Iceland is a bucket list destination for many people and with good reason. Iceland’s otherworldly landscape includes volcanic black sand beaches, seemingly endless glaciers and mystical waterfalls making Iceland one of the most unique and varied landscapes on the planet. While one can really never fully know Iceland you can get a good sense of this northern island in a short amount of time. With just four days you can see a bit of everything that makes Iceland a captivating destination. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland this four day itinerary along Iceland’s south coast covers a lot of this country’s greatest hits.
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Day 1 – Iceland’s Golden Circle
After your flight arrives at Keflavik International Airport you’ll want to pick up your rental car and head to Thingvellir National Park, about 1 hour and 15 minutes away. This itinerary is an out and back so you can switch day 1 and day 4 if you like. After exploring the Golden Circle I recommend spending the first night near the Golden Circle. Before you leave check out my best travel tips for your trip to Iceland.
Thingvellir National Park
Often the first stop on a tour of the Golden Circle, Thingvellir is the where you can view the where North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Resulting in a large abyss-like fissure, this is the only place in the world that you can view tectonic plates above ground. If you’re feeling especially adventurous you can also plan to snorkel at Silfra, right between where these tectonic plates meet! This is also an area of cultural significance in Iceland as the site of the Althing, or the world’s first parliament. From the year 930 to 1798, chieftains would come from across the island to discuss politics and shape the future of Iceland.
Geysers in Iceland
Haukadalur is the next stop on Golden Circle and here you’ll find two geothermal wonders; Geysir and Strokkur geysers. Though it rarely erupts now, Geysir is regarded as the first gushing hot spring to be recorded in print and is the namesake for all the geysers throughout the world. Strokkur, on the other hand, erupts regularly every 10 minutes and you’re pretty much guarnteed to see an amazing show. There is a strong sulfuric smell here but it’s worth it to brave the odor to watch the hot spring burst nearly 100 feet in the sky.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Located near the Golden Circle attractions of Geysir and Thingvellir, Gullfoss is widely regarded as Europe’s biggest and most powerful waterfall. The Hvítá River drops 105 feet in a breathtaking double cascade making Gullfoss one of Iceland’s most visited sites. Make sure to wear good rain gear and water resistant shoes as you will get wet.
Hotels near the Golden Circle
Day 2 – Waterfalls and Glaciers
Iceland’s waterfalls and glaciers are a few of the natural wonders that bring thousands of people to Iceland and on Day 2 you’ll get to see some of Iceland’s most stunning sights. Plan on basing yourself near Vik, either in a hotel or guesthouse, for days 2 and 3.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Heading south toward the coast the next major stop is Seljalandsfoss; a narrow, glacier fed fall that drops over 200 feet. Walk behind the falls for a striking view of the coastal plains through the cascade’s curtain, here you’ll find one of the most iconic waterfall views in all of Iceland.
Skogafoss Waterfall
On the South Coast of the Ring Road lies Skogafoss, one Iceland’s most dramatic waterfalls. At 80 feet wide, the Skogar River flows over former seacliffs dropping 200 feet to the valley below. There is a trail alongside Skogafoss that offers great panoramic views of the coast as well as access to hiking trails that lead back into the Icelandic highlands.
Sólheimajökull Glacier
South Iceland is home to several massive glaciers that are easily accessible for viewing but I recommend getting up close to fully experience this fascinating icy world. Sólheimajökull is one of the most convenient glaciers to Iceland making it a popular day trip option for anyone basing their Iceland trip in Reykjavik.These massive ice sheets have carved out dramatic sweeping landscapes along Iceland’s South Coast but witnessing how far they have receded in recent years shows just how powerful and fragile the glacial ecosystem can be. No matter how you choose to experience Iceland’s glaciers; whether it’s glacier hiking with crampons, ice climbing or exploring the crystalline blue ice caves- it’s best to go with a guide for safety as the glaciers themselves are constantly changing.
Where to stay near Vik
Day 3 – Black Sand Beach, Vantajokull National Park and Glacier Lagoons
Day 3 is a fairly ambitious day and if you plan on hitting all of these sites it’s best to get an early start as the Icelandic Glacier Lagoons are 2.5-3 hours from Vik without stops (though like much of Iceland you’ll be tempted to stop every 5 minutes for pictures). Allow more time of you plan to hike at Vantajokull or take a boat tour in one of the glacier lagoons.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
At the southernmost tip of Iceland near the small town of Vik you can find stunningly beautiful Reynisfjara volcanic black sand beach. Named one of the ten most beautiful beaches by Island magazine, the contrast between the black basalt sand and the crashing waves of the North Atlantic provides one of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Iceland. Offshore a trio of basalt rock formations called Reynisdrangar rise from the sea; local folklore tells a tale that these columns were three trolls who were trying to bring their boats ashore and were turned to stone with the light of dawn. The cliffs nearby are popular with a variety of seabirds, most notably puffins who use these cliffs as breeding grounds.
Vatnajokull National Park
At over 14,000 sq. km in size Vatnajokull is the largest national park in Iceland.The main access point to the park is near Skaftafell Glacier (which also served as a filming location for The Wall in Game of Thrones) and like Solheimajokull there are guided tours for glacier hiking, ice climbing and exploring ice caves. There is also an easy hiking path to Svartifoss a basalt column waterfall.
Glacier Lagoons in Iceland
About an hour’s drive past the entrance to Skaftafell Glacier the vast Vatnajokull glacier cap feeds into two striking glacier lagoons. Jokulsarlon is the larger of the two and a popular tourist attraction; while not as well known Fjallsarlon is smaller but no less stunning. Both glacier lagoons continue to grow in size due to glacial melt, in 1956 Jokulsarlon measured 4.5 square kilometers; today it measures over 25 square kilometers. Amphibious and zodiac boat tours are available to explore these otherworldly lagoons.
Day 4- Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik
Blue Lagoon
Chances are if you’ve thought at all about going to Iceland the Blue Lagoon is at the top of your list. With ethereal blue waters and an otherworldly volcanic landscape the setting is certainly enticing and these beautiful geothermal springs attract over 4000 visitors per day. Since the the Blue Lagoon is this popular reservations are now required. Check out my post for everything you need to know before visiting the Blue Lagoon.
Reykjavik
While Iceland’s greatest hits are outside the capital there’s plenty to explore in Reykjavik. The northern most capital is compact and easy to explore in a day. Start with a stop at Reykjavik’s iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, this minimalist tower rises 244 feet above the city and gives a great bird’s eye view of Reykjavik’s colorful houses. The Harpa concert hall is striking modern addition to Reykjavik’s Waterfront and even if you’re not planning to see the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra it’s worst a visit to check out it’s stunning architecture. Nearby, the Sun Voyager sculpture pays homage to Iceland’s seafaring heritage against the beautiful backdrop of the harbor.
Patti Boo says
Iceland is definitely on my bucket list! And four days sound like the ideal time frame for us to visit. Thanks for the itinerary tips!
Wellness Travel Diaries says
Wow! Each of these spots all look so beautiful! I can’t wait to visit Iceland! It’s been on my bucket list, so I’m definitely pinning this for later. Thanks for this post!