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Visiting Iceland is on many travelers' bucket lists and its close proximity to much of the United States East Coast makes it the perfect option for a four or five-day getaway. This is exactly what drew me in when I was living in New York City and when I came across a discounted roundtrip ticket on IcelandAir, I knew this was the sign I had been waiting for. Iceland’s landscape is jaw-droppingly beautiful and it truly is a trip of a lifetime no matter if you’re staying 4 days or 14 days. 

If you want to make the most of your time in Iceland, this article is for you! From exploring downtown Reykjavik to chasing the Northern Lights at night, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about your quick trip to Iceland. This is a destination that shouldn’t be overlooked and ended up being one of my favorite trips - even the roadside rocks are stunning! 

How Long Do You Need in Iceland?

Iceland is a country that begs to be explored slowly, with its ever-changing landscapes, myriad of natural wonders, and captivating culture. However, many visitors find that they only have time for a quick 4-day trip to this Nordic island nation and that’s perfectly fine. 

While a week or more in Iceland is ideal for experiencing its magical allure, a well-planned 4-day itinerary fully will allow you to see the most famous attractions and get a good sense of the country's scenic diversity. Four days is just enough time to explore the highlights in and around Reykjavik while also venturing out to South Coast highlights like the Golden Circle route, Gullfoss waterfall, and Reynisfjara black sand beach.

A longer 7 to 10-day trip provides more flexibility to wander at a relaxed pace, hike glaciers, visit remote regions, or even circle the entire Ring Road. If you’re planning for a longer stay in Iceland, you may want to rent a car and enjoy some of the popular self-drive routes around the country. A road trip is something that I plan on doing in the future but I was extremely happy with my four days in Iceland with Reykjavik being my hub.

When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?

Iceland's weather and crowds vary quite a bit by season, so the timing of your visit will impact your experience. Here's an overview of what to expect: 

Summer (June-August): Summer is peak tourist season, so you can expect to pay the highest prices for accommodations and most attractions and tours will be at a maximum capacity. The weather during this time is mild with average highs around 55°F and there is a low chance of storms and road closures. Visiting in summer offers the most daylight with up to a whopping 21 hours of sun in June!

Fall (September-October): Fall is one of the shoulder seasons in Iceland and is when the crowds begin to die down but the weather remains moderate and there are still plenty of daylight hours. Weather can become unpredictable towards the end of the fall season and some highland areas may begin closing. One of the most exciting things about fall is that this is when the Northern Lights begin appearing!

Winter (November-March): Winter is Iceleands off-season and is when you can find the lowest prices on airfare and hotels, and it’s the best time to see the Northern Lights! I visited in November and loved that everything was less crowded. Weather during this time is colder with highs in the mid-30s Fahrenheit and the days are darker. You can also expect frequent storms and road closures so if you want to rent a car, this may not be the best time to visit for you. 

Spring (April-May): Spring brings less extreme weather and more daylight hours. This is another shoulder season so costs are still lower compared to summer, but tourism begins to ramp back up at this time. One unique thing about this time period is that this is when wildlife like puffins return and whale-watching tours begin again and are available through the summer months. 

For a 4 day Iceland trip focused around Reykjavik, late spring and fall are ideal. You'll get reasonable weather and daylight hours without extreme winter conditions or peak summer crowds. October is a great option with fewer tourists, Northern Lights potential, and pleasant weather. If you don’t mind the cold, November is another great option if you really want to maximize your budget.

Iceland 4-day Itinerary 

Iceland may seem small, but 4 days is just enough time to see the highlights near Reykjavik while still having time to relax. This 4-day Iceland itinerary is packed with the best things to do, including tours to hard-to-reach spots and time to soak in the popular Blue Lagoon.

Day 1: Cure Your Jetlag at The Blue Lagoon

If you land in Reykjavik in the morning, I highly recommend going to the Blue Lagoon directly from the airport. The Blue Lagoon is located between Reykjavik and the airport so it’s the perfect way to cure any jetlag and to start your vacation on the right foot. We landed at 6am in Iceland and went directly to the Blue Lagoon and it was the best decision we made. You can take a bus from the airport straight to the Blue Lagoon which you can book directly on the Blue Lagoon’s website. This bus trip also includes your ride from the Blue Lagoon to your hotel in Reykjavik, so you don’t have to worry about transportation at all. 

