3 Days In Reykjavik: An Easy Weekend Itinerary
Reykjavik is a vibrant and fun city located within close proximity to some of the most stunning natural wonders on this planet.
In addition to it’s natural beauty the city offers an excellent variety of entertainment from quirky museums and geothermal spas, to up all night nightlife.
With Reykjavik being just a few hours from major cities such as New York, London, and Oslo, it’s easier than you might imagine to spend a long weekend in this incredible country.
Read on for how to spend the perfect 3 days in Reykjavik.
3 Days In Reykjavik Itinerary
Day 1
Soak In The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of the top attractions in Iceland and conveniently located near Keflavik Airport. It’s an easy and relaxing stop not to mention a perfect way to kick off your 3 days in Reykjavik!
The lagoon is an outdoor geothermal spa made famous by it’s mineral-rich, milky blue water. It’s perpetually warm waters are perfect even on the coldest days in Reykjavik.
Did You Know? The Blue Lagoon has been named one of the Top 25 Wonders of the World.
Ticket prices will vary depending on time of day, averaging between 17000-22000 ISK ($135-175 USD) per person to visit. I recommend visiting the lagoon as early as possible for the fewest crowds and least expensive tickets.
Once you arrive you’re allowed to stay for as long as you’d like.
Be sure to book your time slot before heading to the lagoon: Blue Lagoon. Walk-up tickets are not guaranteed and popular time slots often sell out well in advance.
In regards to getting here, if you do not have a rental car either take a taxi or arrange a shuttle in advance. I recommend driving yourself or using a taxi so you can stay as long as you’d like.
See Hallgrímskirkja Church
It’s time to head to the city of Reykjavik for some sight seeing! Hallgrímskirkja church is the first stop.
Hallgrímskirkja church is among the tallest buildings in Iceland standing at 68 meters (224 feet) tall. This is one of the city’s most iconic attractions and a building you can spot from just about anywhere downtown.
The beautiful church is open for visitors any time during regular business hours. You can even go to the very top, which offers sweeping views of downtown Reykjavik and the surrounding area.
Most of the church is free to walk around. There’s a fee of 1000 ISK ($7.95 USD) per person if you’d like to go to the top.
Did You Know? The church is modeled after basalt columns and took 41 years to complete. Construction began in 1945 and wasn’t finished until 1986.
Visit A Museum
If time permits in the afternoon, consider visiting a museum. Reykjavik has great options from traditional art and history museums to outlandish and eccentric collections, there’s something for everyone.
Below are a few popular museums:
- Perlan
- Icelandic Punk Museum
- Saga Museum
- Icelandic Phallological Museum
- Reykjavik Maritime Museum
- Reykjavik Art Museum
- Whales of Iceland
- National Museum of Iceland
Go Shopping In Reykjavik
Alternatively, you could spend the afternoon shopping. Laugavegur is the main shopping street downtown. It offers a variety of boutiques, thrift stores, and popular chains. In the area you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars should you need to refuel between shops.
The largest flea market in Iceland, Kolaportið, is also centrally located downtown. The huge building is full of ever-changing goods and hidden treasures. Shoppers could easily spend hours browsing the unceasing selection of goods here. Kolaportið is free to walk around and open only on weekends.
Catch A Show
If you’ve got the energy, wrap up the night with some live entertainment. Iceland is well known for it’s music scene and no stay is complete without attending at least one show. You’re likely to find something you enjoy on any night of the week, no matter your musical interests.
A majority of the concerts are free and located in coffee shops and bars around downtown.
Additional shows in Reykjavik:
- Bio Paradis – The city’s art cinema, showing international classics and Icelandic films with English subtitles.
- Gaukurinn – Well known for drag shows and hosts a weekly stand-up comedy show.
- Thjodleikhuskjallarinn (National Theatre Basement) – Hosts improv and cabaret performances.
- Tjarnarbio – A popular venue for music, dance performances, and theatre.
