How To See The Best of Iceland in 3 Days
My son has been visiting Iceland for over a decade – he’s a rock climber and has made many friends there. So he generally rents an apartment for a few weeks each year. And he always begs me to come visit. With the heat of this past summer, I decided that the time was right. And I was stunned that it took me to get to this beautiful island – truly, one of the most scenic places I’ve been.
If you only have a few days to explore Iceland, don’t worry—you can still soak up the best of this magical island’s raw beauty, rich culture, and otherworldly landscapes. In fact, my son has suggested I just come for three days, emphasizing how easy it is to get around and how small the island is. Iceland is a place where the elements are always at play, where every turn in the road reveals lava fields, thundering waterfalls, or a herd of Icelandic horses grazing beneath a glacier.
Here’s your perfect 3-day itinerary for Iceland: a balanced blend of natural wonders, cozy city vibes, and scenic drives that feel like something out of a fantasy novel.
What To Know About Iceland
First, a bit about Iceland, because I really didn’t know anything about it. It is a land shaped by fire and ice—literally. Formed around 20 million years ago by volcanic activity along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the island continues to evolve today with frequent eruptions, geysers, and geothermal activity. Its dramatic landscapes include lava fields, black sand beaches, glaciers, fjords, and more than 130 active and dormant volcanoes, making it one of the most geologically dynamic places on Earth. Despite its rugged terrain, Iceland is home to a population of just under 400,000 people, two-thirds of whom live in the capital region of Reykjavik. With vast stretches of untouched wilderness and a deep connection to nature, Iceland combines modern living with awe-inspiring, raw natural beauty—offering travelers a chance to experience Earth’s elemental power up close.
What To See in Iceland In 3 Days
Day 1: Wander around Reykjavik
Since you only have three days, you’ll want to make it a full day. I found downtown Reykjavik to be absolutely charming with quaint streets and shops. Start on Laugavegur, the main shopping street, where you’ll find everything from sleek Nordic fashion and cozy wool sweaters to quirky design shops and bookstores that double as coffee houses. Pop into Sandholt Bakery for a buttery pastry and a latte, then take your time window shopping and people-watching. Reykjavik’s residents are effortlessly stylish and laid-back, and you’ll quickly notice the city’s love for art, design, and storytelling.
Make time for a visit to Hallgrímskirkja, the soaring, modernist church that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains from its tower. Then, head to the Harpa Concert Hall—a glass-clad architectural gem on the waterfront—or duck into one of Reykjavik’s many museums like the National Museum of Iceland or the Saga Museum.
Don’t miss Fischersund, a uniquely Icelandic perfume house and concept store in Reykjavik, founded by a family of artists, including musician Jónsi from Sigur Rós. Tucked away in a cozy alley, the shop offers hand-crafted fragrances inspired by Iceland’s raw landscapes—think smoky birch, sea salt, and moss. It’s part sensory experience, part art installation, and a must-visit for lovers of scent, design, and creativity.
If there’s one thing you absolutely should not miss, it is Sky Lagoon. Being a wellness expert, I knew that I had to partake in one of the island’s famous wellness spots. Read below about why I chose Sky Lagoon over Blue Lagoon. It was a magical afternoon!
Day 2: Drive the Golden Circle
Iceland’s Golden Circle is the classic day trip and for good reason—it packs an incredible punch of natural wonders all within easy driving distance of Reykjavik.
Thingvellir National Park – Start at Thingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can literally walk between two continents—the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It’s also the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament, and its mossy cliffs and sparkling lake feel like stepping into a Tolkien novel.
Geysir Geothermal Area – Next, drive to the Geysir geothermal field. While the original Geysir is mostly dormant, Strokkur puts on a show every 5–10 minutes, shooting hot water 100 feet into the air. The smell of sulfur in the air just adds to the drama. I learned that the word “geyser” actually comes from this part of Iceland.
