25-04-2025
Not everyone has a lot of time to spend exploring the entire country. However, if you only have 3 days in Iceland, you can still see and do plenty to satisfy your travel urges. While it’s important not to pack your itinerary too much, the perfect Iceland 3 day itinerary can ensure you see everything you want and more.
Some travelers prefer to spend 3 days in Reykjavík on tours, renting a car to explore on your own is often a better choice. With tours, you are limited to where you will go and how long you will spend at each stop. A rental car gives you more freedom to choose your destinations and how you spend your precious three days in Iceland.
Unless you are uncomfortable or can’t drive, you will see far more and enjoy a more leisurely pace without the crowds of a bus tour when you travel around in a rental car in Iceland. You can choose destinations that aren’t available on tours and decide just how long you spend at each stop, maximizing the potential of a short trip.
When you’re limited on time, it’s often best to get started on your journey as soon as possible. While it’s important to make sure you don’t drive drowsy, there’s plenty to do after you pick up your rental car if you use your best judgment. For many visitors, starting with the Golden Circle is one of the best options. It’s relatively close to the city and easy to drive.
The first stop on day 1 is to pick up your rental car at Keflavik Airport. Most rental companies are located in or near the terminal with shuttles available to get you to the pickup point. Once you get through the process of picking up your rental car, you’ll be ready to hit the road to see Iceland in 3 days.
As you drive toward the Golden Circle, the first stop on your list is Thingvellir National Park. This park is the location of the first Icelandic parliament and is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. You will be able to walk between the continents and see waterfalls, a crystal clear lake, and other sights.
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was established in 1930. Visitors to the park can browse through the visitor’s center at the main parking lot, hike numerous trails, go snorkeling in the Silfra fissure, and more. Parking in the area requires payment, but one payment covers all the area lots.
The next stop on the Golden Circle is the Geysir geothermal area. The area is named after the great Geysir, a geyser that has given its name to all geysers worldwide. While this geyser no longer erupts regularly, visitors can still enjoy the spectacle of Strokkur. Strokkur erupts about every five to 10 minutes in a spectacular burst of geothermal water.
Stokkur isn’t the only attraction to the area. As you walk along the paths, you will find numerous other geothermal features, including mud pots, bubbling hot springs, and more. Parking at this location also requires payment, and there is a gift shop and restaurant on site.
The third main stop on the Golden Circle route is Gullfoss Waterfall, which means Golden Waterfall in English. This impressive waterfall features a two-tiered drop, and a rainbow is often seen when viewing the waterfall from the correct angle. There is an upper and lower viewpoint, giving you several different views of the falls.
Parking at Gullfoss is currently free of charge, and visitors can dine in the cafeteria-style restaurant or shop for souvenirs in the onsite store. While this is the final main stop on the Golden Circle route, it doesn’t have to be the end of your day, especially when visiting in the summer months.
If you have more time, there are several additional stops you can add to the Golden Circle on your first day. Kerið Crater is a dormant volcanic crater that features beautiful colors and a lake at the bottom. Visitors can hike the rim or go down to the lake’s edge. Entry to Kerið Crater is on a per-person basis.
Another common stop along the Golden Circle is Secret Lagoon. As one of the oldest pools in Iceland, the Secret Lagoon gives visitors an authentic experience at a lower price than many of the other tourist lagoons. It’s the perfect way to relax and soothe sore muscles after traveling to the country and spending the day traversing the Golden Circle.
You’ll find numerous options in and around the Golden Circle area to ensure you have a place to stay during your visit. If you’re looking for a larger hotel, Hotel Gullfoss and Litli Geysir Hotel are conveniently located. You can also find numerous options on sites like AirBnB and Bungalo, including summer houses, cottages, camping, and farm stays.
Spending the night near the Golden Circle perfectly positions you to explore the South Coast on the second day of your 3-day itinerary in Iceland. As you continue your 3 days in Iceland, you will enjoy numerous waterfalls and other sights that will give you a taste of everything Iceland has to offer visitors.
