .)

A few things to note:

• Your total purchase at each store much be at least 6.000 ISK (that’s around $46 US) – so make sure if you’re going to buy a couple of something, do it at one place.
• You must submit your forms at the airport before checking your bags because you might need to show the items you purchased. So, enter the airport, head to the refund point, then check in for your flight.
• Only physical items that you are taking back home qualify. So, meals at restaurants, tours, services, hotels, etc. do not count.
• The tax in Iceland is already included in the price you see on the tag. So, you’re actually getting a portion of the original price back. Woohoo!
• You’ll get your money back as a direct deposit to your credit card. (They say this will take about 4 to 6 weeks to get your refund back, but for me it was 4 to 6 months. Who knows! Just don’t expect it immediately.)

I hope this 4-day Iceland itinerary shows you how much amazing stuff you can fit into just a short visit and helps you plan your trip. As always, feel free to comment below with questions or reach out via email , Facebook , or Instagram . Have a great time in Iceland!

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 33 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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Multi-day Tours

4 Day Northern Lights, Snaefellsnes & Glacier Lagoon

South coast, ice cave, jokulsarlon glacier lagoon & west iceland.

• Interactive Map

Travel from the west to the east, exploring the raw rural landscapes of Iceland with lava deserts and leftover moraine. Hike on a glacier and marvel at the biggest hot spring in Europe on this unforgettable 4-day adventure.

You will be exploring West Iceland which has been awarded the prestigious title of Winter Destination of the Year by Luxury Travel Guide.

• Natural Ice Cave
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Hraunfossar Waterfall
• Barnafoss Waterfall
• Mt. Kirkjufell
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Northern Lights
• Vatnshellir Lava Cave (optional)
• Krauma Geothermal Baths (optional)
• Pick-up & drop off from Reykjavík
• Guided Minibus Tour
• English Speaking Tour Guide
• Accommodation with Private Bathroom - 3 Nights
• Breakfast Each Morning at Your Hotel
• Free WiFi on Board Your Bus

What to bring

• Warm outdoor clothing
• A waterproof jacket and pants

Tour Snapshot

• Top Winter Destination - West Iceland
• Expert Guides
• Small Group Experience
• No Booking Fees

WEST COAST OF ICELAND

Our 4-day trip will begin in Reykjavik, where we’ll pick you up from your hotel or at a nearby pickup point. Then, we’ll head towards the West, where enchanting landscapes of rural Iceland will take your breath away. Have your camera ready at all times as exquisite and unique scenery might sneak up on you at any time. Our first stop of the day will be at a small town called Borgarfjörður, where hot spring Deildartunguhver sprays groundwater at everyone who comes close. Then, we’ll drop by the waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, and you’ll learn the stories behind their names. Both waterfalls are attractive and whimsical in their own way. We’ll cap the day off by seeking out the supernatural Northern Lights phenomenon in the dark sky.

On the second day of our trip, we’ll continue to explore the west of Iceland, in the radiant Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and we’ll start by traversing the ravishing Djúpalónssandur beach. Once home to a thriving fishing village, the cape is now known for its gorgeous black sand and a few ruins from the mid-20th century. Try to spy the antique British trawler Epine that lies lifeless on the shore or the few colossal lifting stones that were once used to test the strength of daring locals. After we’ve explored most of what the Snaefellsnes Peninsula has to offer, we’ll head back to Reykjavik for the night.

SOUTH COAST OF ICELAND

The third day of the trip begins with us paying a visit to the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. We’ll explore these wonders of nature from the inside, where remarkable photo opportunities of the waterfalls and surrounding areas await. Remember to bring waterproof clothing for this adventure. Next, we’ll head to Reynisfjara, a world-famous black sand beach with majestic basalt column formations just off the shore, the Reynisdrangar peaks, which, according to the legend were once trolls, petrified one fateful morning when the sunlight touched their skin. We’ll finish the day off with a Northern Lights chase!

EAST COAST OF ICELAND

Ready for some adrenaline? Our fourth and final day will begin with an enthralling hike in a Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Before the hike, you’ll be provided with the necessary equipment and safety guidelines, to make sure the hike is a delightful experience all around. To make this hike even more sensational, our tour guide will tell you about the lagoon, when and how it was formed, point out the most astonishing icebergs. From here, we’ll have a short walk toward the Diamond Beach. This beach is covered in icebergs, some massive and others minuscule, and the chiaroscuro of crystal on black creates a sort of apocalyptic scene. Plenty of photo opportunities are to be had here!

Day 1: West Iceland

Pick up will be at 9 am from the Reykjavík meeting point you have chosen. Please note that even though the pickup procedure up can take up to 30 minutes, you do have to be ready and waiting at 9 am.

Be prepared to embark upon a tour that will leave you inspired long after you’ve left Iceland. We’ll first head towards a town called Borgarfjörður, home to Europe’s biggest hot spring, Deildartunguhver. The hot spring pumps out around 33 ounces (180 liters) of hot water per second. The temperature of the hot spring is about 100°C and it is used to provide heating and hot water to the neighboring areas. 

You will have the option of visiting the  Krauma  geothermal baths on this day. For those that choose not to visit Krauma, we will go and visit a nearby horse farm and pet some Icelandic horses!

Afterward, we’ll be on our way to Reykholt, a small, yet culturally important town in Iceland where famed medieval poet and politician Snorri Sturluson lived. There’s also a hot spring pool where he’s said to have bathed. Close to Reykholt, you’ll visit two waterfalls unlike any other in the world: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Afterward, if the forecast is favorable, we’ll try to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. As the day draws to an end, we’ll head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where the next day’s adventures await.

The accommodation for the night will be in Hotel Borgarnes.

Day Highlights

• Deildartunguhver hot spring
• Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls
• Northern Lights Hunt (in the right conditions)
• Pick up from Reykjavik
• Guided minibus tour to all highlights
• One night at a hotel

Accommodation

Adventure Hotel Hellissandur

Day 2: snæfellsnes peninsula.

Once awake and spoiled with a generous breakfast, we’ll head towards Djúpalónssandur Beach. On the way there, you’ll be able to soak in the beautiful alpine and coastal scenery of western Snæfellsnes. Djúpalónssandur used to be a flourishing fishing village with around 60 fishing boats. You might notice a handful of huge stones on the shoreline. Back in the day, fishermen would challenge each other to lift the stones in order to prove their strength. Here we’ll enjoy a short hike along the coast, as the shimmering silver-tipped Atlantic waves roll over the glossy black pebbles of this beach. An old British trawler, shipwrecked in 1948 is still visible from the shore. 

At the top of the beach, we’ll come across a picturesque view of Iceland’s most photogenic mountain, Kirkjufell. Snæfellsnes is known for its diverse and artistic landscapes, and is often referred to as “Iceland in a nutshell.” We’ll cap the day off with spectacular views of Snæfellsjökull, the monumental glacier, made famous by Jules Verne’s book “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” After a full day of adventures, we’ll drive you back to the Reykjavík for the overnight.

• Arnarstapi Fishing Village
• Snæefellsnes National Park
• Vatnshellir Cave (optional extra)
• Djúpalónssandur Beach
• Mount Kirkjufell
• Hotel breakfast
• All necessary caving equipment
• Qualified Caving Guide (optional activity)
• One night at a hotel in the Reykjavík area

Hotel Island

Day 3: the grand south coast.

The second half of your trip will take place in the southern and eastern parts of Iceland. Throughout out the entire day, expect to see breathtaking landscapes, consisting of immense, moss-smothered lava fields, waterfalls, volcanic black sands, and glacier tongues.

After a hearty breakfast in Reykjavik, we’ll head along the South Coast, passing through farmlands, towns, and villages, towards the Seljandsfoss waterfall. This remarkable waterfall is definitely worth getting damp for as you hike up behind the waterfall, soaking in the pleasant peek through the water curtain cascading down. Our next highlight is the neighboring Skógafoss, located on the base of a volcano called Eyjafjallajökull. Hike up this waterfall’s crest for panoramic views of the lowland below, and, on a clear day, Mýrdalsjökull is also visible.

Our next stop is Reynisfjara, a black sand beach with wind-sculptured basalt cliffs and sea stacks. On the way to our accommodation in Hof, we’ll drive through the charming small town of Vík. Once at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a peaceful evening and, if the conditions are right, we’ll hunt for the Northern Lights once more.  

• Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls
• Coastal village of Vik
• Reynisfjara Black Beach
• Northern Lights Hunt (if conditions are right)
• Pick up from your hotel

Adventure Hotel Hof

Day 4: ice cave and glacier lagoon.

Once well rested, we’ll start our last day of the trip by visiting world-famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon nearby Diamond Beach. We encourage you to explore the glittering, out-of-this-world ice lagoon and go on an ultimate hike in the Vatnajokull ice cave.

Many of these natural ice sculptures are washed onto the beach and broken into a million pieces that then decorate the black sand like sparkling diamonds. This is how the site earned the name of   “Diamond Beach” .   Don’t forget to look out for the floating icebergs, cut off from the glacier tongue, on the shore of Diamond beach. You might even see a seal or two.

Next, we will literally enter the body of a glacier and   visit a spectacular ice cave , accompanied by a qualified guide, of course. Ice caves are fascinating natural wonders that are always changing, winter after winter. Due to the melt and freeze cycle of the glaciers, new caves are born each year and will later refill with ice and disappear.

Inside a glacier , you will find ice of a surprisingly deep jewel blue. This color is caused by both the compression of the ice under its own weight and the way that our eyes perceive light and color. For any photographer, the journey into an ice cave will give them the superb opportunity to capture the shimmering blue light that filters through the glacial ice into the ice cave.

On our way back to Reykjavik, we’ll stop by the Vatnajökull National Park for a quick visit. Skaftafell Nature Reserve is a green area in the middle of jagged mountains and snow-capped peaks. The splendid scenery of Skaftafell is definitely going to be the highlight of the day. As night falls, we’ll go on a hunt for Northern Lights.

Due to traffic, weather, and the possibility of Northern Lights, we can expect to return to Reykjavík from around 9 pm to 11 pm.

Please note that as the ice caves are an ever-changing natural phenomenon, it is, therefore, not possible to say that we will visit any specific cave. The choice of ice cave will always be based on the conditions and safety considerations at the time of the trip.

• Vatnajokull Glacier
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• The Crystal Beach (Diamond Beach)
• Skaftafell Nature Reserve
• Guided Ice cave tour
• Certified Glacier Guide
• All glacier and ice cave equipment
• Drop off in Reykavík

Please note

If you do not choose the single supplement you will be paired in a twin room with another participant of the same gender.

Attractions Map

If we arrive in iceland on the same date as we booked our tour, could we miss out on it.

We always recommend booking a multi-day tour starting at least one day after arriving in Iceland. If you’re flying in from the US or will be landing early (4-6:30 am) you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e if the flight gets delayed) and could, therefore, miss out on the tour.

Is it guaranteed that we will see the Northern Lights during the tour?

Most of the hotels we use during our tours are remotely located and therefore ideal for spotting the northern lights. If the forecast is in your favor, then it is more than likely that you will be able to see the magical show put on by the dancing northern lights during your tour with us. Most of the hotels offer a Northern Lights wake-up call up on request if the lights are spotted.

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon; therefore, we can unfortunately never promise they will be seen. Their appearance depends upon atmospheric and weather conditions. The best time to see them is between September and March when it’s dark and clear. The sky needs to be as dark as possible, so the best places to see them are well away from city lights (that’s where we are going!). For more information on the Northern Lights, please look at our blog about   Northern Lights .

I'm not sure I have all suitable gear, do you offer any for rent?

If you are not sure that you have suitable gear for your tour, we offer some necessary items for rent. For most of our multi-day tours, we rent out waterproof jackets and pants as well as hiking boots. You can book these items and more under the selection “Extras” in the booking widget when booking your tour on our website.

If you have already booked the tour and wish to add some rental gear to your booking, you can do so at least 24 hours prior to your tour starting by using our customer portal - My Adventures , or contacting our customer care .

What will the average driving per day be?

We drive on average around 300 km (186 miles) per day on our multi-day tours. You will be spending approximately 4-5 hours in the car each day. We do of course stop on multiple locations throughout the tour for sightseeing, activities, bathroom breaks and lunch stops.

Does this tour suit me?

We do welcome participants of all ages older than the listed minimum age for each tour. We have people of ages ranging from 8-99 years joining our multi-day tours.  Our average group usually consists of participants between the age 20-55 years. We do get a lot of solo travellers joining our tours, as well as families and friends.

If you have difficulties participating in any of the activities included in the tour, for example, a glacier activity, you are more than welcome to skip it. You can explore your surroundings in the meantime or wait elsewhere. Our guide should be able to drop you off at a nearby place where there are some services available.

What is my luggage allowance on a multi-day tour?

For multi-day tours, each participant is allowed to bring a small backpack and 1 piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs). If you have more or heavier luggage with you, you will need to book storage for the surplus luggage before you arrive, there is a small fee for using this facility. Luggage storage in Reykjavík can be added during the booking process of your order in the extras section.

* The combined dimensions of each bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in).

Which type of meal options are available for me on the tour?

Breakfast is included at all the hotels we stay in during the tour. The breakfast will be a typical breakfast buffet, offering bread, toppings, cereal, yogurt, fruits, coffee, and tea etc.

Your guide will also find a good place for the group to eat lunch. We always try to choose places that have a wide selection of dishes on the menu, so there will be options available for everyone. The dinner is usually at the hotels we stay at for the night.

Are meals included in the tour?

If your tour includes accommodation, breakfast is always included during the tour at the hotel/guesthouse restaurant.

Meals and beverages are otherwise not included on your tour. (Unless it’s specifically stated in the description of the tour)

On our multiday tours, we will be making stops at restaurants and convenience stores where you will be able to purchase all necessities. Cash is not necessary, as credit cards are almost always accepted. Having a small amount of cash doesn’t hurt though.

I'm a solo traveller, is there a single supplement?

A single supplement is available if you want to have your own room, but you are not required to pay a single supplement. If you are a single traveler and do not wish to book a single room, you’ll be roomed with another traveler of the same gender.

