The Ultimate 3-Day Self-Drive Itinerary in Iceland
Iceland is the dream destination for road-trippers. Thousands upon thousands of miles of stretching wilderness roads, with beautiful sights around every corner make Iceland unforgettable. If you’re planning to visit Iceland for 3 days, you’ll be pleased to know that this is an excellent amount of time for a road trip, offering jaw-dropping landscapes, natural wonders, and plenty of adventure. We’ve put together our ultimate 3-day self-drive Iceland itinerary to help you make the most of your 3-day break in Iceland!
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Can You See Iceland in 3 Days?
While three days in Iceland won’t allow you to see every corner of the island, you will be able to plan a self-drive adventure that will allow you to take in the top highlights. Follow our itinerary for an unforgettable 3 days in Iceland!
Your 3-Day Self Drive Iceland Itinerary
We’ve taken the liberty of planning out 3 action-packed days in Iceland for you! From National Parks to waterfalls to glacier lagoons, you’ll get to experience some of Iceland’s most amazing attractions.
Day 1: The Golden Circle and Reykjavík
Morning:
Thingvellir National Park
Start your day by tackling the world-famous Golden Circle road trip! The first stop, Thingvellir National Park, is located just 45 minutes outside of Reykjavík. We’d suggest an early start so that you can make the most of your day and get to the park as early as possible. Here you can explore the amazing history and geography of Iceland, including the Almannagjá fault, where you can walk between two tectonic plates. You can also explore the Oxarárfoss waterfall and the Althing, the site of Iceland’s first parliament, founded in 920!
Afternoon:
Geysir Geothermal Area
The next stop on the Golden Circle is the Geysir Geothermal Area. This area is full of geothermal activity, including mud pots that bubble up from the steamy earth below, and the amazing geyser, Stokkur, which erupts every few minutes regularly. We’d also recommend that you grab a quick bite to eat for lunch at the Geysir Center.
Gullfoss Waterfall
The final stop on the Golden Circle is the gob-smacking two-tiered waterfall, Gullfoss. This powerhouse of a waterfall has been immortalized on screen, including the 2012 Alien prequel, Prometheus, and in the TV series Vikings. Take some time exploring the falls and taking dramatic photos to make your family and friends jealous!
Evening:
Return to Reykjavík
After a big day of adventure, make your way back to Reykjavík. Wander the city’s charming streets to see the excellent examples of architecture lit up against the night sky. Marvel at the Harpa Concert Hall and the famous Hallgrímskirkja church and finish off your day with a traditional Icelandic meal at a restaurant, like Fiskmarkaðurinn, known for fresh and excellent seafood.
Day 2: South Coast and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Morning:
Skógafoss Waterfall
This is a full day, so we recommend making a very early start east from the capital if you really want to make the most of your 3 days in Iceland. That being said, you don’t want to miss this iconic waterfall that you can actually walk behind, which makes it one of the top selfie destinations in the world.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
After a 3-hour drive, you will reach Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a serene sea lagoon where icebergs float in crystal blue water. Watch seals frolic on the icebergs, take photos and if time permits, join a boat or kayak tour of the lagoon!
Afternoon & Evening
Diamond Beach
This stunning black sand beach is home to broken chunks of ice from the icebergs at Jökulsárlón, which wash ashore here and glisten in the sun. Flex your photography skills and enjoy the otherworldly beauty of the beach.
Stop for Dinner in Vik
In the late afternoon, you’ll want to start making your way back towards Reykjavík. It’s a long drive back to the city and will take you 4-5 hours. We recommend stopping off in Vik (about 2.5 hours from Diamond Beach) for dinner. Visit delicious restaurants like The Soup Company or Smidjan Brugghús before continuing back to Reykjavík for a good night’s sleep.
Day 3: Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Morning:
Drive to Snæfellsnes
We recommend another early start as it roughly takes around 2.5 hours to drive from Reykjavík to the peninsula. It’s worth the journey though, because Snæfellsnes is often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature,” meaning you can see a wide variety of landscapes in a relatively small area of landmass, encapsulating just about everything that Iceland is famous for.
Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss
Without a doubt, one of the most famous sights on the peninsula is Kirjufell. The mountain is another Icelandic landmark made famous on the screen, as seen in Game of Thrones. The nearby waterfall is equally beautiful, and the entire area is majestic and worth spending some time exploring and taking photos.
Afternoon:
Arnarstapi and Hellnar
Head deeper into the peninsula to the coastal cliffs near Arnarstapi, where you’ll glimpse amazing rock formations like Gatklettur. Visit the charming fishing village of Hellnar, and find a local cafe to enjoy lunch in.
Evening:
Return to Reykjavík:
After a full day of exploring Snæfellsnes, head back to the city and enjoy a special meal at one of the many unique and authentic Icelandic restaurants. Allow yourself plenty of time to get packed up to leave the next day and enjoy a good night’s sleep – after this adventurous itinerary, you’ll deserve it!
Iceland really is the perfect place to explore on a self-drive tour, and 3 days gives you enough time to hit some of the bucket list attractions. If you want to spend some more time on the island, why not explore a 7 day itinerary and make a week of it?