The Blue Lagoon offers different admission packages including Comfort, Premium, and Signature. We selected their Comfort package which is their basic package and it includes a mud mask, which you enjoy while you’re in the water, and one free drink. Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours at the lagoon including shower time. The Blue Lagoon also has an on-site spa and restaurant to enhance your experience; all of which can be booked easily online. This is one of the top attractions in Iceland so be sure to book your tickets far in advance. 

Before arriving at Blue Lagoon, you should know a few things to help prepare for your time in the water. Certain areas of the facility are very slick, including the platform that leads you into the steamy water, so it’s a good idea to bring water shoes. You’ll also want to wear your hair in a bun if you have longer hair or wear a swim cap. The minerals in the water make your hair very stiff and stuck together, so it’s highly recommended to put conditioner in your hair prior to entering the water and then once you exit the water, you’ll want to immediately wash your hair with fresh water, shampoo, and conditioner in the shower room. 

The Blue Lagoon has an on-site hotel called the Silica Hotel and if you’re looking for a splurge-worthy stay, I recommend staying there. After the lagoon, we took the bus into Reykjavik to check into our hotel, Storm Hotel. It’s a really great accommodation option in central Reykjavik, located just steps from the shopping district, near dozens of restaurants, and across the street from one of the bus stops where all the tour buses pick up. Their breakfast has a wide variety of food, there is a bar for evening cocktails, and their hot chocolate is out of this world! Since we visited in November, the weather was pretty chilly so a cup of hot cocoa was much needed after a day out exploring. 

After checking into your hotel, explore Reykjavik and grab a bite to eat for an early dinner at Saegreifinn (aka Seabaron) located on the waterfront.  The food here is delicious and very affordable compared to some other restaurants. We both ate the lobster bisque and it was the perfect dish to warm us up. 

After venturing into local shops and picking up some unique souvenirs, like a handmade Icelandic sweater, layer up and get ready to chase the Northern Lights on a small-group guided tour. The Northern Lights begin making an appearance in late fall and the best time to see the Northern Lights is in the winter months, November through March. We, unfortunately, weren’t able to see the Northern Lights on our first tour so we scheduled another tour a couple of nights later. 

As I mentioned earlier, many of the tour companies that offer Northern Lights tours will let you book another tour if your sighting is unsuccessful. Because of this, I highly recommend you book this tour early in your itinerary so you have time to go again if you don’t see them. 

Day 2: Tour the Golden Circle & Snowmobile on a Glacier

Plan to spend your first full day in Iceland exploring the breathtaking landscapes outside of Reykjavik with a tour of the Golden Circle! This is one of the most popular things to do when visiting Iceland and is something you don’t want to miss. 

The Golden Circle is a roughly 190-mile loop that runs from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back, making it an accessible yet profoundly transformative day trip for any traveler. This route showcases the raw, magical beauty of Iceland through three primary stops: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. You can tour the Golden Circle on a group tour, which is what we did, or you can drive it yourself if you’ll be renting a car. 

This  Golden Circle Tour & Glacier Tour is the tour that we went on and you’ll begin your day bright and early with a 7am pick-up time. This tour also includes snowmobiling on a glacier, but if you’re unable or don’t want to snowmobile, you can find other tours that solely visit the Golden Circle. 

The first stop on the Golden Circle Tour was Thingvellir National Park where we walked between huge rocks and took in the distant mountain views. It can be extremely windy in the winter months, but we had so much fun. Next, our tour drove to the Geysir Hot Springs where you can watch the geysers shoot up into the air every few minutes. There’s a small cafeteria near the geysers and this is where we ate lunch. The last stop on the regular tour is Gullfoss Waterfall, but if you book the tour that includes snowmobiling, this is where you’ll switch buses to go on the snowmobile excursion.