What kind of rooms can be expected when booking the multi-day tour with Arctic Adventures?

When booking with Arctic Adventures, you are guaranteed an accommodation at a nice country hotel and/or a guesthouse. The hotels we have partnered up with are all of the same standard and offer nice rooms with made-up beds. The rooms come with private or shared bathrooms, depending on your booking. The standard room is a twin room but it’s possible to request a double room or a triple room, with no extra charge.

If you are traveling solo, you will have to add the single room fee if you wish to have a single room.

All hotels have free Wi-Fi. Towels, a hairdryer and a kettle are accessible at all of the hotels. Hotel breakfast is included!

Related tours

2-Day Tour to Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Borgarfjörður Fjord

Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour

5 Day Snæfellsnes Peninsula And South Iceland Tour

Contact us for more information about this tour.

Arctic Adventures offers pick up service from selected Reykjavík pick up points. Note that you can always update your pick-up / drop-off location through our customer portal: https://my.adventures.is You can press the login button in your confirmation email for an easy login to the customer portal. If you experience an error with logging into the customer portal or can't find your booking, please contact us on Facebook Messenger, or send us a message here below. Chat with us on Facebook Messenger

4-Day Guided Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Jokulsarlon & Myvatn

Description

Travel across Iceland along the famous Route 1 to discover the beauty and diverse landscapes of the country. This 4-day guided tour will take you to all the best-known wonders and some hidden places that you can call your own.

As its name suggests, the Ring Road is Iceland’s only road that runs around the country and connects cities, towns and inhabits with each other. The fully paved 1332 km road is open all year round and the best thing about it is that it runs also through the majority of Iceland’s most influential backdrops and tourist attractions! Grandiose waterfalls, moonlike landscapes and imposing glaciers become not only reality but at your fingertips reach.

This small-group guided tour, with a maximum of 19 passengers per bus, is ideal for solo travellers and for those wanting to meet fellow visitors. The smaller group size also makes this incredible experience more personal. All buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi and USB chargers. 

You can bring one piece of luggage on board with you.

Your accommodation is taken care of so all you have to do is relax and enjoy the journey. There’s plenty of opportunities to add additional experiences to this trip during the booking process. You could go on a glacier tour, go whale watching, visit an ice cave, take a boat tour of a glacier lagoon and even visit incredible spas with geothermal water.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the top sites of Iceland in this 4-day adventure. Pick a date to check availability.

Attractions

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - South Coast of Iceland

Kicking off from Reykjavík you will turn East to explore the most visited region of Iceland – South Coast. Its relative proximity to the capital and abundant picture-perfect, diverse scenery make it a top favourite. The region is dotted world-renowned waterfalls, stretches of unique black beach coastlines and enigmatic moonlike plains.

First on the itinerary are stunning waterfalls. Seljaladnsfoss is a 60 m high single drop that amazes many travellers and locals alike. Seljaladnsfoss is mostly known for the path hidden in the cave that allows you to fully encircle the fall. Just a stone’s throw from Seljalandsfoss is Gljubrabui, often called “The Hidden Waterfall”. This off the beaten path, the smaller 40-meter waterfall is concealed behind a cliff. The third waterfall visited on this day is Skogafoss. This is an impressive 60-meter tall, 15-meter wide waterfall that takes its waters from both Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Next on the agenda is Sólheimajökull glacier. There you can take part in a very unique activity, a Glacier Hike (bookable as an extra). Under the care of your experienced glacier guide, you can put your feet down on the ice and enjoy amazing views. Just before lunch, you will stop at the world-famous Reynisfjara Black Beach. One obvious particularity of this beach is its black-coloured sand, formed from eroded volcanic rocks and, more precisely, lava that hardens when cooled and shatters into billions of tiny particles. For lunch, you will stop in Vík, a charming village located opposite Reynisfjara.

Day 2 - East Iceland

The eastern part of the country has a calmer and quieter vibe about it. This region of the country is characterized by smaller picture-perfect, pocket-sized towns and villages, each having their own particular charm.

This day starts at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the deepest lake in Iceland powered by the outlets from Vatnajokull Glacier. The calm, crystal-clear surface is full of icebergs floating towards the Atlantic Ocean. Some of them are washed ashore and dazzle like diamonds on the black satin beach which is affectionately the Diamond Beach.

You can also add an amphibious boat tour of the lagoon. This 45-minute long tour will leave you with unforgettable memories. You will get close to the icebergs and remember to keep your head up for seals swimming around.

On this day you will also stop at Vestrahorn Mountain. This is one of the most picturesque mountains in Iceland, proudly rising above the mighty ocean.

You will see Djupivogur town located in a deep fjord with trading history dating back to the 16th century and the Lagarfljot area, filled with magnificent natural backdrops and rich folklore.

This day ends in Egillstadir, the capital of Eastern territories. There you can rest in the hotel, or add something unique to that day. You could visit the Vök geothermal pools set on the beautiful Lake Urriðavatn. Hot springs scattered deep underneath the lake heat these exquisitely designed man-made formations allowing its guests to take full advantage of the geothermal waters and their natural healing properties from deep within Iceland’s grounds.

Day 3 - The Northern Territories and Lake Mývatn

Setting off from Egillstadir the direction turns North where you will spend two days. Iceland’s Northern territories are characterized by cosmic landscapes, world-renowned natural backdrops merged with rich geology and Norse history.

The day starts with visit by Studlagil Canyon – one of Iceland’s newest findings and best-kept secrets. Turquoise waters of the Jokulsa river run through the canyon, considered by geologists as the biggest collection of basalt columns in the country.

The highlight of the day is a visit at Dettifoss, considered as Europe’s most powerful waterfall with 500 cubic meters of water flowing over its 45-metre drop.

On day 3 you will travel around Lake Myvatn, one of the wonders of Iceland. Myvatn is nestled in a quiet area of the country’s Northern territory with rich and colourful fauna and flora and yet again, unbeatable natural sceneries.

You will be amazed by the power of Mother Nature while visiting the Hverir Geothermal Fields scattered with mud lakes, steaming holes and colourful grounds. Then you will visit the Grjotagja Geothermal Cave, Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall Volcano and Krafla just to name a few.

Between lake Mývatn and Akureyri lies the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, or, in Icelandic, Goðafoss. Its crystal-clear waters flow from the Skjálfandafljót River, high up in the Highlands through Bardadalur valley to reach its grounds and cascades down a 12-metre drop creating swirling green-coloured forms in the waters below.

If you wish to relax in truly Icelandic way then add a visit in Mývatn Natural Geothermal SPA. This man-made pool offers not only relaxing soak in silky geothermal waters but also amazing views over Lake Myvatn itself.

This day ends in Akureyri – the capital of Northern Iceland.

Day 4 - Whale watching and scenic North Coast

Your final day starts in the city of Akureyri, the country’s northern gateway, which is home to a little over 20.000 inhabitants, making it the second-largest city in Iceland after Reykjavik. Akureyri is considered as its own distinctive mini version of Reykjavik, being the central business, cultural and service hub for the northern territories. As an add-on, you can take a boat tour searching for the whales breeding in ice-cold waters of Eyjafjordur Fjord.

Then it is time to turn towards Reykjavik. On the way, you can enjoy unique landscapes and the scenic drive along the North Coast with stops at Hvitserkur Rock and Kolugljufur Canyon with a spectacular waterfall

The estimated arrival time in Reykjavik is at 9 PM (21:00).

What to bring

Good to know.

Pickup takes place between 08:30 – 09:00 – so please be ready from 8:30 at your pick up location.

This tour typically returns to Reykjavik on Day 4 around 10:00pm

If you are a single traveler then a Single Room Supplement is mandatory. All travelers can bring one suitcase or backpack.

IMPORTANT: It can happen that the optional activities can be cancelled because of weather and/or safety reasons. Then we will find other activities when possible and refund the amount paid for the cancelled activities or the price difference between new activity and cancelled one

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4 Days in Iceland: The Perfect Itinerary

Posted Oct 30, 2023

Itineraries

Discover the wonders of Iceland in just 4 days! From the Blue Lagoon to the Golden Circle, make the most of your short stay.

Ever thought about spending 4 days in Iceland ? Well, buckle up because you're in for a treat! Imagine a land where geysers erupt with a playful wink, waterfalls compete for your attention, and the city streets are as colorful as a painter's palette.

Now, you might be wondering: ' Can I really experience all that magic in just four days in Iceland? ' The answer is a resounding YES! And lucky for you, we've been there, done that, and are here to spill the beans.

So, grab your favorite travel mug, fill it with some Icelandic coffee (or just your regular brew), and let's dive into the ultimate Icelandic escapade together!

Day 1: Discover Reykjavik's Vibrant Charm

• Distance: +- 7 Kilometers (4.5 miles).  

Kick off your 4 days in Iceland in Reykjavik , the world's northernmost capital. Brimming with colorful streets, rich history, and a unique artsy vibe, this city sets the tone for an unforgettable Icelandic escapade.

Explore the City's Colorful Streets and Charming Shops

During your Iceland 4-day trip, Reykjavík's vibrant streets are a must-visit. Begin your journey at Laugavegur , t he city's bustling shopping artery . Here, boutique stores showcase local handicrafts while aromatic cafés beckon with Icelandic pastries.

A short walk away, Skólavörðustígur offers a visual treat with its art galleries and murals, leading you straight to the iconic Hallgrímskirkja . For fashion enthusiasts, the city is a treasure trove of vintage finds.

Dive into the numerous thrift stores in Reykjavík to discover retro gems. As you wander, the blend of modern aesthetics and rich history makes every step in Reykjavík a delightful discovery.

Visit Hallgrímskirkja, the Iconic Church

A highlight of any 4 days in Reykjavík is the awe-inspiring Hallgrímskirkja . Towering over the city at 74.5 meters (244 feet), this Lutheran church is Reykjavík's tallest architectural structure.

Its unique design, inspired by the basalt lava columns found throughout the country , stands as a testament to modernist architecture. Inside, the vast nave and the impressive pipe organ, which boasts 5,275 pipes, captivate visitors.

Don't miss the opportunity to ascend the church's tower. From there, you're treated to a panoramic view of Reykjavík's colorful rooftops, the surrounding mountains, and the shimmering bay.

Walk Along the Waterfront

After basking in the beauty of Hallgrímskirkja, stroll down to Reykjavík's waterfront—a must in any 4-day Iceland itinerary. The path unfolds from the old harbor, alive with fishing boats and seafood eateries , to the modern Harpa Concert Hall with its kaleidoscopic glass design.

En route, pause at the Sun Voyager, a sculpture echoing a Viking ship, symbolizing dreams and discovery. This waterfront isn't just about the ocean's calm; it's a window into Reykjavík's seafaring soul. Hungry for more city gems? Dive into our top things to do in Reykjavík guide.

Where to Stay in Reykjavík

In Reykjavík, lodging options abound to suit every traveler's style and budget. If you fancy a luxurious retreat, check out the Hotel Borg's art deco elegance. For a budget-friendly yet cozy stay, the Reykjavík Downtown HI Hostel is a gem. And if you crave a local feel, numerous charming Airbnb rentals dot the city.

Day 2: Delve Into the Untamed Beauty of the West Fjords

• Distance: +- 254 Kilometers (158 miles).  

As you embark on the second day of your 4 days in Iceland journey, prepare to be captivated by the West Fjords . This remote region, with its jagged cliffs, deep fjords, and untouched landscapes, offers a more secluded Icelandic experience, far from the usual tourist trails.

Soak Up the Majestic Views of Dynjandi Waterfall

As part of your Iceland 4-day itinerary , a visit to the grandiose Dynjandi waterfall is a must. Tucked away in the remote West Fjords, Dynjandi is a series of seven cascades resembling a wedding cake. 

Its name translates to ' Thunderous ,' quite fitting given its powerful roar that echoes through the fjords. The waterfall's total height is an impressive 100 meters (328 feet), and its widest section spans 60 meters (197 feet). 

As you approach Dynjandi, prepare to be awed by its sheer magnitude and mesmerizing beauty. It's a sight guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your Iceland adventure.

Explore Rauðisandur Beach

During your 4 days in Iceland, Rauðisandur Beach is a sight you won't want to miss. Unlike the typical black sand beaches of Iceland, Rauðisandur surprises visitors with its vast expanse of red and golden sands. 

Stretching over 10 kilometers (6 miles), this beach offers a serene backdrop of the Westfjords' rugged cliffs. Depending on the sunlight, the sands can shift in hue , creating a mesmerizing palette of colors.

The tranquility here is occasionally interrupted by seals playfully lounging or the distant call of seabirds. Rauðisandur isn't just a beach; it's a tranquil Icelandic dreamscape.

Spot Wildlife in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

On your 4-day Iceland trip, a visit to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a must for wildlife enthusiasts. Located in the northernmost part of the Westfjords, this untouched wilderness is a haven for Arctic foxes , especially during summer when they roam freely, unafraid of humans.

The cliffs of Hornstrandir are also a birdwatcher's paradise, teeming with puffins , guillemots, and kittiwakes. With no roads or permanent residents, the reserve offers a pristine experience, accessible only by boat from Ísafjörður or Bolungarvík. Here, nature reigns supreme, offering visitors a glimpse of Iceland in its purest form.

Where to Stay In the West Fjords

Accommodations in the West Fjords cater to various tastes and budgets. For a taste of luxury, consider the remote Hotel Djúpavík , set in a converted herring factory. If you're after a more homey experience, check out the charming Simbahöllin guesthouse . For budget-conscious travelers, camping is a popular option, with picturesque sites like Tungudalur Campground offering stunning views and basic amenities.

Day 3: Embark Towards The Golden Circle 

• Distance: +- 120 Kilometers (75 miles).

As you venture into the third day of your 4 days in Iceland journey, gear up for the iconic Golden Circle . This popular route encapsulates Iceland's geothermal wonders, historic sites, and breathtaking landscapes, offering a snapshot of the country's diverse natural beauty in just one day.