Gullfoss Waterfall – End the circuit at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. It plunges in two dramatic tiers into a canyon, sending mist into the air and rainbows dancing in the sunlight.
Along the way, consider stopping at Friðheimar, a tomato greenhouse and restaurant where you can enjoy soup, bread, and bloody marys in a warm, steamy greenhouse surrounded by vines—an unexpected oasis in the Icelandic countryside. TIP: Make reservations well in advance!
Option: Opt for an early morning whale watching adventure
Whale watching in Iceland is an unforgettable experience, offering the chance to see majestic creatures like humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, and even blue whales in their natural habitat. Tours depart from several coastal towns, including Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Húsavík—often considered the whale watching capital of Iceland. The best time to go is from April to October, when the waters are rich with marine life and sightings are frequent. Many tours also offer stunning views of the coastline, adding even more wonder to the experience.
Day 3: Drive the Countryside of Snaefellsnes Peninsula or the South Coast
The South Coast is a popular route for visitors but my son had done it numerous times and wanted to see a part of the county he had not visited, the Western coast. So we drove the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and while I have not seen the South Coast, I can tell you that we both were stunned by the beauty of this region.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
If you want variety in one manageable loop, head northwest to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula—often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it features nearly every landscape the country has to offer.
- See the black church of Búðir against a backdrop of lava fields.
- Walk along the cliffs at Arnarstapi, where waves crash into basalt arches and seabirds soar overhead.
- Snap a photo of Kirkjufell, the mountain made famous by Game of Thrones.
- And of course, don’t miss Snaefellsjökull National Park, where a glacier-capped volcano towers over lava flows and beaches.
- I loved Sheep’s Waterfall – a little-known stop along the way.
Pros: Less crowded than the south coast, diverse scenery in a compact area, great for photographers and geology buffs.
Cons: A bit more remote and fewer big waterfalls.
South Coast – Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches
For dramatic landscapes and iconic sights, head south. You’ll want an early start.
- Stop at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall.
- Visit Skógafoss, a wide, thundering curtain of water you can hike above.
- Explore the eerie black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, with its basalt columns and moody sea stacks.
- And if time allows, go as far as Vík or the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon for more jaw-dropping views.
Pros: Big, Instagram-famous sights, more tourist infrastructure, jaw-dropping landscapes.
Cons: More tourists, longer drive with more stops.
Why I Choose Sky Lagoon Vs. Blue Lagoon
While the Blue Lagoon has long been Iceland’s iconic geothermal spa, the Sky Lagoon is much more convenient, just minutes from downtown Reykjavik. And this matters if you’re on a tight timeline. Nestled along the North Atlantic coast, Sky Lagoon features an infinity-edge pool that appears to spill right into the ocean. We even saw a few seals playing around the jetty. It’s smaller and more serene than the Blue Lagoon – and I’d like to think less crowded. I loved having a walk-up bar in the lagoon, but it’s Sky Lagoon’s signature seven-step ritual, a cold plunge, sauna, steam room, cool mist room, and body scrub that really made the experience. By contrast, the Blue Lagoon, located near Keflavik Airport, is larger and more commercialized, with its signature milky-blue silica-rich water and sprawling facilities that cater to crowds year-round. While the Blue Lagoon may still be a bucket list destination, Sky Lagoon offers a more intimate, luxurious, and culturally rooted alternative, especially appealing to those seeking a peaceful, spa-like retreat without the busloads of tourists. If you’re staying in Reykjavik and want an upscale, modern Icelandic spa experience, Sky Lagoon is the perfect choice.
Where to Eat in Iceland
It’s no secret that I’m a foodie so it should come as no surprise that my son is also a foodie – probably even more than me! So he had a few places picked out to dine before I got there, and all of them were amazing!
