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Iceland is changing into a well-liked stopover vacation spot on flights between North America and Europe, with Icelandair providing free stopovers in Iceland en route throughout the Atlantic. It’s additionally only a gorgeous nation typically, so even in the event you’re not flying to Europe it’s nicely value a devoted journey.
If you reside in New York the flight time is round 5 hours 45 minutes to Reykjavik (so lower than the flight to LA) and in the event you fly from London it’ll take simply 3 hours quarter-hour to get there.
Iceland is thought for its magical panorama of volcanoes, scorching springs, geysers and lava fields. Since the island is positioned far north it’s doable to see the Northern Lights right here, though the local weather isn’t all the time as excellent for viewing as someplace like Norway or Finland.
As with any nation there’s lots to see and do however this Iceland 3 day itinerary will can help you cowl the fundamentals, together with Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle. I’ll additionally focus on some sensible data, equivalent to the most effective time to go to and the place to remain.
Suggested Itinerary for 3 Days in Iceland
- Day 1: Reykjavik Sightseeing (+ Blue Lagoon if there’s time)
- Day 2: The Golden Circle
- Day 3: Iceland’s South Shore (or Blue Lagoon for a extra leisurely itinerary)
Day 1: Sightseeing in Reykjavik – Blue Lagoon, Harpa Concert Hall, Phallological Museum, Hallgrimskirkja
I’d advocate reserving a lodge for your complete three days in Reykjavik. The nation’s capital is a superb base for exploring the remainder of the island and the vast majority of excursions depart from the town.
Reykjavik could also be small however there are literally numerous issues to do because the majority of the nation’s inhabitants lives right here. It’s straightforward to discover on foot so ebook a lodge within the middle and produce your strolling footwear.
On your first day in Reykjavik you’ll wish to discover a number of the metropolis’s main sights and finest eating places. The meals in Iceland is a number of the finest I’ve ever eaten, critically. Every dish is so recent and well-presented.
Blue Lagoon
Opening hours for the Blue Lagoon are from 9am to 9pm. The Blue Lagoon is positioned simply quarter-hour from Keflavík – Reykjavik airport so in the event you’re actually quick on time, it’s finest to do it whenever you’re touring from or to the airport.
When you go to will actually depend upon whenever you’re flying out and in of Reykjavik. If your flight lands early within the morning at Keflavik Airport on Day 1 then you might cease on the Blue Lagoon in your approach from the airport to the town middle, then do your sightseeing.
Alternatively, you might forgo the tour to the south of Iceland in your third day and do the Blue Lagoon as an alternative. Doing the Blue Lagoon in your third day would enable for a way more leisurely itinerary and you might spend the entire day right here. It’s as much as you. If you’re flying out of Keflavik within the afternoon/night on day 3 then you might do the Blue Lagoon on the best way again to the airport.
Before I went to go to the Blue Lagoon I had all the time assumed it was a pure outside scorching spring nevertheless it’s truly synthetic, with the geothermal water coming from the close by geothermal energy plant.The geothermal water is enriched with silica, algae, and minerals which have therapeutic, nourishing and rejuvenating properties.Tickets costs differ however they begin at round 6990 ISK for an grownup ($53) and there’s one free drink included within the value, so you possibly can order a drink within the swim-up bar. If you wish to be taught extra about what it’s like, learn my full article on swimming within the Blue Lagoon in winter.
The Blue Lagoon isn’t only a scorching spring, it’s a vacation spot, with a luxurious lodge, spa and a number of other eating places on website. If you wish to have a spa remedy and lunch then you might determine to make an entire day of it right here. If that’s the case then undoubtedly do it on Day 3.
Getting to the Blue Lagoon: You can get to the Blue Lagoon by taxi – the journey takes 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport or 50 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. Alternatively there’s a bus known as Destination Blue Lagoon which takes you to the Blue Lagoon from the airport or the town. It might be booked on-line right here.
