3 Days in Iceland – Golden Circle Self Drive Road Trip
This post may contain affiliate links. There is a chance that I might receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you, of course!
Quickest and most eventful itinerary yet!
I know a weekend in Iceland sounds pretty funny, but it is definitely doable! Don’t let being short on time stop you from getting out and exploring. Whether you are going for a weekend getaway or one of their famous stopovers, 3 days is plenty of time to get a little taste of everything Iceland has to offer. Check out my itinerary below for the perfect Iceland weekend getaway!
Make sure to keep in mind the time of year you will be going and the number of daylight hours. During the summer, daylight hours can reach almost 24 hours in some parts! This also means that during the winter, daylight hours fall as low as 4 hours per day. Don’t let that deter you, more darkness means more of a chance of seeing the northern lights! These websites, here and here, are my favorites for tracking this information in not just Iceland, but anywhere in the world. Also, check out my guide here on how to see the northern lights.
Summary
What is the Golden Circle in Iceland?
How long does it take to drive the Golden Circle?
Can I do the Golden Circle as a day trip from Reykjavik?
When is the best time to visit?
Are three days enough?
Map
My Recommended Itinerary
Day 1 – Land in Iceland, Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, Þingvellir National Park, Hotel Recommendations
Day 2 – Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss, Faxifoss, Friðheimar, Kerið Crater, Hotel Recommendations
Day 3 – Fly Home (Optional last-minute adventures based on time) Reykjavik, Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike, Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s Golden Circle
What is the Golden Circle in Iceland?
The Golden Circle is a popular circular route in southern Iceland. It gets its name from Gullfoss, one of the major waterfalls on the route. It is one of the most popular day tours from Reykjavik and can be done as a solo self-drive road trip or with an organized tour. The route stretches for around 186 miles/300 km and starts and ends in Reykjavik. You will find that many travelers flock to the Golden Circle due to its proximity to the capital and because many of Iceland’s top sights and attractions can be found here! Whether you are on a long trip or a quick one like this one, I would recommend the Golden Circle to anyone visiting Iceland.
How long does it take to drive the Golden Circle?
Starting in Reykjavik, the round trip should take around 6-8 hours. This includes around 3.5 hours of driving time + however long you decide to spend at each attraction.
Can I do the Golden Circle as a day trip from Reykjavik?
Definitely! It is easy to squeeze the Golden Circle into a day. Due to its proximity to Reykjavik, there are many options available to you. Of course, you can rent a car and follow my itinerary below. If joining a private/group tour is more your thing, there are many for you to choose from that leave from the city. They might even pick you up right from your hotel!
When is the best time to visit?
For a trip this short, I would recommend staying within late spring to early fall. Ideally, summer would be the best, most amount of sun and the least amount of rainfall. However, don’t let this deter you from exploring other times of the year. There is just as much magic in the winter, like the chance to see northern lights! (Click here for tips on how to see them - COMING SOON). No matter which time of year, make sure to keep your itinerary flexible and an eye on the weather report just in case of any sudden weather changes.
Visit this website to stay up to date on the quickly changing weather conditions.
Are three days enough?
My 3-day itinerary is for literally, a 3-day trip. This works best if flying in from the east coast of the United States, or if in Europe, then Ireland, England, Norway, or surrounding areas. For my 3 day trip to Iceland, I flew in from Dublin, Ireland, and after my trip flew to New York, US.
Have an extra day or two? Check out my long weekend itinerary here!
Have even longer? Check out my 7 Day Iceland Road Trip and 2 Week Ring Road Itinerary. (COMING SOON 😊)
Map
My Recommended Itinerary
Below is my recommended itinerary for a quick 3 day trip to Iceland. You will hit all the best highlights and have a great time exploring!
Day 1
Land in Iceland!
Many flights from the United States tend to land at Keflavik Airport in the morning, which gives you plenty of time to hit the ground running! Or driving in this case. It is very easy to rent a car in Iceland and just as easy to get to from the airport. Most are a quick shuttle bus ride away.
Note: When exiting the airport stop a moment, smell the amazingly fresh Icelandic air, then follow the covered sidewalk to the rental car shuttle busses. If taking a Flybus, which is a great alternative to getting into Reykjavik, the pickup is right there at the beginning of the covered sidewalk.
