How To See The Best Of Iceland In 4 Days

Make the most of your holiday to Iceland! Check out this itinerary for how to see all the best that Iceland has to offer in 4 days.

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If a visit to Iceland is on your bucket list, it is time to book that flight – all you need is 4 days!

It’s true, in just one long weekend away, you can explore the stunning natural beauty of this rugged volcanic island in the north.

If you have been following me for awhile you have probably read my other posts about visiting Scandinavia. With deep family roots in Scandinavian countries, it is clear that I feel a connection to both the people and the culture.

Beyond my family heritage, there is something really comfortable about visiting Iceland that I think many other visitors can attest to.

The relaxed pace, friendly people, and the fact that english is spoken by everyone, all play a part in making it an easy country to visit, especially for a weekend trip.

Why You Need To Visit Iceland

The unique terrain of Iceland is unlike anything you will see elsewhere in the world.

There is so much to do for any adventure lover. It is a great place for those who like active travel, luxury trips, family vacations, or even romantic getaways. Iceland offers something for everyone!

Another bonus – For much of the US, it is a just one simple flight to get there – and a relatively inexpensive one at that.

Curious how much it costs? Check flights and compare prices right here:

When To Visit Iceland

When you visit Iceland can really depend on what you want to do while you are there. In general, if you want to explore outside, visiting in the summer months between June-August is a good time to take advantage of warmer temperatures.

The average highs in Iceland during the summer months are in the 50s (fahrenheit) though, so don’t expect to bring summer dresses or bikinis. Winter months have average temperatures in the 20’s and 30’s, so it is important to plan appropriately for the weather when booking your trip.

Can You See Iceland In Just 4 Days?

While Iceland offers lots of things to do that could keep you busy for weeks on end, it is definitely possible to see the highlights if you plan ahead.

I am a firm believer in scheduling activities in advance, to make sure I see the things that most interest me. Having the tickets in hand means I am less likely to let time get away from me and miss out on something, or that all the tickets will be sold out when I arrive.

I generally recommend scheduling about half a day worth of activities everyday, roughly 4 or so hours. Then I leave the rest of the time open to explore. I prefer this because it is nice to have time to be in the moment and make unplanned stops when something looks interesting.

Getting Around In Iceland For 4 Days

I found that the easiest and most cost-effective way to get around in Iceland was to rent a car.

Driving in another country might sound intimidating, but I promise, it really isn’t difficult at all!

Since Iceland is relatively small in size and population, the majority of the roads are one lane in each direction. They drive on the same side of the road as we do in the US and it is relatively easy to navigate.

It is important to note that when looking at a map of the roads in Iceland, you may think there are multiple ways to get to different locations. Instead of navigating on your own, I recommend trusting your navigation on your phone or car.

There are many roads that locals warned us were not “good” to take as they weren’t completed or paved, even though they appeared the same as other roads on the map. So, save yourself stress and take the common roads to ensure a smooth ride for everyone!

Search for the best prices on rental cars in Reykjavik:

Parking In Reykjavik:

When parking in Reykjavik, make sure to pay attention to the signs to note which parking zone you are in. You can locate the zone by looking for a white sign with a blue P on it, which will also show a number. The prices and rules may be different for each zone, and you can check the current map and prices for each zone here: Reykjavik Parking Service.

To pay for parking you can use a credit card at one of the pay stations, usually located within one block of the parking spot. Make sure to look around carefully as they weren’t always really obvious.

Where To Stay For 4 Days In Iceland

Reykjavik is on the smaller side which makes it very walkable. I wanted to take advantage of that, especially because it was a time of year when the weather was warmer.

When choosing a place to stay, it was important to me that it be conveniently located within walking distance of the places I wanted to explore in the city and also the best places to eat.

Using this criteria, the best place I found to stay during my time in Iceland was the Reykjavik Residence Hotel.

This awesome (and affordable!) hotel offers apartment-style rooms with multiple bedrooms, a small kitchen, washer and dryers, and much more!

Parking is not included, but there are plenty of spaces within a block or so of the hotel. Make sure to note the parking zone to make payment, as I mentioned above.

Itinerary To See The Best Of Iceland In 4 Days:

Day 1 –

If you have researched flights, you might notice that many of them fly overnight and arrive early in the morning. This can be a great choice when trying to make the most of your time in Iceland as you will have a full first day.

The Blue Lagoon

No matter what time you arrive, the first thing I recommend you do upon arriving in Iceland is to head to the Blue Lagoon. That is because the Blue Lagoon is actually very close to the airport.

The Blue Lagoon is essentially a large geothermal hot spring that has been turned into a “must-see” destination for anyone who visits Iceland. It is something unique and memorable you will not want to miss. You actually get to change into a swimsuit and experience the hot springs for yourself!