See Gullfoss Waterfall, One of the Most Powerful Waterfalls in Europe

Your 4-day trip to Iceland wouldn't be complete without witnessing the majesty of Gullfoss Waterfall , one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls. Nestled in the Golden Circle, Gullfoss ( Golden Falls ) is a two-tiered waterfall that plunges into a rugged canyon.

Its combined drop reaches an impressive 32 meters (105 feet), and its largest cascade stretches 21 meters (69 feet) high. Don't miss the spectacle of Gullfoss in full force during the summer when its roaring water produces a glistening mist that, on sunny days, forms a captivating rainbow over the falls. It's a sight that encapsulates Iceland's raw, untamed beauty.

Go on a Geyser Tour and See Strokkur Erupt

A quintessential experience for anyone exploring Iceland in 4 days is witnessing the raw power of its geysers. Strokkur, meaning ' churn ' in the Icelandic language , is one of the most active geysers in the region, erupting every 6-10 minutes.

Its scalding water can reach impressive heights of 15-20 meters (49-66 feet) into the air, offering a thrilling spectacle for visitors. Witnessing Strokkur's eruption is an extraordinary experience, a reminder of Iceland's dynamic, ever-changing landscapes driven by subterranean heat. Don't forget your camera – capturing a Strokkur eruption is a 'must-do' for any Iceland itinerary.

Visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

No 4-day Iceland tour would be complete without stepping into the historical and geological wonders of Þingvellir National Park . A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir holds a unique position in Iceland's history as the original site of the world's oldest existing parliament, founded in AD 930.

Moreover, the park is a geologic marvel, marking the visible rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Here, you can literally walk between two continents , marvel at the stunning Þingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake, and even dive into the crystal-clear waters of Silfra fissure. This park is a must-visit, interweaving history, culture, and nature seamlessly.

Where to Stay In the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle offers a range of accommodations to suit various preferences. For a luxury stay, the ION Adventure Hotel offers modern comforts against an awe-inspiring backdrop. Those favoring a quaint setting might opt for the cozy Efsti-Dalur II , a charming farm hotel. Budget travelers can find solace in the affordable yet comfortable Blue Hotel Fagrilundur .

Day 4: Uncover the Mysteries of the South Coast

• Distance: +- 459 Kilometers (285 miles).

As we enter the final leg of our 4 days in Iceland journey, we turn our sights towards the enchanting South Coast. Brimming with towering waterfalls, black sand beaches , and the captivating Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the South Coast is a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be explored.

Marvel at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Its Drifting Icebergs

A pinnacle moment in any 4-day Iceland itinerary is a visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon . Situated at the foot of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier , this lagoon is a mesmerizing display of nature's artistry. 

Icebergs, calved from the glacier, drift serenely on its icy waters, creating a dynamic landscape of blues and whites. Seals can often be spotted lounging on the ice or swimming in the lagoon. As the icebergs journey towards the ocean, they create a surreal spectacle on the nearby Diamond Beach .

Hike to the Haunting Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

For those seeking a bit of intrigue on their four days in Iceland journey, the haunting Sólheimasandur plane wreck offers a unique adventure. In 1973, a US Navy DC plane ran out of fuel and crash-landed on this desolate black sand beach. 

Thankfully, everyone survived, but the plane's remains were left behind. Today, it is a haunting yet photogenic relic against the stark backdrop. The hike to the site is about 4 km (2.3 mi) each way, offering a chance to immerse in the vastness of the landscape. Remember to tread lightly and respect the site's history.

Immerse Yourself in the Soothing Waters of the Blue Lagoon

As your 4 days in Iceland adventure draws to a close, make your way towards the ethereal Blue Lagoon , conveniently located near the airport. Immerse yourself in its soothing geothermal waters, famed for their skin-healing properties.

Boasting a temperature of 37-40°C (98-104°F) year-round and rich in minerals like silica and sulfur, the Blue Lagoon offers a rejuvenating respite before your homeward journey. This luxurious spa experience, surrounded by volcanic landscapes, is the perfect finale for your Icelandic vacation. Remember to book your spot in advance, as the Blue Lagoon is a popular destination. 

Where to Stay at The South Coast 

The South Coast of Iceland boasts a variety of accommodations to cater to different tastes. For luxury seekers, Hotel Rangá offers a touch of opulence amidst the wild landscape. Guesthouse Vellir is perfect for budget-conscious travelers, offering comfort without breaking the bank. For a unique stay, consider the quaint Skyrhúsid Guesthouse , a charming farm hotel that guarantees an authentic Icelandic experience.

Navigate Iceland's Roads With Expert Self-Drive Tips

When you're planning your 4-day Iceland itinerary , knowing how to navigate the roads is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable adventure. Here, we will provide invaluable tips for self-drive tours in Iceland, helping you to explore the island's raw beauty safely and efficiently.

How To Rent a Car in Iceland

Renting a car in Iceland is a straightforward process that involves a few key steps:

• Select a reputable rental company: Choose a company with positive reviews, such as Reykjavík Cars . We have been in the business since 2013 and offer competitive rates for various vehicles.
• Choose your vehicle: Depending on your route, consider a 4x4 for highland roads.
• Check insurance coverage: Ensure the rental has adequate insurance , covering scenarios like damage from gravel or collisions.
• Pick-up/Drop-off : Most agencies are located in Reykjavík, but airport options are available for convenience.

The Best Scenic Routes To Take

Iceland's roads are a gateway to its breathtaking landscapes. Here are some top scenic routes:

• Route 1, Ring Road: Circumnavigating the island, Route 1 showcases diverse landscapes - from cascading waterfalls to dramatic volcanic fields.
• Golden Circle Route: This popular route offers three iconic attractions - Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area.
• South Coast Drive: Expect black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, and epic sea cliffs. 
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula Drive: Fondly known as ' Iceland in Miniature ,' captures the essence of Iceland's natural diversity.

Things To Keep in Mind When Driving in Iceland

When you're embarking on your 4 days in Iceland adventure and planning to self-drive, here are some vital tips to keep in mind: 

• Weather Watch: Icelandic weather can be unpredictable. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions before you set off. 
• Stay on Roads: Off-road driving is illegal in Iceland and can damage fragile ecosystems. Stick to marked paths. 
• Speed Limits: Adhere to speed limits, which are 90 km/h (approximately 56 mph) on paved highways and 80 km/h (approximately 50 mph) on gravel roads, to ensure safety. 
• Gas Stations: Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; gas stations can be few and far between. 

When Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland

The optimal time for a 4-day trip to Iceland hinges on your preferred activities:

• Summer (June to August) : Ideal for hiking, wildlife spotting, and witnessing the surreal phenomenon of the Midnight Sun.
• Winter (December to February) : Best for hunting the elusive Northern Lights and enjoying winter sports like ice caving or glacier hiking.
• Spring and Autumn (April to May and September to November) : Perfect for those seeking fewer crowds and lower prices, along with a spectrum of breathtaking landscapes.

4 Days In Iceland To Remember

There you have it, your 4-day trip to Iceland decoded, with all the geysers, waterfalls, and puffins you could dream of. Remember, Iceland isn't just about the views (though they're pretty epic); it's about the adventure, the midnight sun ice creams, and those ' did I really just see that? ' moments.

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Reserve a rental car in iceland instantly.

A Whirlwind around Iceland Tour Package – 4 Days

Availability

Important details, a whirlwind around iceland tour package – 4 days highlights, why we chose this tour.

Visit the Blue Lagoon, an incredible geothermal lake surrounded by a moon-like landscape. Steam and relax here to your heart’s content. Join a local insider on the hunt for the Northern Lights, with any luck you’ll see one of nature’s best light shows, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Get to know the real Reykjavik with an insider tour. You’ll be guided by an enthusiastic local expert who can tell you all about the language, the quirks of the city and its fantastic culture.

If you only have a short time to spend in Iceland and want to make the most of it, our 4 Day Whirlwind Around Iceland Tour Package is for you. This packs in the best of the island in a very short amount of time with a nice balance between time in the city and time in the countryside. You will, of course, go hunting for Northern Lights – and why would you not whilst you’re in Iceland! You’ll get to enjoy the benefits of steaming in the stunning blue lagoon, marveling at Iceland’s famous barren landscapes.

The Reykjavik insider tour is a perfect chance to really get to know this city. We always handpick our guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm so you can use them as a walking, talking guidebook, getting the best recommendations for eating, drinking and sightseeing.

Don’t forget, you will also get to choose your own hotel at the time of booking to ensure it perfectly suits your needs.

• We hand-craft each tour package which we offer
• Each tour and experience is led by a true local expert full of passion
• Hassle-free experience promise. We take care of everything so you just have to enjoy
• Choose the hotels you stay at from our curated selection
• Great memories and the best stories guaranteed
• Easy booking, easy cancelation and best price guaranteed

A Whirlwind around Iceland Tour Package – 4 Days Itinerary

Day 1 - arrival in reykjavik.

• Day one is reserved for your arrival in Reykjavik. Check into your handpicked hotel and spend the evening as you please!

Day 2 - Blue Lagoon & the Northern Lights

• Pair two of Iceland's most iconic attractions, the Blue Lagoon, and the Northern Lights.
• Meet your knowledgeable local guide at the local bus station where you'll leave the city towards the incredible blue lagoon.
• Here, you'll have some free time to steam and look over the rugged landscape, relaxing to your heart's content.
• Head back to Reykjavik for a few hours' free time, perhaps grabbing dinner, before heading back out around 9-10 PM.
• Again, you'll meet your guide at the bus station. Head out towards the countryside to hunt for the elusive Northern Lights!
• Marvel at the lights, from green to pink hues that light up the sky.
• Your guide will be with you every step of the way, pointing out different points of interest on your journey.
• Return to your hotel for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Day 3 - Reykjavik

• It's time to get to know Reykjavik a little better with our Insider Reykjavik City Tour.
• You and a small group of like-minded travelers will meet your local expert who will guide you around this fascinating city.
• You'll see some of the big sights such as the Parliament, Hallgrimskirkja Church, and the Harpa Concert Hall with its colored glass facade.
• Your guide will also take you to some hidden, off-the-beaten-track gems known only to the locals.
• Learn all about Reykjavik from a little bit of the language to the history to the quirks of this wonderful city.
• We handpick our guides for their knowledge so be sure to ask them anything you like, from the best places to eat and drink to any questions you may have about the history of Iceland.
• Return to your hotel for your final night in Reykjavik.

Day 4 - Departure

• Day 4 is reserved for your independent departure from Reykjavik after a magical 3 days.

If you have any questions about our A Whirlwind around Iceland Tour Package – 4 Days, please contact us. Our team is standing by and will be happy to help

Book A Whirlwind around Iceland Tour Package – 4 Days as a private tour, and customize the itinerary and locations for yourself, your family or a small group.

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South Iceland Glacier Whistlestop

Experience the south coast’s jaw-dropping natural wonders

Whisk yourself off on a short break to remember. Discover Iceland’s breathtaking south coast and Golden Circle route at your pace. Take the wheel and you’ll find dazzling glaciers, tumbling waterfalls, and bubbling geysers waiting for you.

Arrive in Iceland early enough, and you could enjoy a visit to the Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavík. After a night in the buzzing capital, it’s time to marvel at waterfalls and geysers on the Golden Circle. Then travel along the south coast, where you’ll find vast glaciers, along with black sand beaches, volcanoes, and striking sea cliffs.

On this tour you will...

Get up close to  Vatnajökull glacier , the country’s largest ice cap

See the  Golden Circle’s top sites : Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir National Park and Geysir

Soak up the beauty of  Skaftafell Nature Reserve  as you walk one of its many hiking trails

Marvel at  icebergs bobbing on the breathtaking Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Stroll along  black sand beaches near the charming fishing village of Vík

Visit  iconic waterfalls , such as Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss

Top attractions

Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Vík í Mýrdal

Seljalandsfoss

Downtown Reykjavík

Þingvellir National Park

Geysir and Strokkur

Why book a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours?

Start your tour on the date that suits you

24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland

Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit

New rental cars with 2 drivers as standard

Handpicked local accommodation options

Best Price Guarantee

Your 4-day self-drive itinerary

Day 1 – welcome to iceland.

Your memorable, Iceland adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavik Airport. Once you pick up your rental vehicle, you’ll head directly for Reykjavik and your exciting, first night in Iceland.

Extra activities

FlyOver Iceland

Sky Lagoon Pure Pass

Day 2 – Golden Circle and south coast

You can start by a drive to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the geological wonders of the world, where you can see the effects of the tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. 

You continue to the famous Geysir area where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5–10 minutes and where numerous small springs are boil and bubble. Afterwards you only have a short drive to reach Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls.

On your way along the south coast, you will pass the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and you can actually walk behind it. 

A little further you pass Skógafoss waterfall, one of the highest in Iceland. Next you can stop at the magnificent Dyrhólaey cape. You can either take the road up to the top of the cape, and have a look at the bird cliff there or drive to a beautiful black sand beach at the foot of the cape. 

Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season from 14 May to 23 June  and from mid-August the puffins will have gone to sea.

Day 3 – Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Jökulsarlón glacier lagoon, and icebergs

Your next stop is Iceland’s scenic southeast. After passing various, outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, you’ll arrive at the stunningly surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.

Skaftafell Nature Reserve is another area definitely worth a visit. This oasis, surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains, offers a broad range of options for great hiking. 

You will now head back to Reykjavík through the south coast towns of Selfoss and Hveragerði. You can visit the places you missed on the previous day if you still have time.

Please be aware that this itinerary has long driving distances, but will allow you to see all the highlights of the south coast of Iceland in a short time.

Day 4 – Departure

Now it is time to head back home, after an amazing journey through one of the world’s most picturesque landscapes. You will drive back to Keflavík Airport for your flight back home. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to enjoy your last day strolling around Reykjavík. Or, even better, consider booking an extra night in Reykjavík to really give yourself time to experience all the amazing things Iceland’s capital city has to offer.

What’s included?

Detailed itinerary

Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night

Continental breakfast every day

Rental car of your choice for 3 days

2 authorized drivers as standard

Unlimited mileage

Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi

Collision damage waiver

24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland

VAT, taxes & service fees

Flights to Iceland

Fuel & parking charges

Food & drink, unless otherwise stated

Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated

Personal travel insurance

Accommodation

FAQs about our self-drive trips

How does an iceland self-drive trip work.