Blue Lagoon
If the Blue Lagoon is on your bucket list, now is the perfect time to go! Being only around 20 mins from the airport, it’s a popular first stop for travelers. If you prefer, this can even be moved to the end of your trip. Just don’t miss your flight!
If you are planning on going, it is best to book your time slot in advance. The Blue Lagoon is very popular, and you don’t want to get all the way there and not be able to enter. Once you are in though, there is no time limit on how long you can stay. I find that 1 to 2 hours is usually sufficient.
Reykjavik
Next stop, Reykjavik! Even on a short trip like this one, I still recommend making a quick stop here. Laugavegur is the main walking street in Reykjavik lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
To get a quick taste of the area, I recommend walking the following triangle. Enter Laugavegur at the corner of Frakkastígur. Walk all the way down until you reach Skólavörðustígur, and make a left. As you walk up the street you will quickly see the rainbow-painted street that leads to the famous Hallgrimskirkja, one of the many well-known churches in Iceland. After reaching the church and exploring the area, maybe even take a ride to the top of the tower and get a great 360 view of Reykjavik from above, turn left onto Frakkastígur and walk back down to where you started at the corner of Laugavegur. On your way down make sure to stop at Brauð & Co. and pick up a tasty pastry! You won’t be able to miss them with their brightly painted façade.
Of course, you can start at any point depending on where you park. I find that if you are having trouble finding street parking, just type parking into google maps and it will bring you to a good spot.
If you decide to spend a little more time and want to explore outside of where I mentioned above, here are a few more great spots.
Harpa and the Viking Sun Voyager Statue
City Pond
Valdis Ice Cream Shop
The hot dog stand Bæjarins Bestu ("The Town's Best') near Reykjavík harbor
They have a reputation for selling the most delicious hot dogs in Iceland
Alþingishúsið, Iceland’s parliament building since 1881
Bonus: If you see a Te & Kaffi, stop and grab something good. This is my favorite coffee shop in Iceland!
One last thing to do in Reykjavik before you leave? Go to a grocery store! Especially if you’re on a budget. There are lots of great places to eat in Iceland, but it can get very pricey. If you can’t think of what you want at least get bread, sandwich meat [if you eat that], or peanut butter and jelly, fruit, snacks, and bottled drinks. If you want to snack, eat something you purchased at the grocery store instead of breaking the bank by going out to eat! My favorite grocery store is Bonus. It has the best price and range of options. Some other great ones are Kronan and Netto.
Þingvellir National Park
Ready to be on two continents at once? The next location is an exciting stop. Þingvellir National Park pronounced Thingvellir in English, is one of Iceland’s UNESCO world heritage sites. The area is an important cultural and geological site to Iceland. A continental divide cuts right through the park. The rift valley is caused by the separation of two tectonic plates, the North American and Eurasian, marking the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Here is also where the country’s first parliament was located. For hundreds of years, 930 to 1798, Icelanders would meet here to discuss laws and politics. You can just feel the history here. Now, the parliament is located within Alþingishúsið in Reykjavík.
How to visit
When you arrive, there is a parking lot that accommodates plenty of cars. Before continuing to the park make sure to stop at one of the pay stations located inside the visitor center. To the right of the building, there is a viewpoint that I recommend making a stop at before following the path down between the two continents. The path is very well maintained and easy to walk with plenty of informational reading along the way.
If you follow the path all the way down you will see your first waterfall of the trip, Öxarárfoss. For anyone who is a Game of Thrones fan, nearby there is a rift through the rock that was used as a filming location. One way, the walk is about 20 minutes, but make sure to add to that time to allow for taking in the sights and reading the informational boards. If that is too time-consuming I think walking about 10 minutes down and turning back lets you see plenty.
Up for some adventure? An even cooler way to see the rifts is by snorkeling! There are tours that bring you through the Silfra Fissure nearby. Very cold but definitely an adventure worth doing. On a short trip like this one, you may not have time to do both so I would recommend picking one or the other. The snorkeling would probably take around 3 hours or so.
Where to Stay
For tonight, I recommend staying somewhere in the area. If you prefer to keep Reykjavik as your home base, you can do the entire Golden Circle in a day. Just move everything starting at Thingvellir National Park to day 2 and spend the day further exploring the city, soaking for longer in the hot springs at the Blue Lagoon, or even hike the new volcano! More information on that on day 3.
