Ultimate Guide Iceland in One Day: Enjoy 24 hours in Iceland

28-07-2023

Iceland is a land of contrasts, with towering glaciers, black sand beaches, and powerful waterfalls. It's also a land of history and culture, with a rich Viking heritage.

If you're planning a quick trip to Iceland, or if you have a layover in Keflavík, here's my ultimate guide to making the most of your 24 hours in Iceland.

Drive the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route that takes in some of Iceland's most iconic natural attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area. If you're short on time, this is a great way to see a lot of Iceland in a short amount of time.

• Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the site of Iceland's first parliament. The park is home to some of Iceland's most dramatic scenery, including lava rock formations, moss-covered hills, and the Silfra fissure, which is one of the world's clearest natural rifts.
• Gullfoss waterfall is a 32-meter (105 ft) high waterfall that plunges into a deep canyon. The waterfall is incredibly powerful, and it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland.
• Geysir geothermal area is home to a number of geysers, including Strokkur, which erupts every 5-8 minutes. The geothermal area is also home to hot springs, mud pools, and fumaroles.

Visit Reykjavik

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and the largest city in the country. The city is known for its colorful houses, its thriving arts scene, and its proximity to some of Iceland's most popular natural attractions.

If you're spending 24 hours in Iceland, I recommend spending at least half of your day in Reykjavík. There are a number of things to see and do in the city, including:

• Visit Hallgrímskirkja, a Lutheran church that is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Iceland.
• Explore Laugavegur, Reykjavík's main shopping street.
• Visit the National Museum of Iceland, which houses a collection of artifacts that tell the story of Iceland's history.
• Take a walk around Tjörnin, a beautiful lake in the heart of Reykjavík.

Enjoy the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in a lava field in southwest Iceland. The spa is known for its milky blue water, which is rich in minerals and has been said to have healing properties.

If you're looking for a relaxing way to end your day in Iceland, I recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon. The spa is open 24 hours a day, so you can go at any time that suits you.

1 day in Iceland Itinerary

This itinerary has been designed to take into account the need to return to Keflavik airport for a departure flight. Depending on the arrival and departure flight times, the itinerary may be changed or rearranged. 

In this case, we have assumed waking up in Reykjavik and a hypothetical departure to Keflavik, so the order of the route is based on this.

Here's a suggested itinerary for a 24-hour trip to Iceland:

• 8am-2pm: Start your day with a visit to Þingvellir National Park. Hike around the park, visit the Alþingi (Iceland's parliament), and take in the stunning scenery. Drive to Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area. Watch the geysers erupt, and walk behind the waterfall.

Please note that, departing from Reykjavik and returning to the city. You will need about 4 hours driving plus time to see each attraction, so you should leave early and not dawdle too much.

• 2pm-5pm: Explore Reykjavik, buy some souvenirs on the main street, Laugavegur and visit Hallgrímskirkja cathedral.
• 5pm-8pm: Drive to Keflavik and visit the Blue Lagoon. Relax in the geothermal water and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Tips to visit Iceland in a day

Here are a few tips for planning your 24-hour trip to Iceland:

• Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you're traveling during the peak season.
• Rent a car so you can have more flexibility and see more of the country.
• Pack for all types of weather, as the weather in Iceland can change quickly.
• Be prepared for long travel times, as distances in Iceland are great.
• Allow plenty of time to get to the airport for your flight home.

I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect 24-hour trip to Iceland!

Exploring Iceland in a day!

I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect 24-hour trip to Iceland! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I'm always happy to help people plan their trips to Iceland.

I hope this is more informative! Let me know if you have any other questions