Day 2
On Day 2 of this 3 day Reykjavik itinerary we’ll get out of the city and explore some of Iceland’s most popular attractions. Including lush waterfalls, lava fields, and black sand beaches.
South Coast Day Tour
The south coast is one of Iceland’s most popular regions thanks to it’s close proximity to the capital and massive collection of natural wonders. You can easily see some of the top highlights with a day trip from Reykjavik.
We did this as a self-guided tour but I include some guided tour options at the end of this section.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss is one of the country’s most loved waterfalls. Behind the outpouring is a wide cavern which allows visitors to fully encircle the 197 foot (60 m) waterfall. The natural cavern provides a unique perspective of this stunning attraction.
Note: You’ll want waterproof clothing here!
The waterfall is just a short walk from the parking lot. Allow at least 20 minutes to follow the trail encircling the waterfall, trust me, you’ll want to take lots of photos!
Optional: Take A Short Hike To Gljufrafoss From Seljalandsfoss
Gljufrafoss translates to “canyon falls” which is exactly what you’ll find when you arrive. The 130 foot (40 m) waterfall cascades into a narrow canyon accessible by following the stream through a small slot canyon. To get here you’ll have to hike about 1 mile, the path is easy and passes two smaller waterfalls.
Note: There are times when the water level is high and it’s not possible to access the canyon.
Gljufrafoss is accessed from the same lot as Seljalandsfoss but requires a short hike. Considering the popularity of the aforementioned falls, Gljufrafoss is much lesser known and is considered a hidden gem in the area.
Allow about an hour to complete the hike and enjoy this beautiful waterfall.
Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss is one of the most recognizable waterfalls in Iceland. At 197 foot (60 m) it’s the same height as Seljalandsfoss, the first waterfall on today’s itinerary. However it’s width is a staggering 85 feet (25 m).
If you have the time there’s a staircase which allows you to view the falls from above as well. I recommend doing this as the views from the top are beautiful as well.
Fun Fact: Due to the amount of spray the waterfall produces, a rainbow is normally visible on sunny days.
Plan for about 30 minutes at Skogafoss.
Optional: Hike To Seljavallalaug Pool
Seljavallalaug is a photogenic outdoor pool fed by geothermal waters. It’s also one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland.
It’s tucked into a quiet valley below Eyjafjallajökull volcano surrounded by waterfalls, abundant green peaks, and dramatic volcanic rock. The valley exudes seclusion and serenity despite its close proximity to Route 1, Iceland’s main highway.
From the lot you’ll hike roughly 1.6 km (just under a mile) to the pool. The hike is primarily flat but does require crossing a shallow, rocky river.
Allow yourself at least an hour here, longer if you wish to swim (swimming is free!).
Reynisfjara Beach
While you’re on the south coast you must see Reynisfjara Beach. This is a world famous black sand beach most known for its other-worldly basalt stacks.
Fun Fact: Reynisfjara was voted among the Top 10 non-tropical beaches on the planet by National Geographic.
The basalt stacks are just a short walk from the parking lot and won’t take more than 10 minutes to view. However that’s not all there is to see here! The black sand beach has numerous unique rock formations, Hálsanefshellir cave, and dramatic sea stacks just off the shore.
You could easily spend 30 – 45 minutes exploring the beach, but in order to do so you must visit at low tide.
Important Note: Again, this beach is best explored at low tide, high tide should be avoided. The beach is known for deadly sneaker-waves and aggressive rip currents. It’s recommended that you stay at least 100 feet (30 m) from the water and do not turn your back on the ocean.
South Coast Iceland Tours From Reykjavik
There are many south coast tours available from Reykjavik. I always recommend doing a smaller group tour, the cost is higher but it’s more of a personalized experience.
Your Day Tours is one of the top rated tours which includes stops at Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Reynisfjara Beach, all of which were mentioned above. The tour includes hotel pick up and drop off.
Be sure to book your tours well in advance, popular options sell out very quickly in Iceland.