I like to recommend doing it immediately upon arrival as it is relaxing, can help you to adjust to the new time zone, reduce any bloating from flying and ease you into your travel day.

You must buy your tickets for the Blue Lagoon in advance, as the time slots will fill up quickly!

I do recommend that you pack your swimsuit and a change of clothes in your carry-on so they are easily accessible once you land in Iceland and drive to the Blue Lagoon.

Reykjavik Free Walking Tour

After relaxing in the Blue Lagoon, I recommend getting your blood moving with a free walking tour of the city of Reykjavik.

Yes, you read that right, free! Of course, they will ask for a tip to be paid to your tour guide at the end based on how much you enjoy the tour, so don’t forget to bring some cash.

Just a few blocks away away from the Reykjavik Residence Hotel is the starting point for the free walking tour. This makes it an easy and low pressure activity to do on your first day when you may be a little tired from the time change.

Walking tours are one of my top tips when traveling abroad as it helps you get comfortable with the new city. It can also give you ideas of other sights you may want to add to your list of things to do during your stay.

You may also like: Allergy-Friendly Eating In Reykjavik, Iceland

Day 2 –

The second day can sometimes be a bit difficult as you may still be tired while you’re adjusting to the time difference. I find it really helpful to have the morning left open and my first activity scheduled around lunch time or early afternoon.

If you’re feeling energetic in the morning, I recommend going out for a walk and checking out Hallgrimskirkja, the church at the top of the hill. You would have walked past it during the free walking tour the day before, but this time you could go inside, see the beautiful organ, and even go up to the top of the tower for a view of the city.

Helicopter Tour

The best thing I did in Iceland was a helicopter tour! There is no more beautiful way to see the amazing landscape than from the air. A helicopter tour is also a really efficient way to see the best sights in Iceland all in one day as it is faster than driving and also gives you a much more close up view of the glaciers and volcanoes.

I personally took a helicopter tour that not only flew over the landscape, but actually landed twice! The first time we landed was to explore a glacier, which is an experience I will never forget. The second time we landed was to get up close and personal with some boiling hot springs.

It is an expensive activity – but it is absolutely worth it. The entire experience was out-of-this-world! I recommend that if you are going to do anything in Iceland, that this be the thing you do. It is truly life-changing.

Click the following link to learn more about the tour I took: Helicopter Tour of Iceland

You may also like: What You Need To Know About Visiting The Husafell Stone In Iceland

Day 3 –

On your third day, you are probably getting more comfortable with the city and adjusting to the time zone. That means, you’re probably up for a little more exploring! I opted for a few activities that would let me get to know even more about the natural beauty of Iceland, and I think they are things you could enjoy as well.

Lava Tunnel Tour

About an hour drive from Reykjavik you can find Raufarhólshellir. This is one of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland and an absolutely fascinating tour. If you haven’t visited a lava tunnel before, it is definitely something to add to the bucket list.

You will want to make sure you have good footwear for the walk and a waterproof jacket. The tour isn’t too long, but you will have to walk up and down stairs and stepping stones. This shouldn’t be an issue for most people but is worth mentioning for those with knee, hip, or back issues.

Whale Watching

If you’re looking for an activity that doesn’t take much effort but gives you a unique experience, whale watching is the way to go!

I would recommend the luxury whale watching tour, as it allows you to sit inside in a comfortable environment. The weather out on the water can be cold, rainy, and overall unpleasant. The luxury whale watching tour gives you warm and relaxing place to be OR you can choose to be outside to feel the wind on your face! The comfort of this boat – and availability of bathrooms – makes the time on the water enjoyable for all.

You may also like: The Complete Checklist For What To Bring To Scandinavia

Day 4 –

On your final day, you will have to make some hard decisions about the things you still have on your list to see. If you’re up for more adventures, I would recommend a trip to see the south coast of Iceland.

Drive To Reynisfjara

On my last day I knew I wanted to head to the southern coast of Iceland to see Reynisfjara, a black sand beach.

This drive is a time commitment, but the time flies as there is a lot to see along the way. The scenery is spectacular with mountains, waterfalls, beaches and even views of a glacier along the way.

A word of warning, although this is a beach, it is not one where you will be laying in the sand or dipping your toes in the water. The rock formations are really the highlight of your stop at Reynisfjara. It is important to stay away from the water as the current can be quite dangerous.

Conclusion

If you have a long weekend, you truly can see the best sights in Iceland! With some preparation, 4 days in Iceland can bring a whole new wealth of experiences into your life. All of these activities are unique to this place and help you gain a new understanding of this very special country.

Now I want to hear from you – Have you been to Iceland or are you currently planning a trip? What are you most excited about doing or seeing during your time there? Share it with me below!

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