Hotel Recommendations
Héraðsskólinn Historic Guesthouse
Laugarbraut 2, 840 Laugarvatn, Iceland
Hotel Website
History About the Hotel
This is the perfect place to stay the night before setting out on your Golden Circle road trip. The location enables you to be closer than the travelers starting their days in Reykjavik so that you can be among the first arriving at all the sites! And an extra plus, Héraðsskólinn is right next to the natural steam baths, Fontana. Also, the building has a very interesting history, check it out here.
Litli Geysir Hotel
Geysir, Bláskógabyggd, IS-806, South Iceland, Iceland
Located within the Geysir Geothermal Area, this hotel is a great place to spend the night before continuing along the golden circle. Here you get the extra perk of having the Great Geysir right at your doorstep! Make sure to take advantage of this and go see it without the middle of the day crowds.
Reykjavik Hotel Recommendations
Center Hotels Plaza
Adalstraeti 4, Reykjavik, 00101, Iceland
Small chain hotel with multiple locations. This one in particular is in an excellent location within the heart of Reykjavik. Plenty of bars and restaurants for evenings and cafes for the morning. Spending the day in Reykjavik? Laugavegur walking street is within walking distance along with nearby things to see.
Hotel Klettur
Mjölnisholti 12-14, Reykjavik, 105, Iceland
Modern hotel near the other end of Laugavegur. Only a 13 minute walk to Hallgrímskirkja, the landmark 73-m-tall modern church, and many other fun places! Quieter area with easy, free parking.
Day 2
Geysir Geothermal Area
First stop of the day, Geysir geothermal area within the Haukadalur Valley. When you arrive there is easy, free, parking by the visitor center. After parking, cross the street to enter the main geothermal area. As you follow the path you will be surrounded by many bubbling mud pots and steaming earth, but the main attractions are Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysir. Great Geysir is the earliest documented geyser in European literature and has been active for around 10,000 years. Now, it is pretty much inactive. However, before reaching Great Geysir, you will see Strokkur. This geyser erupts every 6-10 minutes, shooting boiling hot water almost 131 feet (40 meters) in the air.
As you walk up to Strokkur you can go right and view it from that side, or keep walking and you will reach Great Geysir. You used to be able to walk completely around Strokkur but as of my visit in 2021, it has been closed off, but you can still reach the other side. Go back to the front of it and cross over following the left side of the geyser. That side allows you to get up closer and see the water inside. After watching Strokkur go off a couple more times, turn around and follow the trail up to see several more hot springs, mud pits, and geysers around the area.
Gullfoss
Next up is Gullfoss, or “Gold Waterfall”. Gullfoss is one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls you will see on your trip, and how the Golden Circle gets its name! This location again includes a good size parking lot and a great visitor center. To reach the waterfall walk to the left of the visitor center and follow the path down where you should quickly start to hear the powerful water cascading down.
There are two ways to see the falls, from above and walking right up to it. As you reach the stairs, turn left to head towards the lookout. After checking that out, walk back to the stairs and walk down to the waterfall. Depending on the time of year, there may be an additional trail that brings you right up to the side of it. If that is closed it is still a breathtaking view from the main area.
Faxifoss
Many miss Faxifoss when traveling along the Golden Circle. Although it is much less powerful and dramatic than Gullfoss, it is very peaceful and of course, much less crowded. There is a large lot, so no worry about parking. After parking, you can walk to the end of the lot for a great quick view of the waterfall or turn right and follow a short trail to another viewpoint. If you feel like you have some more time, you can follow a path to the left and get a closer look.
Note: If you’re using Google maps, and having trouble finding it, try typing in Faxafoss or just Faxi.
Friðheimar
Address - Friðheimar, Reykholt, Iceland
Who travels all the way to Iceland for tomato soup? I do! Friðheimar is a family-run greenhouse, restaurant, and horse stable along the Golden Circle. It is only about 10 minutes up the road from Faxifoss and a must-stop on your road trip.
When you arrive, there are usually a couple of horses hanging out outside that you can go up and say hello to. After making your new best friends, cross the parking lot to the entrance of the greenhouse. The tables inside are set up among the growing tomatoes! The restaurant is something you can’t miss.