South Coast Iceland Tours From Reykjavik In Winter
If visiting in winter you can still explore the south coast. I highly recommend booking through a tour company, such as Your Day Tours, to avoid the potential of driving in inclement weather.
This is also a great time of year to explore an ice cave. Reykjavik Sightseeing offers a full day excursion in the icy labyrinths of Langjökull Glacier. The tour also includes stops at Borgarfjörður valley and Hraunfossar falls. As always, this is a small group tour and offers hotel pick up and drop off.
Day 3
During day 3 of your long weekend in Reykjavik we’ll explore the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle is one of the most popular day trips from Reykjavik with highlights such as a massive waterfall, geothermal wonders, and a colorful crater.
The Golden Circle requires a full day (at least 8 hours) for most but is possible to do in a half day.
Golden Circle Route
The Golden Circle connects three of Iceland’s top attractions — Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Again, we did this tour on our own, but there are guided options as well, which I’ll list at the end of this section.
You May Also Like: The Most Popular Stops Along The Golden Circle
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is known for natural beauty, important Icelandic history, and geological phenomenons. For most this is the first stop on the Golden Circle route Iceland.
A few of the most famous things to do here are: Walking between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Visit Althing, home of the first, and world’s oldest, democratic national parliament. Marvel at Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake
Did You Know: Thingvellir is the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates — or I should say, the separating points. The plates are currently moving apart at the rate of about 2 cm (0.79 in) per year. You can walk between the two continents, this is the only place in the world it’s possible to do such a thing.
Plan for at least an hour here.
Geysir Geothermal Field
Stop 2 along the Golden Circle route is Geysir Geothermal Field. Located in Haukadalur Valley this unique, high-temperature geothermal area is a hot spot for geyser’s and boiling mud pits.
Geysir Geothermal Field is located in a neovolcanic region. In plain words, this means there’s a lot of volcanic activity happening here, but not in the traditional sense. Instead of a typical Volcanic Cone the region has tons of small, flat vents which consistently release pressure.
A few musts here are: Watch Strokkur erupt 80+ feet (25+ m) into the air and view the boiling mud pits. See Geysir, one of the best-known geysers in the world.
Most people spend about 30-45 minutes at Geysir Geothermal Field.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss translates to “Golden Waterfall” the name behind The Golden Circle. This massive waterfall of the Hvítá River cascades down two steps into a deep gorge.
The powerful waterfall is one of the most beautiful sights in Iceland and the most popular stop on the Golden Circle route Iceland.
Be sure to stop at the upper and lower viewpoint, but be warned, you will get wet at the lower.
30 minutes is the amount of time most people spend here.
Optional: Soak in the Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon is a not-so secret geothermal pool with an impressive view of spouting geysers. It’s a really great add on if you’ve got the time.
Vaðmálahver, Básahver, and Litli Geysir provide 100% of the water supply in the lagoon and regularly put on a show for guests soaking in the hot springs. This is a great way to recharge and relax along your Golden Circle route!
Hours vary seasonally and the cost is 4200 ISK per adult ($34 USD). Plan for at least 1 hour here.
Note: Secret Lagoon is located in the village of Flúði which offers a variety of restaurants and services if you need a bite to eat along this Golden Circle route.
Short Hike To Kerid Crater
Kerid is a colorful volcanic crater lake. The crater is unique due to it’s composition of red volcanic rock surrounded by vibrant green moss.
The red volcanic rock is caused by iron oxidation. The 3,000 year old crater is, geologically speaking, young and therefore still oxidizing.
Viewing the crater requires a short, 1-mile hike on private land.
Plan for about an hour here.
Golden Circle Tours From Reykjavik
There are tons of Golden Circle tours available from Reykjavik. Again, I recommend doing a smaller group tour, they’re a bit more expensive but overall a better experience.
This is one of the top rated tours, operated by Gateway To Iceland, which includes stops at Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Field, Gullfoss, and Secret Lagoon, all of which were mentioned above.