The bus that takes you to snowmobile is unlike any bus I’ve ever seen! It’s built for off-roading and has huge tires which allow it to trek through thick mud and snow. Once you arrive at the location of the snowmobile portion of the tour, you’ll gear up with equipment provided by the tour company and watch a quick safety demonstration before heading out over the iceberg. This was one of the greatest, most thrilling experiences I’ve had and is a must-do activity when visiting Iceland! Fair warning - your hands will begin to cramp, but it’s well worth it.

After driving around, which is much harder than it looks, we went back to the base camp to change and the bus drove us back to Gullfoss. Once you arrive back at Gullfoss, you’ll have free time to walk down the stairs to see the magnificent and powerful 105-foot waterfall. This tour is an all-day affair but worth every minute because you get to see all of the main landmarks and wonders of the Southern part of Iceland. 

Day 3: Explore Iceland’s Southern Coast

Beauty is around every corner in Iceland and that’s why you’ll want to spend a day seeing the south coast of Iceland on one of your days. You can easily explore this area by booking a black sand beach and Glacier Lagoon small-group day tour which departs from downtown Reykjavik. There’s no doubt that this tour is a long one, but it’s well worth the time!

This all-day tour begins at 7am and the first stop will be the 50-foot Stjórnarfoss waterfall in the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur which is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Reykjavik. If you don’t want to spend the night in Reykjavik the entire time and are doing a self-drive tour of Iceland, Hotel Rangá is a fantastic hotel option along the southern Icelandic coast. 

Diamond Beach is the second stop of your adventure and the views are truly breathtaking. This is another very famous site in Iceland and is where you’ll find broken iceberg fragments that look like giant diamonds scattered on a contrasting black sand beach. 

Head over to the small fishing village of Vik for a bite to eat at the third stop before making your way to stop number four, Seljalandsfoss. This popular waterfall is one of Iceland’s gems and it’s a waterfall that you can walk behind if you’re interested. 

The last stop before heading back to Reykjavik is Glacier Lagoon which is the most famous in Iceland and the most anticipated stop of the day. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of these glaciers with your group by boarding a boat allowing you to take some amazing photos!

Iceland’s scenic landscapes will leave you in awe and this tour is a must for first-time visitors! It was one of the tours I was most excited about and although we weren’t able to go due to a storm in the area, this will be the first thing I do when I return.

Day 4: Explore Reykjavik & Eat an Icelandic Hot Dog

Spend your last day in Iceland exploring Reykjavik. This smaller city is bustling with locally owned shops, historic monuments, and more. The Hallgrimskirkja church is one of the main attractions in Reykjavik and it costs about $10 per adult and only $2 for children ages 7-16. This church has unusual architecture making it captivating and a sight to see. You can tour the church and then climb up the tower for the best view in town, which I highly recommend doing.

Another place worth visiting is the Aurora, the Northern Lights Center. Here, you can learn how the Northern Lights are created and what conditions are required to see them. I’ve always been fascinated with the Northern Lights since I was a young girl and I found this educational center extremely interesting. The employees there are very friendly and helpful. 

For lunch, stop by Baejarins Beztu Pylsur for the famous Icelandic hot dog. Yes, Iceland is surprisingly known for its hot dogs. Their hot dogs aren’t too different than your typical American hot dog, but they were pretty tasty. 

We ended our last night in Iceland with another Northern Lights tour. This tour lasts about 4 hours and includes pick up & drop off in downtown Reykjavik, an extremely clean minibus with a max of 19 people, blankets (which come in handy because it gets pretty cold at night), hot cocoa, a traditional doughnut, and an amazing tour guide! 

To our surprise, the aurora was not as bright as you would imagine but could be easily captured on your phone or camera and was still an amazing sight to see and something that should be on everyone’s bucket list. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end our trip in Iceland and it was such a fun experience to have with my mom.

Best Tours in Iceland 

Iceland offers a variety of tours to choose from during a 4-day visit and we found that this was the easiest way for us to explore the area. You'll need to decide between guided group tours or renting a car to explore on your own schedule, but here are some recommendations for both.