On a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be at the wheel of the rental car of your choice and free to go pretty much where you want, whenever you want.

We provide a detailed itinerary to help you plan your route and where you want to stop along the way. But it’s up to you whether you want to stick to it or go your own way. If you do take detours, make sure that you aren’t too far from your accommodation on any given night.

That said, it’s a good idea to stick to the suggested itinerary if you’ve never visited Iceland before. Created by our Reykjavík-based travel experts, it contains plenty of things for you to and see and do on each leg of your trip. One thing’s for sure: you won’t be short on ideas!

You also get unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and use maps on your phone for navigation.

Can I drive in Iceland and what kind of license do I need?

You have to be at least 20 years old to rent a car in Iceland, or 23 years old for larger vehicles like jeeps and vans. You’ll need to have held a valid driver’s license for at least 1 year and present a credit card when you collect your car.

You don’t need an International Driving Permit unless your license is not in Latin script (for example, Arabic or Chinese).

Find out more about car rental in Iceland .

Can I customize this self-drive trip?

Yes! It’s possible to add extra activities or extend your trip with additional nights in Reykjavík or the countryside. Check the itinerary above to see what activities are available on what day.

When will I receive my travel documents?

Once you’ve paid your deposit for your trip, we’ll finalize bookings for your accommodation, rental car, and any activities. As soon as we receive confirmation of everything, we’ll email your travel documents to you.

We aim to finalize everything within a few weeks of receiving your booking request, but in busy periods this might take longer. That said, you’ll always receive all of your documents before your departure date.

When and where can I pick up my rental car?

You’ll be able to pick up your rental car at Keflavík International Airport from the arrivals hall. Before your trip, we’ll send you information about where to go in the terminal to collect your keys.

Make sure you have your driver’s license and credit card ready when you collect your vehicle.

If you land late at night, you can use the out-of-hours phone at the pick-up desk to contact someone who will be able to help you.

You also have the option to collect your rental car in Reykjavík, if you’re planning to spend some extra days in the city before your trip starts. If you’d like to do this, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.

Don’t take our word for it

See what hundreds of fellow travelers have to say about their trips with Iceland Tours.

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Iceland in 4 Days

• Partially Guided
• Personalized
• Christmas & New Year
• Introduction
• Day 1 Arrival
• Day 2 Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik
• Day 3 Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater
• Day 4 Airport Transfer

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Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
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• Tour Operator WiseYatra 4.9
• Melissa · 30th January 2024 Everything about the trip was wonderful, and the customer service from Wise Yatr was second to done.
• Paul · 16th December 2023 Wonderful time! Hotel was great, arrangements were smooth, and when complications arose (train strike), they kept in... Show more
• Patricia · 23rd October 2023 Loved all the places we visited and the quick response we got whenever we had questions. We fit most everything in... Show more

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Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Europe , Bucket list travel , Iceland · November 2, 2022

The ultimate South Iceland 4 Day itinerary

Need some help planning your South Iceland 4 day itinerary? My four days in Iceland was one of my all-time favourite trips, and this itinerary is the perfect way to maximise your short time. Here’s the perfect itinerary for 4 days in Iceland, plus where to stay, where to stop and some helpful travel tips. for visiting the South Coast of Iceland.

Iceland is the perfect destination for a short adventure, with countless mind-blowing natural wonders and adventure activities within just a few hours of the airport and biggest city, You can pack a lot of fun into a 4 day Iceland itinerary, but it can be overwhelming to figure out what stops are worth your time. Don’t stress, that’s what I’m here for.

From the classic tourist must-dos to the hidden gems and local loves, I’ve written up the perfect South Iceland four day itinerary to ensure you have the time of your life exploring this otherworldly country.

And to help you explore the South Coast of Iceland with minimal time spent on travel planning, I’ve listed a bunch of recommended accommodation spots (including the incredible places I stayed at), driving distances, some worthwhile food stops and helpful travel tips for a safe Iceland road trip.

If you have any questions that this Iceland South Coast itinerary doesn’t answer then feel free to leave a comment and I’ll get back to you, or head over to my Instagram and flick me a message 🙂 happy travels!

This blog post includes affiliate links that give me a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. These links allow me to continue creating detailed blog posts like this one, thank you for supporting me!

Is four days in Iceland enough?

I would say four days is the minimum amount of time you need to comfortably see Iceland’s absolute top highlights along the South Coast if you’re planning to self-drive. The country is small and many of the highlights are close-ish to each other so you can see a lot with a couple of days on the road, but you want to give yourself some leeway in case of bad weather, so four days is a good start.

If you’re coming to Iceland from the US East Coast or from London or another Europe transport hub for an extended weekend then try to fly on a Thursday evening and come home on Monday night or Tuesday morning to maximise your adventure time.

If you’re able to set aside even more days then you can take your time with the itinerary below, or you could add on my Iceland West Coast itinerary for a 7-8 day road trip, or with 10+ days (in summer as you’d need the long daylight, probably more like two weeks in winter) you could drive the whole of the Ring Road.

If you’re running on a shorter timeframe then head to the bottom of this blog post to see my suggestions on how to explore the South Coast of Iceland in only 2-3 days.

How to get around Iceland

Driving around iceland.

The best way to get around Iceland is undoubtedly with a rental car , this way you’ll have the most freedom to explore at your own pace and see where the wind takes you (quite literally!).

Driving in Iceland might be intimidating but if you have the right vehicle, respect the weather conditions and take it easy then you’ll be totally fine.

If you’re planning on driving normal roads (not F-roads, more on them soon), then you will be able to choose from 2WD or 4WD cars year-round. While most South Iceland’s main roads are paved, if you go beyond Jökulsárlón or head up to West Iceland then some of the public rural roads are dirt/gravel roads that are pretty muddy and bumpy. As long as they aren’t F-roads they are still okay for 2WDs (unless signs say otherwise), just make sure you have full insurance to cover any potential damage.

They’ll be much more comfortable with a 4WD if you don’t mind spending the extra $$$, but if you’re on a budget then a 2WD will do.

If you’re travelling in winter, Icelandic law requires that all rental vehicles have winter studded tyres from 1 November to 15 April so a 2WD will also be okay even in winter. Always be aware of weather warnings (the Icelandic Met Office is the best place to check) and if they say to avoid driving on certain days or in certain areas, listen to them.

I would say the trickiest time to drive in Iceland is just before and after the official ‘studded tyres’ requirement kicks in, as the roads can get icy from mid-late September and stay icy into early May. If you’re travelling during this time then I’d recommend getting a 4WD for peace of mind.

For my most recent Iceland trip (October 2022) I left my rental booking too late and could only get a 2WD Toyota Corolla, I didn’t have any issues in the end but the temperatures hovered between -2 ° C and 4 ° C so I was ultra-aware that roads may be slippery and just took it very easy.

What about the F-roads?

If you plan on getting off the beaten track during your four days in Iceland, chances are your trip might take you onto some ‘F-roads’, which are 4WD tracks with uneven surfaces and some river crossings.

The F-roads are only open in the warmer months before the snow and ice sets in, and you’ll need a 4WD rental car with high clearance and correct insurance in order to drive on them.

Other ways to get around Iceland

Iceland’s public transport system is very limited outside of Reykjavik, so your best bet to explore Iceland without a car is to use organised tours.

There are some fantastic, highly-rated day tours that will show you almost all the highlights I’ve mentioned in this itinerary, with many options leaving from Reykjavik and a few that leave from Vik.

Day tours can help you tick off things like the Blue Lagoon , Sky Lagoon , the Golden Circle , West Iceland , glaciers , lava tubes and more, with hotel pick up and drop off so you don’t need to worry about getting a car, paying for gas or driving in tricky conditions.

Here are some day tours that you could add to your Iceland itinerary:

• Golden Circle day tour with Kerið Crater
• South Coast day tour with glacier hike
• West Iceland Silver Circle day tour

If you’re keen to go further than just day trip distances then you could look at booking a multi-night tour.

Contiki has a 5 night/6 day Iceland tour for 18-35 year olds or for something a little more adventure-focused G Adventures has a bunch of Iceland tours on offer , or there are some cheaper and shorter overnight tours like this 2-day South Iceland tour which does pretty much all of the day two, day three and day four stops on this itinerary. A great option to maximise your time!

When is the best time to visit Iceland?

Iceland truly is a year-round destination and it offers very different experiences depending on when you visit!

Iceland in summer

If you’re visiting in summer (June to August) you’ll benefit from mild weather and very long days. In the middle of summer there’s no proper nighttime at all, twilight keeps the sky light even while the sun sets behind the horizon for a couple of hours.

Summer is however peak season, and the crowds are at their highest, so expect busy waterfalls, booked out tours and expensive accommodation.

Iceland in winter

Iceland in winter is magical for one main (and obvious!) reason: the Northern Lights. The aurora borealis is able to be viewed from mid-September to mid-March, but your chances are higher in the middle of those months as it’s darker for longer which makes light-viewing significantly easier.

The harsh conditions of Iceland’s winter does mean there are less people so therefore lower prices, but it also makes driving a bit trickier and you have limited daylight to enjoy your Iceland itinerary. If you’re visiting in winter just be aware that there might be only a few hours of sunlight in the middle of the day so plan your drives accordingly.

Iceland in the shoulder season

I’m a huge fan of shoulder season travel, you can generally avoid the worst of the crowds, enjoy milder weather and benefit from discounted prices. In Iceland, travelling between March and May or September and October is just brilliant!

March to May (spring) is when the snow starts to melt and Iceland’s lush landscapes come back to life, and mid-April is when the puffins start arriving. Unfortunately the Northern Lights are unlikely to be visible after March but if that’s not a priority then the warming temperatures and quieter tourist spots are definitely reasons to visit Iceland during spring.

September and October are similar in terms of less people and lower prices, but with the added chance of catching an early display of the Northern Lights. Your likelihood of seeing them will totally depend on aurora activity as well as weather conditions but I saw them at my accommodation Afternoon Cottages during my four day Iceland road trip in early October!

South Iceland 4 day itinerary summary

Please note that this South Iceland itinerary is based on four full travel days, so essentially you’ll fly in on Day Zero and fly out on Day Five.

If you fly in very early on Day One (my flight from Boston landed at 4.30am) and/or fly out late on Day Four then you could make it work, but I recommend trying to spend a night in Reykjavik on one or both sides to reduce time pressure.

If you are visiting Iceland for a shorter time then no stress, scroll to the bottom of the blog for tips on what to do in Southern Iceland with only a few days!

Day one: Reykjavik to Hella via the Golden Circle

Day two: Hella to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Day three: Jökulsárlón to Vik

Day four: Vik to Reykjavik

And my top recommended accommodation for each stop:

Day one: Afternoon Cottages near Hella

Day two: Ekra Glacier Lagoon near Jökulsárlón 

Day three: Black Beach Suites (luxury) or Mid Hvoll Cottages (mid-range) near Vik

Day four : Center Hotels Laugavegur in Reykjavik

South Iceland 4 day itinerary

South iceland road trip map.

A quick note on the Blue Lagoon

If you’re wanting to visit the Blue Lagoon during your four days in Iceland, I’d highly recommend adding it to your Iceland itinerary to coincide with when you arrive or when you fly out. The reason for this is that the Blue Lagoon is only 20 minutes away from the airport, so it’s easiest to squeeze it in when you’re already out that way!

If you’ve got a rental car then you can pop in to the Blue Lagoon straight after you land, there’s no better way to relax your muscles after a flight than with a geothermal soak. Or if that timing doesn’t work, consider prepping your body for an airplane seat by hitting the hot pools before you fly out.

If you’re not driving then you can book transfers to or from Reykjavik via the Blue Lagoon , and just leave your bags on the bus while you’re enjoying the pools. You can book through this link and you just need to book each leg separately, like the airport to the Blue Lagoon first and then book another one way from the Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik.

If your flight times don’t quite work with the Blue Lagoon opening hours then you can fit the Blue Lagoon into Day Four of this itinerary if you don’t mind adding some extra miles onto the drive.

For your first day of your full four days in South Iceland you’re going to be hitting the iconic tourist trail, the Golden Circle. I can almost guarantee you’ve seen photos from a number of these stops on social media!

Drive time from Reykjavik to Hella via the Golden Circle

2h 55m, 199km

Where to stop along the Golden Circle

Thingvellir National Park

Geology lovers, this one is for you.

Thingvellir (or Þingvellir in Icelandic) is the only place in the world where you can literally see the continental divide between the North American tectonic plate and the Eurasian tectonic plate. The plates move about 2.5cm each year which has a knock on effect for the geology throughout the national park, so it’s a pretty fascinating place to visit! There are craggy ravines, unusual rock formations, moss-covered lava fields and more.

And if you want a truly once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience, you can snorkel or even dive between the tectonic plates . I haven’t managed to do this yet (best during summer for obvious reasons!) but it’s on my itinerary for my next trip for sure.

Thingvellir also holds significant political importance (and has UNESCO World Heritage status because of it), it was the meeting place for the annual parliament meeting from 930 to 1798, and there’s loads to learn about the cultural importance of the area to Icelandic culture if that’s your kind of thing.

Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

This is one of many hot pools options in Iceland, so you can just pick and choose which ones float your boat.

The Laugarvatn Fontana hot pools have a range of experiences on offer, including a steam room, tiled pools, a more natural rocky pool, plus a chance to see bread being baked in geothermally heated sand. They do have limited space available so you’ll want to book in advance , entry costs 4500ISK and the geothermal bakery tour is 2500ISK.

Efstidalur Farm

Regardless of the temperature, please do yourself a favour and stop off at this working farm’s café for an ice cream. Yes, an ice cream in Iceland. I can vouch for the salted caramel.

Haukadalur Valley, Strokkur and Geysir

More geothermal activity awaits at Haukadalur Valley, home to the world-famous but fairly inactive Geysir (which all other ‘geysers’ are named after) as well as the very active Strokkur geyser.

Geysir (also known as the Great Geysir) used to erupt at heights of up to 170m back in the 1800s and earlier, but these days it can go years if not decades between eruptions.