Grab a espresso at Laundromat Cafe
Once you’re within the metropolis and also you’ve checked into your lodge, seize a espresso at Laundromat Cafe, which is a laundromat mixed with a bar/restaurant. The idea is enjoyable and quirky, permitting company to do their laundry whereas they’ve one thing to eat or drink. The vibe is heat and welcoming with books, video games, maps and free Wi-Fi to maintain you occupied. This place is nice for breakfast or lunch.
Snap a photograph at Harpa Concert Hall
Next up, stroll to Harpa Concert Hall, which is a contemporary live performance corridor and convention middle with a crystalline glass facade impressed by the Northern Lights and the basalt Iceland panorama. You don’t have to see a live performance right here to admire its magnificence; Harpa Concert Hall is a murals in its personal proper. Located on the water with views over the ocean, the corridor is house to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. By day the constructing glistens within the solar and at evening the outside is illuminated in LED lights.
Visit the Phallological Museum
Yes, there actually is a Penis Museum in Reykjavik. Not removed from Harpa Concert Hall you’ll discover the Reykjavik Phallological Museum, which is a museum devoted to the penises and penile components of land and sea animals that may be present in Iceland. It sounds bizarre (which it’s) however the place else on the planet are you able to stare upon over 200 penises preserved in formaldehyde? On show you possibly can see penises of walruses, seals, polar bears and even the penis of a 95-year-old man.
Icelandic Punk Museum
Up the road from the Phallological Museum you’ll discover the Punk Museum, which is a tiny museum positioned in a former set of public bogs! Yep, as you possibly can most likely inform from this text thus far, Reykjavik is unquestionably offbeat and quirky. If you’re a punk fanatic or taken with studying about punk historical past it is a enjoyable museum. Guests are welcome to attempt on garments, play the drums and take heed to punk information utilizing headphones hanging from the ceiling.
Eat a scorching canine at Bæjarins beztu pylsur
You’d assume the U.S can be the most effective place to order a scorching canine nevertheless it seems the most effective scorching canines I’ve ever eaten are in Iceland. Dating again to 1937, this well-known scorching canine stand serves scrumptious scorching canines which are nice to eat as a snack whilst you’re strolling round Reykjavik. I ate scorching canines right here day by day! Hot canines value 550 ISK (round $4 USD) and it’s the most cost effective lunch you’ll discover in Reykjavik. There’s one thing in regards to the mixture of the tremendous smooth bun and the distinctive style of the mustard that makes these scorching canines simply so moorish, notably after an evening out in town.
Snap a photograph with the Sun Voyager
Now that you simply’ve happy your starvation with a scorching canine, take a stroll to the Sun Voyager to burn off the energy. This large stainless-steel sculpture of a ship is positioned on the waterfront overlooking the ocean.
Visit Hallgrimskirkja
Hallgrimskirkja is Reykjavik’s most iconic landmark and one of many tallest buildings in Iceland. This concrete Lutheran church was named after Seventeenth-century Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson and the design is impressed by the basalt columns that you simply’ll discover throughout the nation. It’s a putting constructing that towers over the town and if you wish to take photographs of Reykjavik from above, I’d counsel taking the elevator to the tower, which prices 1000 ISK (roughly $7.50).
Enjoy dinner and cocktails at Apotek
To end your day, seize dinner at Apotek, which is among the finest eating places in Reykjavik. Drinks are ready by a mixologist in a lab coat and the cocktail menu has a pharmacy theme, with drinks organized into “painkillers”, “stimulants” and “tranquilizers”. I ordered the seared tuna with avocado puree and pickled watermelon, adopted by the meat tenderloin. The meals was out of this world!
After dinner drinks at Lebowski Bar
If you’ve gotten some vitality left then head over to Lebowski Bar, which will get its theme from the Big Lebowski film by the Coen Brothers. This is a superb bar for assembly fellow vacationers and locals. Inside there’s a bowling alley, a southern-style porch, a ‘50s diner, and a ‘60s lounge bar on the upper floor. If you want to stay in keeping with the Lebowski theme then you should definitely order The Dude’s favourite drink, a White Russian. There are over 23 totally different variations of White Russians on the menu!