Guided Tours in Iceland

Guided tours take the planning out of your hands and ensure you hit the top sights with a knowledgeable local guide. They sometimes even access areas you can't get to yourself. The downsides are less flexibility, being on a schedule, and traveling with a group. I personally try to stick to smaller group tours, especially when I’m short on time because I find it helps me to maximize my time in a destination.

• Golden Circle Tour - See highlights like the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park. You can find tours of the Golden Circle that offer a snowmobiling add-on which is what we did (and loved!). 

• South Coast Tour - Journey along the scenic south coast to attractions like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the Skaftafell glacier region.

• Volcanic Area Helicopter Tour - Feed your inner adventurer with this unique helicopter experience over Litli Hrutur Volcano. This volcano south of Reykjavik has recently erupted and is something very unique to see while visiting Iceland.

• Northern Lights Tour - Chase the aurora borealis on a night tour with a guide who can find the best viewing spots. Most tours offer blankets and hot cocoa to keep you warm while you wait for the lights to appear. 

Self-Drive Tours in Iceland 

Renting a car and exploring on your own gives you maximum flexibility. You can take your time, create your own itinerary, and access more remote areas. The main drawback is the responsibility of driving yourself and planning all of the logistics. Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll want to pay close attention to the weather to avoid getting stuck somewhere due to a storm. A 4x4 vehicle is also highly recommended from October through April. Ideally, these self-drive tours are for visitors spending more than a few days in Iceland, but if you have extra time they’re a fantastic option.

• Golden Circle Route - Drive yourself to highlights like Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park.

• South Coast - Stop at attractions like waterfalls, Reynisfjara Beach, and Skaftafell Glacier on your own schedule.

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Take a few days to leisurely circumnavigate this scenic peninsula in western Iceland.

• Diamond Circle - Extend beyond the Golden Circle to sites like Dettifoss waterfall and Lake Mývatn. This drive is in northern Iceland and lets you see things from glacial waterfalls to humpback whale watching.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik 

Reykjavik, and all of Iceland, is known for being a more expensive destination but this main city offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the best areas and hotels to stay when using Reykjavik as your home base in Iceland:

City Center - The city center is the most popular area to stay in Reykjavik with easy access to major attractions like Hallgrimskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, and Laugavegur shopping street. Recommended hotels include Storm Hotel, Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel, and Ódinsvé Hotel Apartments.

Laugardalur - This residential area is close to Laugardalur Park and a swimming pool. It's a bit quieter but still easily walkable to downtown. Good hotel picks are Center Hotel Plaza and Hotel Lotus.

Old Harbor - Conveniently located by the picturesque Old Harbor with numerous restaurants, shops, whale-watching tours, and the Harpa concert hall nearby. Top hotel options include Marina Hotel and Exeter Hotel.

Hlemmur - A trendy budget-friendly area located near major bus stops for tours and the city's best craft beer bars. Thingholt Hotel Apartments and Kex Hostel are excellent affordable choices.

Getting to Iceland 

Iceland's main international airport is Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located around 31 miles southwest of Reykjavik. The airport serves as a hub for Icelandair and is a popular stopover location for flights between North America and Europe.

The airport is served by many major international airlines including Icelandair, British Airways, Delta, United, American Airlines, EasyJet, and more. Icelandair offers very competitive rates for flights from North America and Europe to Iceland. This is the airline that I flew on and it was a great experience.

One of the best perks of flying Icelandair is the free stopover offered when flying between continents. Passengers can enjoy an extended layover in Iceland at no additional airfare cost. The stopover can range from a single day up to a week, giving you the chance to explore Iceland without needing to book a separate flight. Taking advantage of the free stopover is one of the most popular ways to visit Iceland. You simply book a flight with Icelandair to Europe, for example, and build in a multi-day stop in Iceland during your journey. It's an amazing deal and a great way to maximize your Iceland experience!

Is Iceland Expensive?

