2 TO 3 DAYS IN REYKJAVIK ICELAND ITINERARY: HOW TO PLAN A PERFECT ICELAND LAYOVER FOR FIRST TIMERS!
LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE 2 TO 3 DAYS IN REYKJAVIK ICELAND?
Iceland, the vibrant land of fire and ice, is honestly one of our favourite destinations to visit. Every part of this country gives so much – even if you only have a few days to spare!
This 3 day itinerary bases you in the colourful capital city of Reykjavik for the first 2 days. Let the professional guided tours whisk you to all the iconic Golden Circle hotspots before seeking out the Northern Lights as the sun goes down (seasonal).
If you’re lucky enough to stay a 3rd day, relocate to the South West area of Grindavík for the Blue Lagoon and to be conveniently near Keflavik International airport (KEF) for your flight the next day.
Planning your trip to Iceland? Start here:
Skyscanner ↗ to find the best flight deals to Keflavík Airport (KEF). Booking.com ↗ to browse the best places to stay across Iceland. 🎟️Viator ↗ to book unforgettable tours, from northern lights to ice caves. 🛡️ Staysure ↗ for easy, reliable travel insurance (UK travellers only).
DAY 1: ARRIVE, EXPLORE REYKJAVIK CITY & NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR
ARRIVE INTO KEFLAVIK AIRPORT Fly into Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport (KEF) this morning before making the 45 minute transfer to its capital city, Reykjavik.
On arrival, check-in or bag drop at your chosen accommodation before exploring the city!
Renting a car for this whole Iceland itinerary 💰💰💰 (we would only recommend this option if you were planning to drive the Golden Circle route / to Blue Lagoon yourself). If you are doing guided tours, renting a car is not needed.
Alternatively, you could also arrive the night before and wake up leisurely this morning before a day of exploring.
For your first 2 nights here, we recommend staying directly in the inner city of Reykjavik. Our top hotel choices (beautifully designed and all in great locations) for you are:
EXPLORE REYKJAVIK’S VIBRANT CENTRE! Reykjavik is a city bursting with vibrant colour, creativity and character, one that must be explored! Wind through and lose yourself in its quirky streets, cafes and bars. Shop down Laugavegur street and see the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral.
Head towards the nautical Old Harbour to spot colossal, colourful vessels or check out whale watching tour stalls.
Fun Fact: Reykjavik is the world’s only capital city with a thriving breeding colony of puffins!
Fun Fact: Iceland’s history had a habit of banning things! Beer was banned between 1915-1989, TV broadcasts banned until 1983 and even dogs were banned living in the city from 1924 to 1984!
As part of your 2 days in Iceland itinerary, make time to wander the colourful and quirky streets of Reykjavik – Iceland’s vibrant capital city! First photograph taken by Jordie.Pictured: The Top of Laugavegur street heading into Reykjavik city centre (left), the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavik (right).
Wrap up warm, jump onto your bus and keep your eyes peeled for the dazzling, dancing Aurora across the night skies!
In our opinion, seeing the Northern Lights is truly is the most incredible phenomenon in the world to see, and luckily for you, Iceland is one of the best places to see them!
Make sure you have a GoPro (or other high-quality camera) to capture them on a long exposure / slow shutter speed!
Top Tip: We recommend you always book a Northern Lights tour early on your itinerary in case of an Aurora ‘no show’. Many tours will offer another chance to see them on a free tour the following night!
Pictured: A dazzling Northern lights display that Jordie took using our GoPro’s long exposure setting! This is one of the best things you can do on your 3 days in Iceland itinerary when you are visiting in the Winter months!
DAY 2: FULL DAY SMALL-GROUP GOLDEN CIRCLE & KERID CRATER TOUR
FULL DAY TOUR (STOP 1): THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK First stop on this small-group Golden Circle & Kerid crater tour is Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park, a geological phenomenon and incredibly important heritage site in Iceland.
Incredibly, Þingvellir sits in between two tectonic plates – North America and Eurasia! They move 2.5cm apart from each other every year and here you can visibly see them pulling away from each other, creating what’s known as the “Rift Valley”.
Take time to explore the area, tick ‘walking between two of the World’s tectonic plates’ off your Iceland bucket list and enjoy the dramatic, jaw-dropping scenery.
Fun Fact: Thingvellir was declared Iceland’s first National Park in 1930, and promoted to a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004!
Fun Fact: The Icelandic Parliament meetings were held here between years 930 AD to 1798 AD!
Pictured: The Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park, a key sight on the Golden Circle itinerary route. Photograph taken by Jordie.
SPOTTED WILDLIFE!