The first thing to do on your second day is to head back to Reykjavík to enjoy breakfast. While you won’t find many restaurants serving breakfast like you may in other countries, you can find great breakfast options at the local bakeries. Brauð & Co., Baka Baka, and Sandholt are great options for bakery treats.
If you prefer to eat a more substantial breakfast, you can find options at some of the restaurants in the area that cater to visitors. Some popular options include Kaffivagninn, Laundromat Café, Café Loki, and Haust at Fosshótel Reykjavík.
After breakfast in Reykjavík, it’s time to hit Road 1 to start your tour of the South Coast. As you drive east along the road, you’ll find plenty of beautiful sights to keep you occupied until you reach the day’s first stop, Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi. Seljalandsfoss is clearly visible as you approach.
When arriving at Seljalandsfoss, don’t forget to pay the parking fee before you start your hike. First, approach Seljalandsfoss, taking in the impressive waterfall that drops from above. During the summer, you can walk behind the waterfall, giving you yet another perspective.
Once you’re done with Seljalandsfoss, continue on the path along the cliff. You will see several small waterfalls along the way and end at Gljúfrabúi, the hidden waterfall. Seeing this waterfall requires walking through the stream into the cave where the water falls through a hole in the roof. It’s a great photo opportunity that can’t be missed.
The next stop on your itinerary for your 3-day trip in Iceland is Skógafoss, one of the most recognized waterfalls along the South Coast. With a drop of 60 meters and a width of 25 meters, it’s one of the biggest waterfalls in the country. With the right lighting, you may be lucky enough to see a single or double rainbow here.
If you want yet another perspective of the waterfall, you can climb the 527 steps to the viewpoint from the top of the waterfall. If you’re visiting in the summer and have extra time, hiking further up the path will take you to numerous other waterfalls along what is sometimes called “Waterfall Way.”
The third main recommended stop in your second day is the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the nearby town of Vik. The entrance to Reynisfjara is located west of the town. You will drive down a road and end up in a parking lot, which requires a fee. There are two lots with the closer option charging a slightly higher fee.
While visiting Reynisfjara, it’s important to pay close attention to the warning signs near the parking lot. These signs will indicate the current level of danger with a green, yellow, and red flashing light system. Regardless of the color, stay away from the water and never turn your back on it. The beach is known for sneaker waves that can be deadly.
After you spend time at Reynisfjara, a stop in Vik will round out your day. This small town is known for its church on the hill and is home to several popular food stops, including Smiðjan Brugghús, Black Crust Pizzeria, and The Soup Company. There is a black sand beach on this side of the mountain as well.
If you have a little extra time to fill your 3 days in Iceland, you can consider a few extra stops along the South Coast portion of the Ring Road. Two of the most popular additions are Sólheimajökull Glacier and Dyrhólaey Lighthouse.
Sólheimajökull can be reached with your rental car, allowing you to see a glacier up close. However, it’s important to note that it’s not safe to hike on a glacier without a knowledgeable guide and the proper equipment. It makes for a nice quick stop and photo opportunity for your trip, though.
Another option along the South Coast is Dyrhólaey and its lighthouse. You will stand high above the black sand beach below and get a view of several rock formations, including a window. It’s a great place to see the puffins if you will be traveling between mid-April and mid-August.
Because the South Coast is one of the most traveled parts of the country, you won’t find any shortage of accommodations along the way. You can find everything from large hotels to small guesthouses and farm stay options that allow you to get close to the people and culture of Iceland.
Some options for places to stay along the South Coast include Hótel Vík, Black Beach Suites, Skálakot Hotel, Midgard Base Camp, and Hótel Selfoss. It may be better to stay closer to the city to minimize your drive time to start day 3.
The final day of your Iceland in 3 days trip will give you some unique experiences to enjoy before you board the plane and head home. While there’s plenty to do in Reykjavík and the surrounding areas, here are the top recommendations for your last day.
Depending on where you stay the previous night, you can opt to explore more of the South Coast along the way back to the city or take in the sights in Reykjavik itself. There are plenty of options, from unique museums to food options to shows. If you’ll be in the city on the weekend, there’s also a flea market that can be a great place to shop for souvenirs.