Strokkur on the other hand erupts to 15-20 metres every 5-10 minutes so you’re certain to see it even during a quick stop.

Gullfoss Falls

Iceland has a huge amount of waterfalls to see as you drive around the island but Gullfoss truly is something special. It’s a two-tier waterfall, with the second tier sending water pummeling down into a canyon which results in a somewhat refreshing spray hitting the tourists lining the barriers for photos, as well as a great opportunity to capture rainbows in your photos.

Gullfoss is probably the most commercial of all of Iceland’s waterfalls, there’s a giftshop and café up the top and it gets thousands of tour group tourists each day so be prepared for big crowds no matter the time of year you visit.

Friðheimar Restaurant

Iceland isn’t exactly famous for its cuisine, but that’s not to say that there are some worthwhile gastronomic experiences to add to your travel plans during your time here. And fridheimar.is/en is one of those experiences.

Tomato is the hero ingredient at this greenhouse restaurant, with dishes like tomato soup, tortillas, ravioli, mussels (in a tomato seafood sauce) and even tomato-based desserts on offer. The restaurant is open from 12pm to 4pm daily so it’s a handy late lunch stop option.

The Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon (known in Iceland as Gamla Laugin) is the oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland, with locals soaking in its geothermal waters since 1891. The pool is 38-40 degrees Celsius year-round which is absolutely dreamy, and you can even wander around the area to spot small but active bubbling pools and a geyser.

Tickets are 3000ISK, cheaper than most other hot pools that require paid entry.

Kerið Crater (add on 30 minutes)

Located on private land with a small 400ISK entry fee, this 55m deep and 170m wide volcanic crater is a pretty stunning natural wonder to finish up day one of your Iceland itinerary.

Where to stay near Hella

Where I stayed: Afternoon Cottages

These super cute cabins are straight out of my Iceland dreams! Just a 25 minute drive from Hella, away from light pollution (hello Northern Lights 👀) you’ll find six gorgeous cottages dotted amongst the rural landscape.

The Afternoon Cottages have a studio set up with a comfy bed, full kitchen, dining table for two and a deck to enjoy the views. There’s plenty of space but it’s also well-insulated so you’ll be cosy inside even in the middle of winter. If you’re staying between September and March then be sure to keep popping your head outside to check the sky, I was lucky enough to see an AMAZING aurora show while I stayed out here!

Grab some groceries from Kjarval Hella on your way to the cottages to cook yourself dinner and make breakfast before you hit the road for day two.

Other accommodation options near Hella & Hvolsvöllur 

Budget | Guesthouse Hateigi (9.5/10 on booking.com), Julia’s Guesthouse (9.7/10) and Lindartún Guesthouse (9.1/10) are all highly-rated budget-friendly guesthouses, or Midgard Base Camp (9.2/10) is a super cool hostel with dorms as well as private rooms

Mid-range | Check out Hótel Lækur (9/10) for a cosy hotel room or Hekla Cabins (9.6/10) for a good value self-contained cabin

Luxury | The insta-famous Panorama Glass Lodge is in this area but these book up months in advance, especially over the Northern Lights season, and they’ll set you back at least €590 a night so they are a bit out of reach for most travellers. Afternoon Cottages (where I stayed) is just down the road, they don’t have the glass walls or ceiling but they do have a deck for easy Northern Lights viewing and they are significantly more affordable!

Other luxury options are 360 Hotel & Thermal Baths and Hotel Rangá .

Check out all accommodation options around Hella on booking.com

Day two: Hella to Jökulsárlón

Iceland’s South Coast is wild and rugged, with dramatic black sand beaches, crazy rock formations, vast Mars-like landscapes and even more thundering waterfalls, and this day ends at a magical glacier lagoon and a beach covered in diamonds. Well, not literally.

You’ll actually double back on this route on your way back to Reykjavik, so all of the sights I mention in the next few days are completely interchangeable and flexible based on weather + crowds + what you’d like to see.

Day two is the longest drive day so if you’re visiting Iceland in winter with limited daylight then I’d recommend just seeing a few of the spots like I’ve mentioned below and keeping the rest for the following days, this way you can avoid it getting too dark and the roads getting too icy as you’re driving in the evening.

3h 45m, 288km

Where to stop between Hella and Jökulsárlón

Seljalandsfoss

Another waterfall that’s gained fame from the ‘Gram, Seljalandsfoss is 200m high with a path that goes behind the water and into a small cave. You’ll get wet for sure, depending on the wind it could be a bit of waterfall mist or it could be huge gushes of water, so be prepared for either scenario.

The path is closed during the colder months as it would get too icy from the waterfall spray.

A bit of a hidden gem along Iceland’s South Coast, this waterfall is actually just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss but is far less busy. You can get right up close to it too, but you’ll need waterproof shoes!

You can wade through a shallow river (easier in winter when there’s less water but be careful of ice) and walk into the canyon that the waterfall falls into.

It’s hard to choose a favourite waterfall in a country famous for its waterfalls but I think this one would be mine. It’s visible from the road so your mind is already blown as you drive up to it, and the fact that you can walk up the rocky riverbank to get close to the water makes for great photos (and a nice refreshment in summer).

It’s also well worth walking up the stairs on the right side to get to the viewpoint at the top, the landscape from up high is beyond stunning. There are about 400 steps and they’re pretty steep so it’ll get your heart pumping, but nothing a bit of waterfall spray won’t fix!

If you’re visiting in the warmer months and want to see more there’s a hiking trail at the top which takes you to more waterfalls off the beaten track.

Sólheimajökull

Sólheimajökull is an 8km-long, 2km-wide glacier that’s easily accessible from the main road, making it a super popular destination for glacier hikes. You can see the glacier with a short walk from the carpark, but you can’t walk on the glacier itself unless you’re on a guided tour for safety and environmental reasons.

If you’re keen for a proper glacier experience these are some of the best-rated Sólheimajökull glacier activities:

• A three hour glacier hike with Troll Expeditions
• A glacier hike and ice climbing experience with Troll Expeditions
• Kayaking in the glacier waters

Just keep in mind that these glacier tours will take 3/4 hours and usually they have a morning option (starting around 9.30-10.30am) and an afternoon option (starting around 1-2pm) so you’ll need plan your drive accordingly. It’s three hours to get from here to Jökulsárlón so it might be best to do the glacier tour on the morning of Day Four after spending the night in nearby Vik instead.

Sólheimasandur plane wreck

I was about to write that the plane wreck probably isn’t worth the long walk unless you’re a photographer and have the shot on your bucket list, but I was just fact-checking and have discovered there’s now an hourly shuttle bus that runs from the carpark! This is an absolute game changer.

The walk from the carpark to the plane and back is about 7km round-trip, with quite boring views (just a black, rocky landscape that’s exactly the same the whole way). In summer the conditions are probably quite comfortable for the walk, just take a hat as there’s no shade at all, but in winter it can be snowy, wet, windy and freezing cold.

Having the shuttle as an option from the carpark makes this a much more accessible experience, it’s 2900ISK which is a bit pricey but if it saves you from a wet, cold walk then it’s worth it.

You could also book this epic quad bike adventure along the black sand beaches which includes the plane wreck.

After the plane wreck

From the plane wreck carpark to Jökulsárlón is 2h 45m so if you’ve visited all these stops then you probably don’t have a huge amount of more time for further sightseeing today and you might just want to drive straight to Jökulsárlón for your overnight stop. But as I said earlier, feel free to mix and match the stops in Day Two, Day Three and Day Four to suit the weather forecast and your drive times.

If you make it to Jökulsárlón before the sun goes down then you could head to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach this evening for amazing sunset photo opportunities, but if not then it’s first up on the itinerary for Day Three so no stress!

Where to stay near Jökulsárlón

Budget | Skyrhúsid Guest House (8.9/10 on booking.com) has good value rooms with shared bathrooms, or Litla-Hof (7.9/10) is a bit more basic and cheaper.

Mid-range | Hali Country Hotel (8.7/10) and Hotel Skaftafell (8.1/10) both have comfortable rooms with a great breakfast included.

Luxury | Ekra Glacier Lagoon (8.7/10) is a beautifully-designed boutique guesthouse with amazing views, or Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (8.8/10) is a modern 4-star hotel if you prefer a classic hotel experience.

Check out all accommodation options around Jökulsárlón on booking.com

Today gives you the chance to see the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in all its glory, as well as Diamond Beach across the road, before heading back towards Vik and seeing the sights you couldn’t fit in yesterday.

2h 30m, 194km

Where to stop between Jökulsárlón and Vik

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón is an ever-changing lagoon where bright blue icebergs and (usually) calm waters make for a perfectly photogenic landscape, if you’re a photography you’ll want to spend a bit of time here shooting different angles from different vantage points.

If you visit from June to September you could get right amongst the lagoon with an amphibious boat tour or a kayak tour .

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach was honestly mind-blowing, it totally took my breath away. Chunks of ice ranging from human-size to, well, ice cube-size were littered across the black sand for hundreds of metres, creating a stunningly contrasting landscape that photographers could usually only dream of.

There’s some wildlife spotting opportunities here too, seals are often seen lazing on the sand and if you’re really lucky you might even spot orcas from the beach.

Skaftafell Nature Reserve is located in Vatnajökull National Park, about 50 minutes from Jökulsárlón on your way back west.

The reserve has some excellent short hikes that will show you a variety of landscapes, but the reasonably easy 45 minute walk to Svartifoss is my top recommendation. This unbelievably beautiful spot combines two of Iceland’s icons; a waterfall, and some hexagonal basalt columns. So cool! There’s also this five hour guided glacier hike if you’ve got the time.

If you’re visiting in winter then you’ll also have the chance to see Iceland from a totally different angle, from the inside of a glacier ice cave. These electric blue ice chambers are an example of Iceland’s extremely rugged natural landscapes, you can book your tour with local legends Glacier Trips here .

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Made famous by Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You” music video back in 2015, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is another out-of-this-world landscape to witness, with moss-covered cliffs towering over a winding river. Be sure to obey all of the barriers and signs, stepping beyond the path could damage the fragile ecosystem, not to mention put you at risk of falling as the cliff edges aren’t maintained.

Unfortunately it’s one of the examples of overtourism having a severely negative impact on the environment, and to allow nature to recover from an insane uptick in visitors since the music video came out, the canyon is sometimes closed for a few months a year (usually March til June).

With Covid obviously reducing visitor numbers the past few years there hasn’t been the same level of foot traffic here so they haven’t needed to do this in 2022, but if you’re visiting in 2023 it’s best to check your dates online to ensure you’re not wasting a trip.

Reynisfjara Beach & Reynisdrangar

If you’ve seen Game of Thrones you might recognise Reynisfjara’s iconic basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks from season 7, but even if you haven’t seen the show (neither have I 🤫) it’s a must-stop on your Iceland itinerary. There’s a classic red-roofed Icelandic church here too that’s great for photos.

Be super careful with the waves at this beach, they have ‘sneaker’ waves that can come from nowhere and there have been many instances of tourists drowning after a wave has swept them off their feet and into the harsh ocean. Stay a safe distance and never turn your back to the water.

Slightly to the east of Reynisfjara you’ll find Dyrhólaey, an elevated panoramic viewpoint that lets you see for miles along the coast, out to sea and even back towards mountains and glaciers inland.

This is one of the best puffin-spotting areas along the South Coast from May to September.

Where to stay near Vik

Where I stayed: Mid Hvoll Cottages (8.6/10 on booking.com)

Mid Hvoll offers back-to-basics but very cosy wooden cabins about 20 minutes from Vik, with a full kitchen and space for four adults (double bed and sofa bed). They’re in a rural area away from any light pollution (apart from your neighbouring cabins) so if the Northern Lights are active during your stay, you’ve got a great chance of seeing them here.

Other accommodation options around Vik

Budget | The Barn is a top-rated hostel (9/10) with cheap dorm beds plus affordable private rooms, or Guesthouse Carina (8.8/10) is a fantastic option for budget-friendly guesthouse accommodation.

Mid-range | Farmhouse Lodge (8.6/10), Puffin Hotel (8.3/10) and Hótel Dyrhólaey (8.3/10) are all good value options for a middle-of-the-road budget. Hotel Vík í Mýrdal (8.7/10) is slightly more expensive than those three but offers very comfortable rooms and top class service.

Luxury | At the top of my Vik accommodation bucket list is the Black Beach Suites (9.4/10), they have gorgeous, well-equipped and beautifully decorated apartments with ocean views. I actually had a night booked here on our first trip to Iceland but I messed up the dates and accidentally booked the night after we were meant to be there. It was non-refundable and we couldn’t change our plans, such a rookie mistake! Hopefully next time I hit the South Coast I’ll be able to finally tick it off. Another luxurious option is the Vik Apartments (9.2/10), they offer light and bright self-catering apartments.

Check out all accommodation options around Vik on booking.com

Day four: Vik to Reykjavik (or to the airport)

The final day of your 4 day Iceland itinerary takes you back to Reykjavik, and you have a few options of what to do on the way.

If you’re going to Reykjavik

• You could take it slow and finish any of the must-see stops you didn’t make it to on Day Two or Day Three
• You could head to the Blue Lagoon if you didn’t make it there the day you landed or won’t be able to make in en route to the airport tomorrow
• You could go straight to Reykjavik (2.5 hours) and explore the city for the rest of the day
• Or, my top suggestion, head towards Reykjavik but go to the Sky Lagoon , a newly-opened luxury hot pool near the city
• If you’re visiting between September and April but haven’t been lucky enough to spot the Northern Lights yet, I highly recommend booking a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik for your final night, They’re professionals who know how to interpret KP index and weather forecasts, and you’ll have a much higher chance of spotting the aurora with them rather than trying to see it yourself.