Note: It is quite humid inside so make sure you are wearing layers. There also may be a couple of stray bumblebees flying around. They most likely won’t bother you, however, try to avoid wearing bright colors. One time I had an electric blue shirt on, and one bumblebee would not leave me be. The person taking our order said the bee probably thought I was a flower and was attracted to the vibrant color. Once I put on my black sweatshirt, the bee completely left me alone again.
Their menu consists of a variety of dishes, drinks, and even desserts that all incorporate their homegrown tomatoes in some way. You really can’t go wrong with whatever you decide to order. Click here to see the menu.
Note: Make sure to book in advance! They are only open from 12 PM – 4 PM and can get busy, so it is best to reserve your table.
Also, still on a budget? Their tomato soup is bottomless! There are tables set up around the restaurant with hot tomato soup and fresh bread that you can help yourself to. The restaurant is still worth going to even if you can’t indulge in everything they have to offer.
Kerið (Kerid) Crater
Last stop of the day! Kerid crater is a massive red rock crater with a lake in the middle. The surrounding rocks are fiery red and orange combined with bursts of black and green with a deep blue lake at the bottom. The color of the lake depends on how sunny/cloudy it is when you are there.
When you arrive, there is a small parking lot. Parking is free but there is a small per person entrance fee (about $3 each). After paying, to the left is a short trail leading up to a wonderful viewpoint of the crater. Then, to the left of the lookout, there is a short, 5 minute, trail that leads down to the lake allowing you to walk right up to it.
Where to Stay
Here is a great place to end your Golden Circle route. Today has been a long day and I recommend staying in the nearby town of Selfoss, about a 15-minute drive. If you prefer to make Reykjavik your home base, the Golden Circle can be done in a day, and then the drive back to Reykjavik is about an hour, depending on where your hotel is.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel Selfoss
Eyravegur 2, Selfoss, 800, Iceland
Relaxing hotel along the water in Selfoss.
Hotel South Coast
Eyrarvegur 11-13, Selfoss, 800, Iceland
Beautiful simple but modern hotel in the center of Selfoss.
Extra Tip
My favorite burger restaurant and brewery in Vik recently opened a location Selfoss! Smiðjan Brugghús has some of the best burgers I have ever tasted along with everything else they make. Make sure to stop here for dinner and a beer. You will be so happy you did!
Day 3
Flying Home
Time to fly home! Or possibly to your next adventure. Depending on when your flight takes off, you might have some time to fit in one last adventure. Here are my recommendations.
Reykjavik
Didn’t spend enough time on day 1? Now’s your chance! There is so much to see and do, stopping by again is a must. Refer to my list above for more fun things to do.
Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike
Ready to hike an active volcano? In March 2021, Fagradalsfjall started erupting on the Reykjanes Peninsula just 40 kilometers, about 25 miles, from Reykjavik! Don’t worry, it is considered an effusive eruption, so the lava steadily flows out of the volcano rather than shooting into the atmosphere. This allows for safe hiking around the area and no danger to the residents in Reykjavik. Don’t let your guard down too much though when on your hike. Stick to marked paths, listen to officials in the area, and check reports before heading to the location.
Also, do not stand on the “hardened” lava! I saw too many people doing this. You never know how soft it may be underneath and you do not want to fall through.
Note: Look up online for a current trail route map. Since the volcano is still erupting, you need to look into the ever-changing routes to find which works best for you. Follow this link for parking information and current trail updates.
Blue Lagoon
Decided day 1 wasn’t a good time to go? Today is the next best thing! Since it is only about 20 minutes away from the airport, the Blue Lagoon is a great last stop on your trip. Schedule your time slot to give you plenty of time to relax, get ready afterward, and make your way to the airport on time.
I hope my itinerary makes planning your quick stop in Iceland a little easier. I think this is a great itinerary to follow in order but of course, tailor it to your liking, and leave time for the unexpected! Traveling shouldn’t be about rigid schedules. Embrace the adventure and spontaneity!
Hi, I’m Karen!Travel Blogger & Photographer + Founder of The Everyday Adventure
Here I share travel tips, packing guides, planning help, and photography from many different parts of the world. I help other working 9-5 adventurers get out into the world and see as much as they can with the little time they have available.
Related Posts
Looking for Something? Connect With Me 