Many visitors enjoy a soak in one of the tourist lagoons to relax before they fly home. The Blue Lagoon has long been a top choice for this activity due to its proximity to Keflavik Airport. However, it is no longer the only option visitors choose for their last day.
The Blue Lagoon is a popular choice because of its unique milky blue water and the size of the lagoon itself. Visitors can enjoy a mud mask, drinks, in-water massages, and other features to make the most of their time in the lagoon.
As an alternative to Blue Lagoon, many visitors opt for Sky Lagoon. This lagoon, which has a minimum age of 12, is a more relaxing spa-like experience with a clear soaking pool and a one-of-a-kind seven-step ritual. This ritual consists of the lagoon, a cold plunge, a sauna, a cold mist, a body scrub, a steam room, and a refreshing crowberry elixir.
If soaking in a lagoon isn’t appealing to you, the Reykjanes Peninsula offers plenty of things that are easy to see before you head to the airport. It’s the perfect area to explore on your last day to ensure you don’t miss your flight but aren’t left waiting around either.
The Krysuvik Geothermal Area offers hiking paths in an active geothermal area where you can see boiling mud pots, hot springs, and other geothermal features. The beautiful colors and steaming water offer an interesting landscape to explore before leaving the country.
The Bridge Between Continents is another popular stop around the Reykjanes Peninsula. This bridge serves as a symbol of Iceland’s position straddling the two continents. It’s a fun place to stop for pictures and take in the volcanic landscape.
If you’re looking for a geothermal area closer to the airport, the Gunnuhver Geothermal Area can be the perfect stop. You’ll see a large geothermal pool that emits plenty of steam and spurts of hot water.
Other options along the way include Lake Kleifarvatn, the Hafnarberg Sea Cliffs, the Brimketill Lava Rock Pool, and more.
As your departure time approaches, you will need to drive to Keflavik Airport to return your rental car. This process is generally straightforward, especially if you purchased the appropriate amount of insurance. With high-end insurance, you can often simply drop off the car and go without worrying about an inspection. However, leave plenty of time if you require an inspection upon return.
Spending 3 days in Iceland with a rental car requires plenty of driving. The key thing to remember is there is no need to rush from place to place. Three days isn’t a lot of time, but it’s better to be safe and follow driving rules to ensure you can return safely home.
The above itinerary is suitable for just about any type of rental car. You primarily drive on main roads that are paved, ensuring even small 2WD vehicles can safely reach their destinations. However, if you are traveling during the winter months, it may be better to opt for a 4WD vehicle for better traction and handling in snowy or icy conditions.
Speed limits in Iceland are strict and are put in place due to the narrow roads and lack of shoulders along the road. Visitors are encouraged to follow the speed limit to maintain safety. In general, speed limits are 90 kph on paved roads, 80 kph on gravel roads, and 50 or 30 kph in towns.
When driving on gravel roads, you should drive safely and watch for potholes, rocks, and other obstructions. You should also become familiar with roundabout rules in Iceland because they are slightly different from other countries. The internal lane has the right of way, and you should not change lanes while in the roundabout.
As always, it’s essential to check weather and road conditions before heading to your destination each day. Especially in winter, these factors can require you to change your plans to avoid poor conditions that can be a safety hazard. Always keep the number 112 on hand for emergencies.
You may be wondering about fuel and food stops for your 3 days in Iceland. The good news is that gas stations are frequent along the route detailed in the itinerary above. This means you will always have access to fuel, along with food at the gas stations. Gas station fares in Iceland are quite good and reasonably priced.
If you prefer not to dine out and don’t want to eat gas station food the entire time, every town will have grocery stores where you can purchase sandwiches, ingredients to make your own sandwiches, and other food items. If you book accommodations with a kitchen, you can easily prepare meals to reduce the cost of food.
3 days in Iceland may leave you craving more, but it’s the perfect amount for an introduction to the country or to satisfy your travel cravings. Whether you follow the 3-day itinerary above or add your own stops, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the landscapes and enjoy your freedom when you rent a car in Iceland for three days.