If you’re flying out today

If you’re flying out today, it’s about three hours to get from Vik to Keflavik Airport. Fly safe 🥰

Things to do in Reykjavik

• Shop for souvenirs, Reykjavik has some brilliant local arts and crafts stores with cute homewares and wall art
• Walk along the waterfront
• Indulge in some world-class food, like at Sjávargrillið , Dill or Kol
• Taste test a bunch of local culinary treats with this top-rated Reykjavik food tour
• Try out local craft beers with this Reykjavik beer crawl
• See Hallgrimskirkja, a unique Lutheran church that is 74.5m tall at its highest point

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Where I stayed: Center Hotels Laugavegur (8.7/10 on booking.com)

Center Hotels is a locally-owned hotel brand with eight stunning locations in Reykjavik. All of their hotels are modern and comfortable with a focus on fantastic hospitality, but the styles range from clean and simple through to stand-out design and textiles.

I stayed at their Laugavegur hotel , on a main street with plenty of eateries, bars and shops within a few minutes’ walk. It was divine! I had a corner room which had loads of space, with a desk as well as a comfy chair, a fridge, huge bathroom and wraparound windows to let the light in.

This hotel is right next to one of the pick up spots for tourist buses as well as the airport shuttle so it’s particularly ideal if you’re visiting Iceland without a car.

Other accommodation options in Reykjavik

Budget | I’ve previously stayed at both Kex Hostel (8.2/10 on booking.com) and Loft Hostel (8.1/10) and they were both great options that won’t break the bank, or Freyja Guesthouse (9.2/10) is a bit of a more upmarket stay that’s still cheap.

Mid-range | Center Hotels Laugavegur (8.7/10), Grandi (8.5/10), Thingholt (8.4/10) and Center Hotels Plaza (8.2/10) are all well-rated within the mid-range budget.

Luxury | For a fancy stay you could consider Black Pearl Apartment Hotel (9.3/10), Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel (9.2/10) or the Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel (9.1/10).

Check out all accommodation options in Reykjavik on booking.com

What to do if you only have two or three days in Iceland?

If you’re not able to take four full days to explore Iceland, in order to maximise your time I would absolutely recommend booking onto some organised day tours rather than trying to drive yourself.

This way you’ll be able to soak up the views and spend your precious travel time actually exploring rather than wasting time planning your movements, and you also won’t need to stress about adverse weather conditions slowing you down.

For two or three days in Iceland here are my suggestions:

• Base yourself in Reykjavik the whole time
• Do this Golden Circle tour including the Blue Lagoon (you’ll visit Gullfoss, Thingvellir, Geysir and the Blue Lagoon)
• Do this South Coast tour including snowmobiling (you’ll see Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss and go snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier)
• Or this day trip all the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon including Seljalandsfoss, Vik and Diamond Beach
• And if you’re visiting in winter, you’ll definitely want to book a Northern Lights tour as Reykjavik generally has too much light pollution for them to be visible near the city

What to do if you have more than four days in Iceland?

Lucky you! If you aren’t limited to just a 4 day Iceland itinerary then you could consider a few different options:

• Add this four day South Iceland itinerary onto my West Iceland itinerary for 7-9 days of Iceland adventure in total
• With 5-8 days you could consider picking up a car in Reykjavik or Keflavik Airport and driving half-way to Akureyri, either driving east along the southern coast, or going north or Reykjavik and ticking off the Snaefellsnes peninsula and the lesser-visited Westfjords. Check rentalcars.com to see what car companies allow one way hire.
• With 9/10 (long!) days in summer and probably 12-14 days in winter you could do the Ring Road around the whole of Iceland, depending on how slow you want to travel and how much you want to do

I hope this southern Iceland itinerary has helped you figure out your plans for 4 days in Iceland! It’s a busy itinerary for sure but it is so worth it, the scenery in this country is just breathtaking no matter what time of year you visit.

If you have any further Iceland questions then leave a comment or head over to watch my Iceland highlight on Instagram , you might find the answer to your question in there.

Have a fantastic trip!

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4-Day Wonders of Iceland Winter Tour From Reykjavik

Unlock the Magic of 4 Unforgettable Days in Iceland!

Experience our 4-Day Wonders of Iceland Winter Tour From Reykjavik, and dive into an incredible journey that bundles together thrilling sightseeing tours across the famous Golden Circle , the magnificent South Coast of Iceland , the mesmerizing Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach , and the incredible Snaefellsnes Peninsula , topped with an enchanting Northern Lights hunting adventure guided by our passionate locals.

Plus, with an amazing discounted offer, this is your golden ticket to safely explore the wonders of Iceland in the winter. Witness the iconic Kirkjufell mountain , the awe-inspiring Geysir , the impressive Jökulsárlon , and a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences!

Get ready for an unforgettable 4-day winter adventure in Iceland with our package deal , which includes accommodation. Book now and enjoy a fantastic 12% discount on the full price of these four amazing day tours departing from Reykjavik.

Tours included:

• Tour 1: Grand Golden Circle Tour
• Tour 2: Glacier Lagoon & South Iceland Tour
• Tour 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour
• Tour 4: Northern Lights Bus Tour (on any day except the same day as the Glacier Lagoon)

Tour highlights & itinerary

Accommodations on the 4-Day Wonders of Iceland Winter Tour From Reykjavik offer a range of room choices , from single to triple rooms, all equipped with private ensuite bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and convenient amenities like hairdryers and kettles.

These Icelandic hotel rooms feature a cozy Nordic design and are strategically nestled in natural landscapes, prioritizing comfort and tranquility for a unique experience.

Each morning, savor a diverse continental buffet breakfast with fresh, locally sourced ingredients amidst breathtaking natural scenery.

During your winter journey in Iceland, some hotels provide a Northern Lights wake-up service , ensuring you won’t miss this mesmerizing natural phenomenon. Simply inquire at the front desk of most hotels to enjoy this Icelandic winter highlight!

• 4 popular guided tours at a discounted rate
• 3-night accommondation in central Reykjavik
• Free WiFi on board
• Free northern lights retry tour if you don´t see the lights on your first attempt
• Airport Transfers
• Pickup and drop off (is available for an additional fee)
• Food & Drinks
• Warm, water- and windproof clothing are always a good idea in Iceland.
• All tickets are e-tickets so there is no need to print them out.
• Our free northern lights retry tour promise is valid for 36 months.
• Disclaimer: Tour durations are approximate. Tours can overrun due to weather and other unexpected delays. (Tour 1 - Golden Circle tour takes about 8.5 hours, Tour 2 - Glacier Lagoon & South Iceland tour takes about 14 hours, and Tour 3 - Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour takes about 11 hours. and Tour 4 - Northern Lights bus tour takes about 4 hours.)
• ‣ 100% refund of the tour price, if canceled 7 days or more prior to the starting time of the tour.
• ‣ 50% refund of the tour price, if canceled 7 days or less prior to the starting time of the tour.
• ‣ No refund is given if canceled 48 hours or less prior to the starting time of the tour.

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Upon arriving in Reykjavik and settling into my central hotel room, look forward to immersing yourself in the city’s enchanting atmosphere. Before embarking on the Northern Lights hunt, feel free to plan to leisurely explore Reykjavik’s charming streets and alleys, as well as visit the captivating galleries and artistic houses that grace this Nordic capital.

If you want to know more about what to do and what to see in Reykjavik, please read our Reykjavik guide .

#A kind reminder that your free time in Reykjavik is not a part of this tour, your first tour will be the Northern Lights hunt that starts in the evening.

All tours included in this package commence and conclude in Reykjavik. Before each tour, we will conveniently pick you up from our designated meeting point or a specified pickup location. At the conclusion of each tour, we will ensure your return to the same starting point for your convenience.

On the first night of your tour in Reykjavik, you will be accommodated at the central Reykjavik hotel that is part of this package.

The wonderful evening starts with a quick pick-up process in central Reykjavik.

For Aurora hunting the route changes depending on weather conditions and cloud cover. Our experienced guides will take you to places most likely to see the Northern Lights on that evening.

At the end of each tour, we return back to Reykjavik. It’s a convenient way to see different parts of Iceland without switching hotels or bringing all the luggage with you.

On day 2, visit the highlights of the famous Golden Circle region, where you will witness the immensely powerful Gullfoss waterfall , boiling water shooting 40 meters in the air at Geysir, National Park Thingvellir on divergent tectonic plates, and a 3000-year-old volcanic crater at Kerið .

The Golden Circle route is marked on the map with a light blue color.

Our first captivating stop on the Golden Circle adventure brings us to the remarkable Kerid Crater , a volcanic crater lake that’s nothing short of a visual delight. Here, nature paints a vivid picture with maroon mineral sediments, dark lava rocks, and serene blueish lake water, creating an enchanting scene.

Kerið’s story dates back nearly 6500 years to a momentous eruption that shaped its present form. As the magma chamber emptied, the crater was formed when it dramatically collapsed in on itself. You have the option to stroll along the crater rim or follow the well-paved path down to the crater’s base for an even closer look. In the winter, the lake often transforms into a frozen wonderland, adding another layer of enchantment to this picturesque site

Gullfoss Waterfall , known as the Golden Falls, is an absolute must-see on your Golden Circle tour in Iceland. This remarkable waterfall originates from Langjökull , Iceland’s second-largest glacier. Its majestic cascade begins with an 11-meter (36.01 ft) gentle descent before plunging dramatically into the canyon with a breathtaking 21-meter (68.9 ft) wide drop, creating a mesmerizing mist that dances in the air and forms a colossal rainbow under the sunlight.

Well-maintained pathways offer various viewpoints to marvel at the grandeur of Gullfoss. The upper deck, adjacent to the visitor center, provides a panoramic view of the entire waterfall.

Continuing along the path, you can descend to the lower deck for a different perspective, witnessing the thunderous plunge as it disappears into the earth’s depths. Get even closer to the initial fall from the lower deck, although please note that the path may be closed if icy conditions prevail or if conditions are unfavorable for safety reasons.

Our next stop takes us to the captivating Geysir geothermal area , aptly named after the original geyser, the Great Geysir , which is currently dormant. This extraordinary landscape is a tapestry of steam vents, bubbling pits, and simmering ponds, adorned with vibrant patches of color scattered throughout. The star of the show here is the active Strokkur Geyser , which unleashes a powerful jet of water shooting 20 meters into the sky every 5 to 10 minutes. This dazzling and dynamic display is the undisputed highlight of the Geysir geothermal field.

Additionally, the area boasts bubbling hot springs and steamy, muddy fields that contribute to a distinct sulfuric aroma, providing a sensory immersion into Iceland’s natural wonders.

Nearby, a visitor center awaits, offering an array of souvenirs and local products, as well as a variety of dining options to satisfy your appetite and enhance your experience.

Thingvellir National Park holds an exceptional place in Icelandic history and geology. Founded in 930 AD, it boasts the world’s oldest active parliament, established by Viking settlers, and continues to be a functioning governing body to this day.

This park is situated directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge , a remarkable geological feature that divides the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates . As you traverse the park’s pathways, you’ll find yourself walking within the rift valley between these divergent plates.

Thingvellir National Park offers a wide range of landscapes to explore, including the scenic Öxaráfoss waterfall , the dramatic Almannagjá gorge , the panoramic viewpoint known as Hakið , the stunning Silfra Fissure , and the picturesque Þingvallakirkja Church . The park’s crystal-clear waters are a result of meltwater from Langjökull glacier filtering through an underground lava field, making it one of the world’s best natural filters.

This national treasure is a rich source of knowledge about Iceland’s history, particularly its Viking heritage and the development of its legal system. In recognition of its cultural and natural significance, Þingvellir National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Following our visit to Thingvellir, we’ll make our way back to Reykjavík.

Our drop-off location will be the same as your initial pick-up point earlier in the day.

For the night, you will stay in the included accommodation in central Reykjavik.

Your thrid day is a long one, but so worth the effort!

Visit  Seljalandsfoss waterfall as well as your ultimate destination in the Far East, the  Diamond Beach,  and frozen icebergs at  Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon.

The route for this tour is marked with blue color stretching east from Reykjavik.

Our day tour kicks off with a swift and convenient pick-up service. We’ll gather you from the city center’s hotels or one of the specified pick-up locations in Reykjavik. Once everyone is aboard, our thrilling adventure begins.

As we journey through Route 1 towards South Iceland, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views on all sides: majestic glaciers crowned in silver, expansive black sand plains, enchanting moss-covered lava fields, and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean in the distance. The South Coast of Iceland boasts a wealth of dramatic landscapes waiting to be explored.

Before arriving at Jokulsarlon, our journey includes a stop at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon , a hidden gem within Vatnajökull National Park. This lesser-known destination offers breathtaking vistas of the Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the glacier tongue of Vatnajokull.

While Fjallsárlón may not have the same fame as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, it holds a special place in the hearts of locals and outdoor enthusiasts. Here, visitors have the opportunity to kayak or embark on a zodiac boat ride on the tranquil lake, getting up close to the icebergs and the outlet glacier. The rugged, crevassed glacier ice creates a truly unforgettable icy landscape.

Our journey takes us approximately 380 km (236.12 miles) from Reykjavik to reach our first destination, the magnificent Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon , often referred to as Iceland’s crown jewel. Situated near the Vatnajokull National Park , Jokulsarlon is renowned for its captivating beauty and ever-changing scenery. It has also served as the backdrop for several iconic films, including James Bond movies like “Die Another Day” and “A View to a Kill,” as well as “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” “Batman Begins,” and “The Northman.”

This breathtaking lagoon was formed by the Breiðarmerkurjökull glacial tongue , one of the outlet glaciers stemming from Iceland’s largest ice cap, Vatnajokull. In the 1970s, as the glacier retreated, it left behind a vast pond near the coast, eventually becoming Iceland’s deepest lake.

One of the most remarkable features of the glacier lagoon is the floating icebergs, displaying a mesmerizing array of blues and, in some cases, brownish stripes, resulting from ash sediment deposited by volcanic eruptions decades ago. These icebergs, calved from the glacier, drift gracefully around the lagoon, continuously changing in color, shape, and appearance. Over time, they break into smaller pieces and make their way to the sea, creating a captivating spectacle.

Summer is an ideal time to explore the lagoon, offering the opportunity to take an optional boat ride among the icebergs, providing an up-close and unforgettable experience. Jokulsarlon is also home to vibrant wildlife, with Arctic terns nesting nearby, seals gracefully swimming in the waters or resting on icebergs, and a chance to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Iceland’s nature.