Rjúpa (Rock Ptarmigan) bird Spotted camouflaged on cliffs of Þingvellir National Park! The Rock Ptarmigan, a medium-sized game bird, style an iconic bright red stripe above their eyes, and is famed for changing its feather colour throughout the year: White in Winter and Brown in Spring / Summer. They feed on birch buds and mountainous foliage.
FULL DAY TOUR (STOP 2): GEYSIR HOT SPRINGS Second stop on this small-group Golden Circle & Kerid crater tour is the Geothermal wonderland of the Geysir Hot Springs. Be confronted with an otherworldly volcanic landscape dotted with steaming geothermal pools, reaching scorching temperatures above 200°c!
Head to the main attraction, the powerful Strokkur geyser, which visibly wiggles, waves and bubbles until a 20-40 metre explosion of boiling water is catapulted into the sky! This occurs every 5 to 10 minutes, and is an awe-inspiring sight.
Fun Fact: The Geysir Hot Springs area became active 1000+ years ago, and compromises of over a dozen pools!
Fun Fact: Strokkur geyser is the most active here, and is actually the most famous geyser in the world!
Seeing the natural phenomenon of Iceland’s Strokkur geyser explode should be on the top of everyones 3 days in Iceland bucket list!
Pictured: The entrance towards to Strokkur geyser. Photograph taken by Jordie.
FULL DAY TOUR (STOP 3): GULLFOSS WATERFALL Third stop on this small-group Golden Circle & Kerid crater tour is Gullfoss (translated to “Golden Falls”). Gullfoss is Iceland’s most iconic waterfall, famed for its fiercely powerful cascade down to the Hvitá river canyon below.
Trail the marked pathways along the edges of this colossal force of nature – just don’t get too close unless you want a free shower! Unsurprisingly, Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most popular and accessible tourist attractions.
Top Tip: At Gullfoss, climb the wooden steps up the hill to Gullfoss Cafe – A locally run delicatessen and quirky souvenir shop, offering hot soups, salads, sandwiches and sweet treats to enjoy with a cuppa and panoramic views. There are also free public toilets here to use.
On your 3 days in Reykjavik Iceland itinerary, one thing you cannot miss is seeing the mighty Gullfoss waterfall on a guided Golden Circle tour! This was personally one of our favourite things to see what doing the Golden Circle tour in Iceland.
FULL DAY TOUR (STOP 4): KERID CRATER The fourth and final stop on this small-group Golden Circle & Kerid crater tour is Kerid crater, dating back to an eruption from over 3,000 years ago, is an absolute must-see on your 2 days in Iceland itinerary!
Gaze down in awe from above or gently descend down via the steps towards the dazzling aquamarine lake, cuddled in by vibrantly red volcanic crater walls.
If visiting in Winter, expect the crater lake to be frozen solid with the surrounding landscape embellished in pure white.
Top Tip: The entrance fee to the Kerid crater is included in the guided tour. If you were self-driving and visiting independently you would need to pay 400 ISK to see the Kerid Crater (approx. £2.50). This money is used to maintain the area.
Pictured: The natural phenomenon of Kerid Crater, a key stop on a Golden Circle tour itinerary!
EVENING (OPTIONAL): There is the option to move the suggested Day 1’s Northern Lights Midnight Aventure tour to this evening instead, if you still have the energy after a full-day trip to the Golden Circle.
We only mention this as tomorrow morning will be a lot more chilled out until you check-out of your hotel, giving you more time to sleep in the morning after by comparison.
Likewise, having tonight free could prove beneficial if last night you did not see any Northern Lights on your tour, and the company is offering a free opportunity to take you out again!
DAY 3: VISIT THE BLUE LAGOON / “THE RETREAT AT BLUE LAGOON” (OPTIONAL)
TRANSFER TO GRINDAVIK After a long day tour yesterday (and potentially a late night from additional Northern Lights searching!), spend a slow morning before checking out of your inner Reykjavik city accommodation.
Book a taxi or UBER towards the South West of Iceland, near Grindavik, to your next accommodation to check-in / bag drop first before heading to the Blue Lagoon.
We highly recommend booking a 1 nights stay at the Northern Lights Inn. The hotel is in super close proximity to the Blue Lagoon, either a 15 minute straight walk or you use can take their free shuttle bus for guests!
Book your Blue Lagoon entry ticket separately to the hotel directly on the Blue Lagoons website. You can choose between a general, premium and ‘Retreat Spa’ day admission ticket option dependant on your budget!
Psst! If you really wanted an extra luxurious experience, you can also book an overnight stay at The Retreat Spa hotel, where each suite gets their own private access to Blue Lagoons healing waters straight from their room! Of course, this exclusive experience comes with a much higher price tag!
BLUE LAGOON GEOTHERMAL SPA Spend your last day here truly unwinding and relaxing at Iceland’s most iconic Geothermal spa – the Blue Lagoon!
Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa is the perfect way to finish up your epic 2 days in Iceland itinerary! Photograph taken by Jordie.
Named as one of National Geographic’s ‘Top 25 Wonders of the World’, step into the soothingly warm lagoon and allow your thoughts to melt away as you soak in the milky-blue seawater.
What we loved the most when visiting the Blue Lagoon was the buckets full of blue silica mud dotted around the lagoon to use for free mud masks during your experience.
The silica is provenly packed with rejuvenating, nourishing powers for your skin – so make sure you layer it on! There is also a swim-up bar set in the lagoon to grab and enjoy a refreshment as you float around.
Pictured: Entering into the Blue Lagoon, Iceland. Spot the swim-up bar set in the lagoon on the right hand side!
Top Tip: Blue Lagoon is an incredibly popular tourist destination. We highly recommend pre-booking your ticket online to avoid disappointment.
Top Tip: Make sure you layer on the silica mud while you are in the lagoon, where it is available in abundance. Once it is bottled up and on the gift shop shelves, it harbours a hefty price tag!
Related: There is also a new, less crowded alternative spa experience to the Blue Lagoon, called the Sky Lagoon. The Sky Lagoon is located just outside of Reykjavik city.
Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa is the perfect way to relax and finish your epic 2 to 3 days in Iceland itinerary! Photograph of Jordie and her friends enjoying their face masks in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland!
DINNER & RELAX Spend a relaxing evening at your hotel, the Northern Lights Inn. Have a wonderful dinner at their on-site Max’s Restaurant.
Make the most of the dark skies with minimal light pollution and keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights dancing across the skies this evening, the perfect way to end your 2 to 3 days in Reykavik, Iceland!
DAY 4: CATCH YOUR FLIGHT HOME!
You’ve finished your epic 3 days in Iceland itinerary! Now it’s time to head to Keflavik International airport (KEF) – conveniently now just a 20 minute (22km) drive away – to catch your flight home. Check KIWI for exclusive flight deals.
For Days 1 to 2, you should ideally stay in Reykjavik city centre. This will ensure you are in close proximity to everything in town, plus Reykjavik is the main base for mostly all guided tours!
For Day 3, we recommend changing scenery and accommodation in South West Iceland. This puts you in close proximity to the Blue Lagoon, Keflavik Airport (ideal for your flight home).
The darker skies and minimal light pollution of this location also gives you that one last opportunity to see the Northern Lights on your own accord for your last night here!
OUR TOP PICKS FOR WHERE TO STAY IN REYKJAVIK CITY (DAY 1 TO 2)
2 TO 3 DAYS IN ICELAND: FULLY GUIDED 2 DAY TOUR OPTIONS
Want to do minimal planning and instead join a fully organised, jam-packed 2 or 3 day tour of Iceland? Our top picks for fully inclusive 2 to 3 day tours below from Reykjavik are listed below:
3-Day Ice Cave, South Coast, Golden Circle and Northern Lights from Reykjavik – Winter months only! (Included: 2 nights accommodation with breakfast, all activities and safety equipment, hassle-free round trip transportation from designated Reykjavik bus stops, professional guide). Note: Lunch and dinners not included.
WEST COAST TOURS:
“2-Day West Coast Tour: Lava Cave, Snæfellsnes & Silver Circle” (Included: 1 nights accommodation with breakfast, all activities, hassle-free round trip transportation from Reykjavik hotel and all sites, professional guide). Note: Lunch and dinners not included.
1 DAY IN ICELAND: FULL DAY TOUR OPTION
If you have less than 2 days in Iceland and just have 1 full day here, there is this highly rated 11-hour full day tour you can do that includes the below, all in one day!
The Golden Circle route: Thingvellir National Park, geysirs, Gullfoss waterfall and Kerid crater.
A visit to the Blue Lagoon.
ICELAND PACKING LIST
A warm hat, gloves, scarf, ear muffs and a thermal coat.
Comfortable layers, including some long-sleeved tops.
Long comfortable trousers, ideally thermal leggings
Wool socks for exploring tours outside of the city
Comfortable lightweight walking shoes with good grip
A GoPro to capture amazing footage of the night sky or Northern lights!
A spare waterproof bag to store your wet towel / swimsuit after the Blue Lagoon / Sky Lagoon experience.
HOW TO GET TO REYKJAVIK IN ICELAND
GETTING TO REYKJAVIK ICELAND BY AIR:
Unless you are part of some sort of larger pre-arranged cruise, the best way to get directly to Iceland is by flying.
You will fly into Keflavik International airport (KEF), Iceland’s main and closest airport to the capital city of Reykjavik (45 minute drive). Check KIWI for exclusive flight deals.
HOW DO I GET FROM KEFLAVIK AIRPORT TO REYKJAVIK CITY CENTRE?