When it comes to eating in Iceland, Reykjavik delivers a surprising mix of comfort food, cutting-edge cuisine, and indulgent treats. Start your morning at Brauð & Co, where the scent of their famous cinnamon rolls draws locals and visitors alike. These flaky, gooey, warm from the oven rolls are definitely worth the hype. For a standout lunch or casual dinner, head to Skál!, a modern food hall eatery serving elevated Icelandic small plates with a focus on local ingredients. Seafood lovers should not miss Oto, a buzzing spot known for its inventive fusion dishes and fresh Nordic flavors. My son also swears by the authentic Icelandic fish soup at Isklenski Barinn. Other popular places include Tapasbarinn and Dill for elevated Nordic cuisine or Fiskfélagið (The Fish Company) for fresh seafood with Icelandic flair.Just outside the city (near the Golden Circle), Friðheimar is a one-of-a-kind greenhouse restaurant where everything revolves around tomatoes—even the dessert. Don’t skip Iceland’s unexpectedly iconic hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur—order it “with everything” for the full experience. And for a sweet finish, be sure to sample Icelandic ice cream, a year-round obsession here. Try a classic soft serve dipped in chocolate or head to Valdís for inventive scoops like licorice or rhubarb crumble.
Where to Stay in Iceland
We actually stayed in an Airbnb which are quite common around the island. But if you prefer a traditional hotel, I checked out a few of them. In Reykjavik, you’ll find a range of accommodations that combine Scandinavian style with cozy comfort and easy access to the city’s top sights.
The Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel is a reliable, upscale choice in the heart of downtown, just steps from the harbor and Laugavegur shopping street—perfect for first-time visitors who want walkability and full-service amenities.
Center Hotels operates several stylish boutique properties throughout Reykjavik, including Center Hotels Laugavegur and Center Hotels Arnarhvoll, the latter offering a stunning rooftop bar with views of Harpa and the bay.
For something a bit more boutique and intimate, consider Kvosin Downtown Hotel, with its apartment-style rooms and chic Nordic interiors in a historic building near Parliament Square.
If you’re seeking a more serene, luxurious retreat just outside the hustle of the city, The Reykjavik Edition is a sleek, five-star option on the harborfront that blends high design with Icelandic character.
The Weather in Iceland & The Best Time to Visit
I visited in July and was thinking there would be some chilly evenings. Fortunately, my son explained that Iceland can feel much cooler than the actual temperature due to wind and dampness. He suggested I swap out my light rain jacket for a lightweight down jacket and I’m so glad he did. When I visited, the temperature was about 55 degrees during the day but the wind and rain made it feel more like 45 degrees.
The bottom line: Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable; you might experience sunshine, rain, wind, and even snow all in a single day, no matter the season. Summer, from June to August, is the most popular time to visit, with mild temperatures (averaging 50–60°F), nearly 24 hours of daylight thanks to the Midnight Sun, and accessible roads for exploring the countryside. This is the best time for hiking, whale watching, and road trips like the Golden Circle or South Coast. Winter months, from November to February, are much colder and darker but offer the magical chance to see the Northern Lights, fewer crowds, and the snowy, dramatic beauty of Iceland’s landscape. Spring and fall (shoulder seasons) offer a quieter experience with slightly lower prices and still plenty to see and do—just be sure to pack layers, waterproof gear, and always be prepared for the unexpected.
Getting to Iceland
Perhaps getting to Iceland from the U.S. is one of the best things. It’s only about a five hour flight from New York or Boston. I actually opted for a flight out of Boston because it was a day flight rather than an overnight flight. Several airlines offering direct flights to Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. You can fly nonstop to Iceland from major U.S. cities including New York (JFK and Newark), Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Denver, and Minneapolis, among others. Airlines like Icelandair, Delta, United, and PLAY offer seasonal and year-round service, often with flight times ranging from 5 to 8 hours depending on your departure city. Icelandair also offers an enticing stopover program, allowing travelers en route to Europe to spend a few days exploring Iceland without extra airfare. With its convenient location between North America and Europe, Iceland is an ideal long weekend or extended layover destination that feels worlds away—but is surprisingly close.