The icebergs that break away from the glacier tongue eventually make their way into the lagoon before being carried ashore. Here at the Diamond Beach , you’ll encounter icebergs of varying sizes, some still massive and radiant blue, while others are small and crystalline. They create a captivating contrast against the backdrop of the black sand beach, making it a truly unique and visually stunning experience.

Walking along the beach, breathing in the fresh sea air, you’ll find a sense of tranquility, perhaps even punctuated by the playful antics of seals frolicking in the surf.

Following your visit to the lagoon and beach, we’ll begin our journey back to the capital city along the scenic south coast. Along the way, we’ll make stops at several iconic attractions that promise to be unforgettable.

The surprises along our journey continue as we explore more of Iceland’s captivating South Coast. We’ll make a delightful detour to visit an enchanting yet lesser-known natural wonder, Stjórnarfoss waterfall. This hidden gem is highly recommended for those on a Ring Road trip itinerary, and we’re excited to introduce you to this off-the-beaten-path treasure.

Stjórnarfoss waterfall flows in two picturesque stages, each about 15 meters (49.21 ft) in height. The lower drop gracefully cascades over a dome-shaped rock, creating a symmetrical and visually pleasing spectacle. This photogenic waterfall has been a magnet for photographers due to its unique appearance. Emerging from the Stjórn River, which originates from Mount Geirlandshraun, Stjórnarfoss meanders through a scenic valley, enveloping you in a mysterious and captivating atmosphere.

Vík í Mýrdal , a picturesque seaside village, may be small with only 300 residents, but it boasts an array of extraordinary natural wonders as Iceland’s southernmost village. Here, you’ll find several stores and gift shops offering a variety of options for visitors to rejuvenate and shop for souvenirs.

During the summer months, Vík comes alive with vibrant colors. Its black sand beach is a highly acclaimed destination, known for its diverse landscapes and beautifully sculpted sea stacks. These sights are sure to ignite your imagination, with the powerful tides crashing and creating an ethereal, misty world around you.

While in Vík, be sure to capture a photograph of the magnificent Reynisdrangur sea stack in the distance, a moment you won’t want to miss.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of Iceland’s most renowned and beloved natural attractions. Fed by the glacial meltwater of the famous and sometimes notorious glacier volcano Eyjafjallajökull, this waterfall cascades from a height of 60 meters (196.85 feet). Seljalandsfoss offers a unique surprise for visitors.

Under the right conditions, you have the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall and witness the entire area from behind the falling curtain of water. This experience provides a spectacular panoramic view that adds to the magic of Seljalandsfoss.

Following the visit to the waterfall, we’ll return to our bus and commence our journey back to Reykjavik via Route 1. The drive typically takes around two hours, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic views as we head back to the capital.

On the third night of your tour in Reykjavik, you will be accommodated at a central Reykjavik hotel that is part of this package.

Your 4th adventure is a change of pace as we explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula in west Iceland. A place of myth and legend and inspiration to cultural tastemakers both old and new, see the iconic Mt. Kirkjufell  as well as the idyllic fishing village and bird cliffs at  Arnarstapi .

You will also visit Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach , see Lóndrangar rock pinnacles , and try to spot seals at Ytri-Tunga Beach .

This day’s route is marked with a dark blue color on the map, north-west from Reykjavik.

Your adventure to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavík kicks off with our convenient morning pickup service. We offer pickups at numerous locations in the city center, making it easy for you to join the tour. Alternatively, you can choose to meet us at our centrally located meeting point, which can save you some money. Once our entire group is assembled, we bid farewell to the city and embark on our journey north along the iconic Route 1 before veering westward toward the captivating Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This is where your exciting adventure truly begins!

Snæfellsnes is a region teeming with volcanic activity, and at its heart lies the imposing Snæfellsnesjökull glacier , crowning a stratovolcano. But that’s just the beginning; the peninsula is peppered with numerous other volcanoes. A remarkable example of volcanic history in the area is the eruption that occurred 4000 years ago, giving birth to the mesmerizing Berserkjahraun lava fields , our first destination of the day. These lava fields are not just ordinary; they are adorned with a lush cover of moss, creating a surreal landscape. Additionally, this volcanic event sculpted the distinctive scoria volcanic craters known as Rauðkúla and Grákúla.

Interestingly, the intriguing name of this place traces its roots back to the Eyrbyggja Saga, a historical account that narrates the story of two fierce Swedish berserkers, Viking warriors known for their incredible strength and ferocity. According to the saga, these warriors helped an Icelandic farmer clear a path through the challenging lava fields. However, their assistance eventually led to betrayal and murder. Folktales like these often emerge to explain the peculiar geological features found in the Icelandic landscape.

Mount Kirkjufell stands as one of Iceland’s most iconic and frequently photographed mountains, closely intertwined with the identity of its surrounding area. Located just a short distance from Grundarfjörður , this mountain exhibits a distinctive arrowhead-like shape and rises to an elevation of 463 meters. Despite its relatively modest height, Kirkjufell appears imposing as it seemingly pierces through the otherwise flat landscape that envelops it. The name “Kirkjufell” translates to “church mountain” in Icelandic, though the exact origin of this name remains a mystery.

Kirkjufell’s allure as Iceland’s most photographed mountain is well-earned, with its classic shot featuring the distant peak framed by the cascading Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall and the mirror image of the mountain reflected in the adjacent lake. A meticulously maintained path leading to the waterfall offers the perfect vantage point to capture this iconic shot.

In the popular television series Game of Thrones, a snow-covered Kirkjufell made an appearance in a season 7 episode. In this episode, the character Jon Snow embarks on a journey beyond the wall, seeking evidence to substantiate the existence of wights.

Snæfellsjökull National Park is a protected natural haven centered around the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano. Situated at the westernmost point of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the glacier’s snow-capped peak can be glimpsed from Reykjavík across Faxaflóa Bay on a clear day.

Notably, the imaginative world of the legendary French science fiction author Jules Verne intersects with this captivating landscape. In his seminal novel, “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” the story’s protagonists embark on an extraordinary adventure. They rappel down into the dormant volcano at Snæfellsjökull, delving deep into the earth’s bowels, where they encounter great peril and unearth remarkable creatures.

Our upcoming stops on this tour are also nestled within the boundaries of this national park, promising more natural wonders and awe-inspiring experiences.

Our journey through Snæfellsjökull National Park continues with a visit to Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach , a captivating black sand beach with a tumultuous geological history. The striking black hue of the sand is a result of ancient volcanic activity when molten lava flowed into the sea. Over time, the relentless power of the ocean eroded the volcanic material, leaving behind the striking black sands that grace this beach today. Adding to its allure, the shoreline is framed by intriguing lava formations.

For centuries, this coastline has been frequented by both local fishermen and foreign trawlers. The nearby abandoned fishing village of Dritvík was once a bustling regional hub. Here, local fishermen would test their strength by attempting to lift stones of varying weights. To secure a coveted spot on a fishing boat, a prospective fisherman had to demonstrate his prowess by lifting a 54kg stone. Additional stones, each with its own name and weight, provided further challenges: Amlóði (Useless) at 23kg, Hálfsterkur (half strength) at 100kg, and Fullsterkur (full strength) at 154kg.

A somber reminder of the perils faced by those who ventured to sea, the wreck of the Epine GY7, a fishing boat that sank in 1948 claiming the lives of 14 men in stormy waters, still rests on the beach. This poignant sight serves as a stark tribute to this tragic event and others, highlighting the profound connection between the sea and life and death in Iceland

Continuing our exploration of the southern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, our next stop brings us to the striking Lóndrangar pinnacles. These magnificent geological formations are volcanic plugs made of basalt that rise dramatically from the turbulent sea. Sculpted by centuries of relentless waves and erosion, these two towering peaks stand at impressive heights of 75 and 61 meters above the surrounding landscape.

The Lóndrangar pinnacles offer a captivating natural spectacle, and a well-maintained walking path allows you to explore the area and appreciate these unique formations from various viewpoints. As you venture along the path, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the pinnacles from different angles, each revealing their awe-inspiring grandeur. The crashing waves, dramatic cliffs, and towering pinnacles create a breathtaking scene that captures the raw beauty of Iceland’s natural wonders.

Our journey continues to the picturesque village of Arnarstapi , a charming coastal hamlet nestled amidst stunning mountain vistas and captivating coastline views. Once a thriving fishing center, Arnarstapi’s fishing industry has slowed over the years, making way for tourism to become a vital source of livelihood for the resilient local community.

As we explore Arnarstapi, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant birdlife that populates the cliffs, serving as an essential nesting site. Viewing platforms are strategically placed to offer photographers fantastic vantage points for capturing the diverse bird species that call this area home.

Arnarstapi is also renowned for its striking basalt columns and intriguing rock formations, which have been shaped by years of relentless erosion as the land battles against the encroaching sea. One particularly popular attraction is the stone bridge, formed by the sea’s gradual erosion of the cliff into a stunning stone arch. While it may appear precarious in photographs, rest assured that it is entirely safe to walk beneath this natural wonder, allowing you to marvel at its unique beauty up close. Arnarstapi provides a perfect blend of nature’s wonders and the cultural heritage of a resilient coastal community.

Standing proudly against the remote and desolate Icelandic landscape, the Budir black church , locally known as Búðakirkja, is one of the most renowned and photographed landmarks in Iceland. This historic church, originally constructed in 1848, has witnessed restoration efforts in the 1950s and again in the 1980s, ensuring its continued presence as a captivating piece of Icelandic heritage.

Budir’s black church is a striking architectural gem, characterized by its stark black exterior, which forms a captivating contrast with the surrounding natural environment. The church’s dramatic appearance has made it a sought-after subject for photographers, appealing to both professionals and amateur enthusiasts alike. Its remote location adds to its allure, creating a unique atmosphere that beckons visitors to capture its timeless beauty in photographs. Budir black church stands as a testament to Iceland’s rich cultural and historical heritage, harmoniously blending with the captivating landscapes that define this remarkable island nation.

Our journey concludes with a visit to the enchanting Ytri Tunga Beach, a hidden gem often overshadowed by Iceland’s iconic black sand beaches. However, Ytri Tunga Beach holds a delightful secret that sets it apart – it is one of the most exceptional places in all of Iceland for spotting seals. As you explore this picturesque golden sand beach, keep your eyes peeled for seals basking on the rocks just offshore. The beach’s unique appeal lies in the frequent presence of a seal colony, where these graceful creatures can often be seen resting and playing amidst the breathtaking coastal scenery. Ytri Tunga Beach offers an opportunity to witness Iceland’s diverse and captivating wildlife, providing a memorable and heartwarming experience for all who visit.

Our return journey will take us back to Reykjavík, where we will bid you farewell after this incredible tour filled with hidden gems and unforgettable experiences. As we travel back to the capital, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on the natural wonders, stunning landscapes, and wildlife encounters you’ve enjoyed throughout the day. We hope this tour has left you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Iceland’s landscapes and wildlife.

• Highlights & itinerary
• Accommodation
• Useful information

• Concierge Service in Iceland
• Reykjavik Tours
• Golden Circle
• South Coast

Blue Lagoon

• Akureyri Shore Excursions
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Contact Info

Úlfarsbraut 113, Reykjavík

• Email: [email protected]

4 Night 5 Days Iceland Multi Day Tour

Embark on an extraordinary journey with our exclusive 4-night Iceland Tour. This carefully crafted package offers a captivating 5-day adventure , allowing you to witness the best that Iceland has to offer. From the moment you touch down in Iceland, our dedicated representative will warmly welcome you at the airport, holding a sign with your name. Rest assured that your adventure begins the moment you arrive, and we strive to make your first day as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Here are just a few highlights you can expect from this immersive tour package. Join a small group and set out on a glacier hike, traversing the magnificent icy landscapes. Feel the exhilaration as you explore the enchanting Glacier Lagoon on a captivating boat tour. These unforgettable experiences are just a glimpse of the incredible activities that await you over the next three days.

Our expertly designed itinerary ensures that you don’t miss out on the must-see attractions and hidden gems of Iceland. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the country’s natural wonders, from cascading waterfalls and dramatic volcanoes to stunning geothermal hot springs. Along the way, knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights and stories about Iceland’s unique culture and history.

As you embark on this 4 Night Iceland Tour, we prioritize your comfort and convenience. With our small group format, you’ll enjoy a personalized and intimate experience, fostering connections with fellow travelers. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every moment of your journey is filled with awe and wonder.

Prepare for an unforgettable exploration of Iceland’s natural marvels and cultural treasures. Book your 4-night Iceland Tour today and let us guide you on a remarkable adventure that will leave you with cherished memories for a lifetime.

Day 1 | Arrival & Blue Lagoon

Welcome to Iceland, upon arrival please find a representative from Iceland Highlights, who holds a sign with your name on it. They will greet you at the arrival hall.

After you locate them, you will be taken towards the Blue Lagoon, he will then help you to proceed with the check-in to the Blue Lagoon, where you have the Premium package. While you are enjoying the blue water and uniqueness of the Blue Lagoon, the driver will wait for you patiently and keep your suitcases in the car. Make sure to keep the swim attire somewhere easy to reach. When you are done with the Blue Lagoon experience, our driver will take you to the hotel. You have the rest of the day for yourself. Take your time and explore the city on your own

Accommodation in Reykjavik: 4 stars hotel in Reykjavík

Day 2 | South Coast Tour & Glacier Hike

On our second day, we will start with a pick-up from your accommodation and a scenic drive along the Ring Road through the fertile farmlands of the South Coast. We’ll pass through Selfoss, before taking a short break at Hvolsvollur. On one side of the road, you’ll be able to see the Atlantic Ocean and the Westman Islands on clear days. At the same time, inland you’ll have breathtaking views of mountains like Hekla and glaciers too. Soon, directly ahead down the road, you’ll see our next stop – Seljalandsfoss.