The tour includes hotel pick up and drop off. As always, be sure to book your tours well in advance, popular options sell out very quickly in Iceland.
Golden Circle Tours From Reykjavik In Winter
If visiting in winter the above tour by Gateway To Iceland is available.
However, I would also consider this tour by Skalpi ehf Mountaineers of Iceland. This tour not only covers the Golden Circle highlights but also includes snowmobiling, definitely a unique vacation experience!
Again, I wouldn’t recommend driving the Golden Circle in winter unless you are an experienced winter driver.
See The Northern Lights
If your 3 day visit lands outside of summer, especially in winter, you’ve got a good shot of seeing the Northern Lights.
One of the best places to spot the Northern Lights in Reykjavik is the Grótta Lighthouse. It’s just a five minute drive from downtown Reykjavik.
You’ll find dark skies around the lighthouse, however you’ll also find lots of locals and tourists as well. Grótta Lighthouse has free parking, but the lot can fill up.
While you can most certainly see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik they will only be so vibrant due to city lights.
For the best views you will need to get outside the city. You can do so with tours such as this popular option by EastWest. This small group tour takes you out to the countryside surrounding Reykjavik and includes hot chocolate and tasty pastries while you wait.
Getting To Iceland
Fly
Keflavik Airport hosts around 20 airlines with regular, year-round flights from Europe and North America.
Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavik- 45 minutes (49 km / 30 miles)
Looking for cheap flights? Be sure to sign up for Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to get amazing flight deals delivered right to your inbox (pst, this is how I found my cheap flight from Denver to Iceland!) It’s a free service I’ve used for years and couldn’t recommend more.
Icelandair Free Stopover
Icelandair offers stopovers in Iceland for no extra fee. You can stop for up to 7 days during your journey across the Atlantic. This is quite the deal if you have the time!
Ferry
Those who prefer to bring their own car can take the Norröna ferry from Denmark with a stopover in the Faroe Islands. June – August the ferry is a 2 day journey, September – May it takes a little over 3 days each way.
Where To Stay
With only 3 days in town I recommend staying in or near the Reykjavik city center, Miðborg. Reykjavik is not a huge city so it’s easy to stay within this area.
Below are some popular hotels and hostels in Reykjavik. The city also has a good variety of Airbnb and vacation rentals.
Best Hotels In Reykjavik
Best Hostels In Reykjavik
You May Also Like: The Most Unique Hotels In Iceland
Do You Need A Car In Reykjavik?
If you’re only spending 3 days in Iceland, no.
There is a lot to do outside the city that requires a vehicle but there are ample tour options available. For such a quick trip I believe tours are easier than a rental car.
How To Get Around Reykjavik
Plan to get around Reykjavik by foot, taxi, or bus.
There is no Uber in Reykjavik.
When To Visit Reykjavik
Short answer, any time of year.
Summer has long days, the best weather, and therefore the most visitors.
Winter has very short days and harsh weather, which will limit how much you’re able see. You’ll battle fewer crowds and are very likely to see the Northern Lights. 3 days in Reykjavik is a great amount in winter.
Spring and Fall are shoulder seasons with normal hours of light and moderate crowds. This is my favorite time to visit.
As you can see there is so much you can do while spending 3 days in Reykjavik. Have you been? Did I miss anything good? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media!
Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Reykjavik and Iceland guides below or head on over to Visit Iceland!
More Information For Your Trip To Reykjavik:
- Best Things To Do In Reykjavik On A Rainy Day
- Golden Circle Route & Things To Know
- Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon: Which Should You Visit?
More Information For Your Trip To Iceland:
- The Most Unique Hotels In Iceland
- 16 Things To Do On The Snaefellsnes Peninsula
- 8 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
- All Iceland Guides
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I only spent a day in Reykjavik and your post is really making me regret it! Great info, thanks so much for sharing!
It’s amazing, I hope you have the chance to go back!