Iceland is an expensive destination, but there are ways to save money and make the most of your budget. Visiting during a destination’s “off-season” will always help you find the lowest rates on flights and hotels. Another great way to save money when traveling is to stop at a local supermarket when you arrive to purchase water and snacks. I also usually try to book hotels that offer free breakfast which helps save on food each day. Lastly, utilizing public transportation also helps save money. 

What to Pack When Visiting Iceland

Iceland's weather is notoriously unpredictable, with conditions changing rapidly, sometimes even in summer. You'll want to be prepared with proper attire for anything from sunny skies to rain and wind. Here are some must-have items to pack for your Iceland trip:

• Warm, waterproof jacket - A good quality rain jacket with a hood is essential. Look for waterproof and breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex. Layering a fleece or sweater underneath is recommended.

• Waterproof pants - Consider packing waterproof and insulated pants as an outer layer for cold and wet weather. Softshell pants also work well.

• Base layers - Pack some lightweight merino wool or synthetic long underwear tops and bottoms to layer underneath your outerwear. This will keep you warm and dry.  

• Hiking boots or shoes - Broken-in and waterproof hiking boots with good traction are ideal for exploring uneven and slippery terrain. Waterproof hiking shoes also work well.

• Socks - Pack thick wool hiking socks to wear with your boots and help prevent blisters. Bring extra pairs that you can change into if your feet get wet.

• Hat, scarf, and gloves - Even if it's summer, be sure to pack a warm hat, scarf, and gloves. The wind can make Iceland feel much colder than the actual temperature.

• Sunscreen and sunglasses - The sun can be strong in Iceland, especially with the reflection of snow and ice. Pack sunscreen and sunglasses.

• Daypack - Bring a roomy daypack for carrying extra layers, snacks, and water during daily activities.

• Swimsuit and towel - If you plan to visit any of Iceland's geothermal pools or natural hot springs, you'll need these.

Focusing on the right cold weather gear for Iceland's unpredictable climate will ensure you stay warm and comfortable throughout your trip. With the essential layers and waterproof outerwear, you'll be ready to take on the weather and have an amazing time!

How to Get Around in Iceland

Iceland offers several convenient options for getting around the country during your visit. Here are some of the most popular transportation choices for travelers:

Tour Bus

Joining a tour bus is one of the easiest ways to explore Iceland's most famous sites. Many reputable tour companies offer itineraries ranging from day trips along the Golden Circle to longer excursions around the Ring Road. Tour buses take care of the driving and provide informative commentary from expert guides. This option works well for those who want a structured experience without having to drive themselves. Most even offer hotel pick-up and drop-off making these types of tours extremely convenient.

Rental Car 

Driving yourself is a great way to travel at your own pace and renting a car allows you the flexibility to customize your Iceland itinerary. Most rental agencies offer 4x4 vehicles that can handle the sometimes tricky road conditions. Just be aware that self-driving requires attentiveness, as the weather can change quickly. Be sure to have a good map or GPS device to aid navigation.

Taxis

Taxis are available, especially in places like Reykjavik. But prices can become expensive for longer trips and., not all taxi companies operate outside of Reykjavik. Compared to other options, taxis tend to be much less practical for general sightseeing but can be handy for short distances within Reykjavik.

Additional Tips for Getting Around in Iceland:

• Give yourself plenty of daylight time, as the limited hours of sunlight in winter can impact travel plans.

• Research road conditions and closures during your trip, as weather impacts are common.

• Allow more time than you think you need to reach destinations since distances seem shorter than they are on a map.

• Consider combining different modes, like taking a tour bus to see the main attractions and renting a car for side trips.

• Walking and biking can also be great ways to explore neighborhoods within towns and cities.

Iceland is an incredible destination that can be seen in just 4 days when based in Reykjavik. The four days my mom and I spent in Iceland ended up being one of our favorite trips together. Although it was a bit too windy and cold, we had a blast laughing and seeing some of the most beautiful natural scenery this country has to offer! I highly recommend adding Iceland to your list if it’s not on there already. It’s a wonderful destination for all ages from kids to seniors and it’s sure to make a lasting impression on you like it did for me!

Happy travels!

-Tess

Tess Arnold

Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip!  If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!