Seljalandsfoss & Gljufrabui Waterfalls

Here we will take you first to the “hidden” waterfall of Gljufrabui, which tumbles down into a concealed cave that many other visitors miss altogether. It’s a special feeling to be standing so close to a waterfall in this way. The glacial meltwaters here are running down off the side of Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano whose last eruption stopped air traffic for weeks in 2010, making Iceland famous all over the world. A few minutes away lies Seljalandsfoss, a much larger waterfall that gracefully plunges from a 60-meter-high cliff face into a deep-green pool. Seljalandsfoss has been featured in films and music videos, including one for Justin Bieber.

Skogafoss & Irafoss Waterfalls

Just a few minutes drive away from Seljalandsfoss, the cliffs of Eyjafjallajokull offer yet more waterfalls at Irafoss and Arjanurfoss. These are more “hidden” waterfalls, often missed by other visitors to the South Coast, but we will show you how to find them. The next stage of our tour brings us to Skogafoss. This is one of the most recognized waterfalls in the world, featured in “Game of Thrones”, feature films, and music videos. Because it is south-facing, rainbows are a frequent sight here, as the 60-meter cascade of water produces a lot of mist and spray! Skogafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in the country, and it’s possible to climb a flight of stairs to the top of the falls to see it from there too. There is also a café here if you want to grab a snack.

Solheimajokull Glacier Hike

After leaving Skogafoss, we will make our way to Solheimajokull, which translates as “Sun’s Home Glacier”. The Solheimajokull glacier is part of a much larger ice sheet in the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, and this is a tremendous opportunity to get a closer look at this natural marvel, crisscrossed with crevasses, ice tunnels, and fascinating glacial formations. You will have the opportunity of taking a hike on a blue-ice glacier for a 1.5-hour trip, accompanied by a qualified guide and with all the necessary safety equipment provided, including ropes, crampons, and helmets. If you don’t wish to take the glacier hike, you can relax and enjoy a leisurely look at the glacier and the surrounding area from a viewing point.

Black Sand Beach of Reynisfjara

Another exciting stop on the second day is a visit to the iconic black sand beach at Reynisfjara. Here, the dark volcanic sands are pounded continuously by crashing Atlantic waves, and beautiful basalt columns hug the cliffs. Your gaze will be drawn to the brooding rock formations that lie just beyond the shore – these are the Reynisdrangar, a collection of black rock sea stacks that make for a perfect picture. The stone arches of Dyrholaey can also be seen from here. Don’t go too close to the waves – they’re often much faster and stronger than you might expect!

The last stop today will be at Vik – the southernmost point in Iceland and is often described as one of the prettiest villages to be found anywhere in the country. A beautiful church sits on a hill, overlooking the village and out to the Atlantic, where the Reynisdrangar and Dyrholaey rock formations can be seen too – we’ll take you to have a look from that vantage point. Unusually for a seaside village, there is no harbor at Vik, but there are colonies of Arctic terns and countless other seabirds in the summer, so keep an eye out for them.

After we leave Vik, we’ll pass through the Eldhraun lava field, a flat coastal plain filled with intriguing moss-covered lava formations as we make our way toward accommodation for the night.

Accommodation in the south : Hótel Smyrlabjörg or similar

Day 3 | Glacier Lagoon | Amphibian boat tour | Fjaðrárgljúfur

Our third day will take you further east into the Vatnajokull National Park, which is home to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. But the tour does not end there. There are two more exciting stops at the picture-postcard Fjadrargljufur Canyon and Hofskirkja turf church.

Diamond Beach

After a well-deserved rest, now comes the highlight of our tour – Diamond Beach and the Glacier Lagoon at Jokulsarlon.

Diamond Beach gets its name from the glittering remnants of icebergs that have made their way to the Atlantic Ocean. On Diamond Beach, these fragments are then sculpted into wild and incredible shapes by the relentless wind and the mighty Atlantic waves. We will bring you here first so that you can get lots of fantastic photographs.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

A short drive away from Diamond Beach brings us to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Here, gigantic multi-colored icebergs tear themselves from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier and crash into a 25-square-kilometer lake, before they slowly start making their way towards the sea.

Jokulsarlon truly is an astonishing place, featured in James Bond and Batman movies, and offers incredible images for your camera too. The view here is continually changing, as wind and tides gently move the bergs from one place to another. There’s a seal colony here, as well as flocks of seabirds to spot.

Here, you have an optional trip for a 45-minute amphibious boat tour on the glacier lagoon itself, sailing amongst the enormous icebergs, and looking out for the seals as they swim or bask on the beach.

Hofskirkja Church

Hofskirkja is thought to be the last turf church to be built in Iceland, dating back to 1884. Thick layers of turf lie on the roof of this church, surrounded by moss-covered burial mounds. Restored in the 1950s, it is still a practicing church to this day, made of a timber skeleton and stone slabs, but seemingly merging into the landscape around it. Very few turf churches have survived in Iceland, so this is a rare sight nowadays. The church is not open to the public, so this will be a quick stop for a photograph or two.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjadrargljufur is a magnificent winding canyon that is about a hundred meters deep and nearly two kilometers long, made famous by being featured in a Justin Bieber music video and is now very popular with visitors as a result. It’s an extraordinarily beautiful place, and very fertile, covered in fragile moss and vegetation. The canyon was formed a few thousand years ago during a glacial period, leaving a snaking river behind it and this incredible spectacle too. We will bring you to this magical place for just under an hour.

After this wonderful day, we will take you back to the hotel in Reykjavík. Approx. arrival time to Reykjavik around 10:00 PM

Day 4 | Golden Circle tour | Skylagoon Experience

Thingvellir National Park

Your Golden Circle tour will start with a short drive from the city to Thingvellir National Park.

In this dramatic rift valley, the American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart from each other along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge so that you can stand on two continents simultaneously!

Thingvellir was also Iceland’s first parliament. For hundreds of years, the Vikings of Iceland came here each summer for festivals and settled their disputes. The “Law Rock” and the “drowning pool” saw rough justice delivered for thieves and murderers!

As we head deeper into Iceland, the next stop is Geysir, the most impressive sight in the Haukadalur “hot spring” area. Geysir is the Icelandic for “gush” and gave its name to all spouting hot springs.

Geysir doesn’t erupt very much now. But there is another gusher called Strokkur just a few meters away, which sends boiling fountains of water high into the sky every few minutes. Watch where you stand while you wait, or you might get a soaking!

Gullfoss Waterfalls

You’ll feel the power of Earth’s burning core and smell it in your nostrils too! Just a short distance further inland lies your next extraordinary encounter with Iceland’s natural marvels – the glorious waterfall we call Gullfoss.

The “Gold Falls” is a two-tier waterfall fueled by Langjokull, the second-largest glacier in Iceland. Millions of gallons of glacial meltwater crash down over 30 meters here into a steep-sided canyon. On sunny days, the sheets of spray generate gigantic rainbows that wrap around the waterfall.

Kerid Crater

After Gullfoss, your next stop will be the incredible multi-colored crater at Kerid. Only a few thousand years old, the volcanic rocks are still rich in iron deposits, turning the caldera a vivid crimson color.

There’s also an azure lake and blankets of soft green mosses too. That makes Kerid one of the brightest spots you’ll see anywhere in the country!

As we return to the city, there is one more extraordinary experience to come, Icelanders love to bathe in geothermal hotpots, and now you can do the same at the Sky Lagoon.

This brand-new spa experience, located just outside Reykjavik, features an immense 250-foot-long heated infinity pool, a swim-up bar, and oceanfront views. You’ll enjoy two heavenly hours lapping up the luxury here at Sky Lagoon – the perfect way to end your Golden Circle experience. You are booked for the Sky Pass.

Nowhere else can you see so many natural marvels in one day? Rich in fascinating history and magnificent sights, this tour is your chance to experience Iceland at its best.

Day 5 | Departure

If you are leaving in the afternoon, you might have some time in the morning to explore the city. Our representative will meet you at your hotel 3 hours before the flight time, he will take you back to the airport. We thank you for choosing our service.

Note, depending on your flights, if you cannot do the Blue Lagoon on day one, we can move it to day 5.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the room configuration.

As per our standard procedure, a double room will be automatically assigned unless you inform us otherwise

Is it possible to change the order of the itinerary?

Yes, indeed. Based on your arrival time to Iceland, the order of services may be adjusted and customized to suit your needs.

If we are a family of 3 people, how does it work?

You will be assigned a triple room by default. If the third person would like a single room instead, a supplement fee will be applied.

Cancellation Policy

• No cancellation fee will be charged if a client cancels the booking more than 48 hours and you will be entitled to get a 96.5% refund.
• A 3.5% is non-refundable and it represents the transaction fee.
• A 100% cancellation fee will be charged for the cancellations received within 48 hours before the service date.

Luggage Policy

Each participant is allowed to bring 1 carry-on luggage. If you have more luggage, please reach out to us to see if we can accommodate your request.

• Departure From Keflavik Airport
• Departure Time Based on your arrival flight
• Return Time Based on your departure flight
• Included Accommodation in 4 stars hotel in Reykjavik with breakfast Accommodation in the countryside with private bath and breakfast Private Airport Transfer from the airport with wait at the Blue Lagoon Blue Lagoon Premium package Day tour with activities mentioned in the itinerary Private Airport Transfer on the departure
• Not Included Foods & Drinks Travel fare to Iceland Gratitude

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If you missed Monday’s solar eclipse, it’s a long wait until the next

A total solar eclipse won’t pass through the contiguous united states again until 2044. but, the next one is in 2026, if you’re willing to travel overseas..

Tens of millions of Americans gawked at the skies in unison Monday, transfixed by the celestial spectacle of the decade. A total solar eclipse traced a path from Mexico to the Canadian Maritimes, crisscrossing states from Texas to Maine, before vanishing over the Atlantic.

2024 total solar eclipse

Experiencing eclipses can be addictive, leaving skywatchers hungry for the next opportunity. And there are many people yearning for another chance because either clouds blocked their view or they were unable to travel into the path.

But, unless you’re willing to travel great distances, it’s going to be awhile before the next total solar eclipse within the contiguous United States. Not until Aug. 23, 2044, to be exact. But if you’re willing to travel to some far-flung locations, the wait could much shorter.

Total eclipses over the next 50 years

This year’s eclipse

CARSON TERBUSH / THE WASHINGTON POST

The next total solar eclipses outside the United States

If you’re willing to exit the United States, your next opportunity to bask in the moon’s shadow will come on Aug. 12, 2026 . A total solar eclipse will begin over remote extreme northern Russia, then pass near the North Pole before tracking southeastward over eastern Greenland, clipping western Iceland and eventually concluding over the Iberian Peninsula.

It will be the first total solar eclipse visible in Iceland since 1954, and the last until June 26, 2196. Then it will sweep through northern Spain, sneaking in between Madrid and Barcelona before ending as a spectacular sunset eclipse for the island of Palma. (I’ll be renting a house in Zaragoza)

Conveniently, the August weather will likely cooperate — Spain’s weather tends to be particularly dry, with a 70 to 80 percent chance of sunshine. Even more important is the Perseid meteor shower, which will be in full swing during the eclipse. It’s possible that a few Perseid “fireballs,” or especially-bright shooting stars, will streak across the sky during totality.

After that, there’s a total solar eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027 that passes over the Strait of Gibraltar, then swings through northern Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt before passing over the western Arabian Peninsula. Totality will be visible from western Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The shadow will cross the Gulf of Aden and swing over northern Tunisia. It will be a particularly long-lasting eclipse, with over 6 minutes 22 seconds of totality on the banks of the Nile River in Egypt near Luxor. (I’m planning to travel to this one, too.)

Then there’s one in Australia in 2028 on July 22 . Flying into Alice Springs would be a good option, then driving north through the Northern Territory. (I’ll be staying in Tennant Creek. By now, you’ve probably figured out that I’m a full-fledged umbraphile, or solar eclipse addict and chaser. Umbraphile literally translates to “lover of the shadow.”)

The next total solar eclipses within the United States

The next total solar eclipse in the United States will occur in northwest Alaska on March 30, 2033 . Eastern Russia will see it too. Nome, on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula, is on the centerline and slated to receive two and a half minutes of totality. (Nome is home to the Iditarod’s finish line.) Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow — the nation’s northernmost town — is also extremely close to the centerline, and will get 2 minutes 35 seconds of totality. Unfortunately, Alaskan weather is notoriously capricious during the month of March, and it’s not impossible that the entire viewing area would be clouded over.

In the Lower 48, the next eclipse comes on Aug. 23, 2044 . During that eclipse, totality will commence in the high Arctic, then trace a C-shaped path through Greenland, northwestern Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and along the British Columbia-Alberta border in Canada. Calgary is in the path. Then the shadow sweeps into Montana, North Dakota and far northwest South Dakota at sunset.

If you’re looking for a cross-country eclipse, you hardly have to wait a year after that — one is coming on Aug. 12, 2045 . The shadow sweeps from California to Florida, where totality will last just over six minutes. Totality then passes over the Bahamas, Hispaniola and northeastern South America.

So sure, stateside, you’ll have to wait a couple decades — but consider booking plane tickets and arranging an adventure. Each rendezvous with the moon’s shadow is special, and alignment of sorts between you and the universe. And the best part? Chasing that shadow may take you off the beaten path to parts unknown.

A total solar eclipse passed across the United States on Monday, April 8. See photos and videos from the path of totality and read our reporters’ coverage from scenes across the nation .

Looking ahead: Missed this one? The next eclipse visible in the United States won’t be until 2044 — and then we’ll see another shortly after in 2045. If you did watch this eclipse but without proper eyewear, here’s what to do if your eyes hurt .

The science: This eclipse appeared especially dramatic because the sun was at its most active period in two decades. In the past, solar eclipses have helped scientists learn more about the universe . Here’s everything else to know about the solar eclipse.

• What to do if your eyes hurt after the eclipse and how to spot damage April 9, 2024 What to do if your eyes hurt after the eclipse and how to spot damage April 9, 2024
• See how the eclipse transformed America, city by city April 8, 2024 See how the eclipse transformed America, city by city April 8, 2024
• Clouds part and crowds scream as total solar eclipse delights the U.S. April 8, 2024 Clouds part and crowds scream as total solar eclipse delights the U.S. April 8, 2024