Ultimate 3-Day Iceland Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Start your adventure at Hallgrimskirkja, the iconic church offering panoramic city views from its tower and striking modernist architecture inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava flows.

Hallgrimskirkja

Enjoy a traditional Icelandic breakfast at Café Loki, right across from Hallgrimskirkja, known for rye bread, fish dishes, and homemade skyr cakes.

Café Loki

Head to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and learn about Iceland’s Viking parliament.

Thingvellir National Park

Continue to Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur Valley to witness the spouting Strokkur geyser, bubbling mud pots, and vibrant geothermal pools.

Geysir Geothermal Area

End your day marveling at Gullfoss, the breathtaking “Golden Falls” with its dramatic two-tiered cascade and rainbows often arching over the mist.

Gullfoss

Begin at Seljalandsfoss, a spectacular waterfall you can walk behind for a unique perspective and stunning photos, especially in the morning light.

Seljalandsfoss

Just a short drive away, visit Skógafoss, another mighty waterfall where, on sunny days, you’ll spot vivid rainbows in the spray—climb the adjacent staircase for panoramic views.

Skógafoss

Explore Sólheimajökull Glacier on a guided hike or ice walk—this accessible glacier tongue offers an unforgettable hands-on experience with Iceland’s icy wilderness.

Sólheimajökull Glacier

Stop for a hearty lunch and homemade soup at The Soup Company in Vík, a local gem favored for its lamb soup and vegan options.

The Soup Company

Walk along the dramatic black sands of Reynisfjara Beach, famed for its basalt columns, roaring Atlantic waves, and the mysterious Reynisdrangar sea stacks just offshore.

Reynisfjara Beach

Arrive early at Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s world-renowned geothermal spa, for a revitalizing soak in its mineral-rich milky-blue waters surrounded by lava fields.

Blue Lagoon

Venture to the alien landscapes of Gunnuhver Hot Springs, where you’ll find steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and local legends swirling around the geothermal energy.

Gunnuhver Hot Springs

Enjoy fresh, locally caught fish at Bryggjan Café in Grindavík, an unassuming but beloved harbor spot known for its langoustine soup and warm hospitality.

Bryggjan Café

Finish your Icelandic journey at Bridge Between Continents in Sandvík, where you can literally walk across a footbridge from the North American plate to the Eurasian plate—a symbolic and geological highlight.

Bridge Between Continents