Day 2: The Golden Circle & Northern Lights
On day two of your journey you possibly can go to the Golden Circle. While you possibly can definitely lease a automotive and drive round Iceland, in the event you solely have three days I’d skip the automotive rental and simply ebook a tour to see the Golden Circle. On quick stopover journeys like these I normally can’t be bothered with the trouble of automotive leases, particularly when it’s really easy to get round by Uber.
We booked our Golden Circle tour with Reykjavik Excursions. We truly booked a combo bundle to see the Golden Circle and the Northern Lights. If you do that choice you get a couple of hours to relaxation after the Golden Circle and then you definately return out to see the Northern Lights.
Unfortunately the Northern Lights didn’t come out for us that evening resulting from climate situations and it was so unbearably chilly. If you don’t see them then you’ve gotten the choice of going again out a second evening free of charge however we determined to offer {that a} miss and simply take pleasure in Reykjavik as an alternative.
When visiting the Golden Circle you’ll see:
Geysir Geothermal Park – The tour will take you to see the Strokkur geysir spurting out columns of water into the air each 4-8 minutes. If you go to in winter then ensure you put on mountain climbing boots as a result of the realm might be fairly slippy as a result of ice.
Gulfoss Waterfall – Next up you’ll see the Gulfoss Waterfall, which is a formidable waterfall created by the river Hvítá, which plunges right into a crevice some 32 m deep.
Thingvellir National Park – Finally you’ll go to Thingvellir National Park, which is among the few locations on the planet the place you possibly can see the North-American and Eurasian tectonic plates above floor. The plates are pulling aside at a charge of some centimetres per 12 months.
If you determine to do the Northern Lights as nicely then you definately’ll arrive again within the metropolis at round 18:30 and then you definately’ll have a couple of hours to relaxation earlier than heading again out to see the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights tour lasts round 3 hours.
Dinner at Tapas barinn
If you don’t go to see the Northern Lights then you might calm down in Reykjavik and simply go to have a leisurely dinner. Check out Tapas barinn, which has an in depth menu of fifty totally different small plates. If you wish to attempt conventional Icelandic delicacies, you possibly can attempt the Icelandic Gourmet Feast, which prices 8,990 ISK (roughly $68). It begins with a shot of Icelandic “Brennivín” adopted by six programs and a dessert.
Day 3: Iceland’s South Shore or Blue Lagoon
South Shore Tour
What you do on day 3 will depend on how relaxed you’d like your itinerary to be and whenever you’re flying house. If you wish to cram as a lot as doable into 3 days then you possibly can squeeze within the Blue Lagoon on Day 1 after which see Iceland’s South Shore on Day 3.
The South Shore is among the most scenic components of Iceland. Reykjavik Excursions runs a South Shore Adventure which is an all-day tour that lasts round 10 hours and half-hour. The tour takes you to see Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you’ll be able to stroll behind, and Skógafoss waterfall, which was used as a backdrop in Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
After visiting the waterfalls you’ll cease at Reynisfjara black sand seaside, which is among the most breathtaking and rugged seashores in Iceland. Here you possibly can see the Reynisdrangar rock formations and columnar basalt.
In addition, the tour takes you to Sólheimajökull glacier and a captivating village known as Vík, which is surrounded by excessive cliffs.
Dinner at Sjavargrillid
When you get again to Reykjavik, go for dinner at Sjavargrillid, which is run by chef Gústav Axel Gunnlaugsson, who traveled across the nation searching for the actual style of Iceland. The inside of the restaurant is adorned with driftwood and different items that Gustav collected and dragged again to the restaurant from his travels.The meal I ate right here was one of the crucial memorable meals in my life and I want I might simply teleport myself there to eat it another time. My meal consisted of grilled & crispy langoustine with pan fried plaice, natural barley, golden beet, date and kale, adopted by créme brûlée with strawberry, caramel, sorrel and cocoa nibs.
Alternative choice for day 3: Museums & Blue Lagoon
If you wish to fly out within the afternoon on day 3, you might go to the Blue Lagoon on the best way again to the airport. Or, in the event you’d simply favor a extra leisurely itinerary typically, you might spend this final day exploring Reyakjavik’s museums, then go to the Blue Lagoon earlier than spending your final evening having fun with a pleasant dinner in Reykjavik.