As mentioned previously, to then get from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik city, you have three main options to chose from:
When you are already in Reykjavik city centre, the majority of key sights to see (i.e. the main high street, Hallgrímskirkja church and the marina) are all very accessible on foot and in close proximity.
GETTING AROUND REYKJAVIK CITY BY BUS:
If you don’t fancy walking everywhere, you can opt to use the local bus services around Reykjavik. They have reliable, regular bus services taking you all round the city and all key attractions in surrounding areas.
If you think you’ll use the bus services a lot during your stay, consider investing in the Reykjavik City Card.
This gives inclusive pass options for either a 24 hour, 48 hour and 72 hour period, providing unlimited bus travel within the city, tour and shop discounts plus free entry to a wide selection of swimming pools, museums and galleries. This is the easiest and cost-efficient way to experience what Reykjavik has to offer!
Please note: Only opt to self-drive around Iceland if you are a confident driver that can deal with the rapid weather changes, strong winds and bitter icy conditions that Iceland is famously known for.
It’s worth noting insurance on rental cars can work out quite expensive too to cover you for all of types of eventualities!
Otherwise, for a stress free experiences exploring outside of Reykjavik, enjoy the transfers there and back which will be included in the price of most guided tours in Iceland!
USEFUL TIPS FOR VISITING ICELAND:
Icelandic Króna £1 (GBP) = 173 (ISK) (figures as per 2025)
Time Zone Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time. It is 1 hour behind the United Kingdom.
Plug Adaptors You will require an adaptor to suit Type C & F (Europlug). Their standard voltage is 220V.
Required Documents Click here for Iceland’s Government website stating countries who do require a visa to travel into Iceland, likewise click here for those who do not need a visa.
VISITING ICELAND: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S
WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT & SEE ICELAND?
When considering the best months to visit Iceland, this all depends on what is most important to you:
Summer months (July and August): The Summer months are the most popular months for tourists to visit, being Iceland’s warmest months and extended daylight hours, at its peak giving a total of 21+ hours of daylight in one day.
As long as you can stay awake, this gives you an incredible amount more time to explore around Iceland in the light. Summer is also the best time to go whale watching in Iceland and kayaking in Iceland. Of course, these benefit comes at a price of being more expensive and busier with other tourists.
Winter months (November to February): On the contrary, Iceland’s Winter months bring sub zero temperatures and the shortest daylight hours, with as little as 4 hours daylight in mid-December!
However, these darker skies bring in higher probabilities to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.
HOW TO GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ICELANDS:
To get the best of both worlds, we would suggest visiting Iceland in either of the shoulder seasons, Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November). Both periods allow for decent daylight hours and are less expensive than the Summer months.
As an added bonus, visiting in Autumn (September to November) gives you the chance to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, that can be seen in Iceland even as early as September!
IS 2 DAYS IN ICELAND ENOUGH?
Of course, 2 to 3 days in Iceland is not enough to see everything Iceland has to offer, that would be impossible!
However, as long as you plan your days correctly, 2 days in Iceland is still a great amount of time to see a few epic highlights that this country has to offer! Consider it a taster, wetting your appetite to come back and visiting even more of Iceland for longer on another occasion.
2 to 3 days in Iceland is also the perfect amount of time to do a long Iayover in Iceland, particularly if you are coming over from the United States.
WHAT CAN YOU SEE IN ICELAND IN 2 DAYS?
If you follow our epic 2 days in Iceland itinerary detailed above, you will base yourself in and explore the vibrant capital city Reykjavik, and get to witness epic natural sights just beyond the cities borders!
This includes dramatic mountainous scenery, colossal waterfalls, out-of-this world craters, watching Mother nature at her finest with exploding geysers and bathing in the healing powers of the Blue Lagoon Geothermal spa.
CONCLUSION: 3 DAYS IN REYKJAVIK ICELAND
To conclude, a full 3 days in Reykjavik Iceland is a brilliant amount of time to see the majority of nearby sights that Reykjavik and South-West of Iceland has to offer!
From geothermal delights of the Blue Lagoon, the geographical wonders of the Golden Circle & Kerid Crater route, exploring vibrant Reykjavik city and searching for Northern Lights – Iceland really has something for everyone even in such a short amount of time!
We hope you have the best time following our 3 days in Reykjavik Iceland travel guide!
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
Got a trip coming up? Look no further than:
Skyscannerfor the best flight deals Easy to compare, clean, uncluttered website.
Booking.comto stay somewhere amazing Most free cancellation on anything from glamping to luxury stays.
Viatorfor unforgettable experiences All the best tours & activities in one easy place! Free cancellation on most.
Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.
Skyscanner ↗ to find the best flight deals to Keflavík Airport (KEF).
Booking.com ↗ to browse the best places to stay across Iceland.