Museums you possibly can go to in your final day embrace the National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik Art Museum, Reykjavik Maritime Museum, Saga Museum and The Settlement Exhibition. You might additionally go to Þúfa, an artwork set up which was created by artist Ólöf Nordal in 2013. The set up options an 8m-tall grassy mound with a spiral pathway that leads you as much as the highest.
Where to remain in Reykjavik
Apotek Hotel
I stayed on the Apotek Hotel, which is house to the Apotek Kitchen + Bar. This lodge is a centrally positioned boutique lodge with 45 rooms, housed in a constructing that was as soon as a pharmacy known as Reykjavikur Apotek. The constructing was in-built 1917 by the previous State Architect of Iceland, Guðjón Samúelsson. Rooms are cozy and comfy, plus the meals and cocktails within the Apotek restaurant are unbelievable. I undoubtedly loved my keep right here.
Is three days in Iceland Enough?
3 days primarily based in Reykjavik will can help you see all of the locations I discussed above. If you’re ready to pack lots into every day, then you possibly can undoubtedly see the most effective of Iceland in three days. You’ll be busy and there’s not likely time for napping in your lodge room. If you wish to lease a automotive and see different issues, such because the Iceland Ring Road, then you definately’ll wish to spend as much as every week in Iceland.
If you’re visiting Iceland on a stopover otherwise you simply have a couple of days off from work then 3 days might be all you’ve gotten. You can undoubtedly benefit from it and see Iceland’s finest sights. However, like several nation, the longer you keep the extra you get to calm down, transfer at a barely slower tempo and see extra issues.
Do I have to lease a automotive in Iceland?
For this itinerary and with only some days in Iceland, I’d say ditch the automotive concept and simply get round utilizing taxis and excursions. I don’t find out about you however with such a brief period of time it looks like a trouble to spend time on the automotive rental desk on arrival and worrying about parking. If you’re planning to remain in Iceland for longer and also you wish to drive the Iceland Ring Road then undoubtedly wish to lease a automotive or 4×4 and self-drive so you’ve gotten the pliability to cease wherever you need.
What’s the most effective time of 12 months to go to Iceland?
That actually will depend on the person. There are professionals and cons to every season.
I went within the winter and Iceland seems to be magical with snow on the bottom. I cherished it. The draw back is it’s freezing in winter and the times are quick, so that you don’t have many daylight hours to see the sights and sights. If you wish to take photographs, you solely have a couple of hours to take them earlier than it will get darkish. However, you do have extra hours to see the Aurora Borealis aka the Northern Lights. Temperatures within the winter months between December to February can attain as little as -30 Celsius, so ensure you pack ski gloves, an enormous puffy jacket and thermals. When we went to do the Northern Lights tour I needed to spend most of my time on the bus as a result of it was simply so chilly.
If you wish to go mountain climbing and expertise Iceland’s dramatic surroundings, then the summer time months between June to August are a good time to go to. The days are infinite (critically the solar is up until midnight) and the climate is heat, plus there are many festivals equivalent to Secret Solstice Festival.
When’s the most effective time to go whale watching in Iceland?
For whale watching, April to October is the most effective time to see the orcas.
When’s the most effective time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
You can see the Northern Lights between September and April, though the most effective months for viewing are February, March, September and October.
Is Iceland Expensive?
Food and drink in Iceland is on the costly aspect. I didn’t discover it to be as costly as Norway nevertheless it was undoubtedly up there when it got here to costs. Still, in the event you’re solely in Iceland for 3 days then you definately received’t have a lot likelihood to burn by means of your money.
Iceland’s foreign money is named Króna (ISK). The excursions weren’t that costly however consuming out was.
A closing phrase…
I hope you discovered this steered Iceland itinerary helpful. When you’ve gotten solely 3 days in a metropolis you are likely to wish to slot in as a lot as doable however on the similar time you don’t wish to really feel exhausted and burnt out. While it’s doable to most likely cram Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon into at some point after which do two full day excursions, I attempted to make this 3 day itinerary a contact extra leisurely.