3 Days in Iceland: Top 3 Recommendations
Ideal for those looking for a long weekend getaway, 3 days in Iceland is still enough to be able to take in the main sights of the country and get a sense of how Iceland ticks. From the famous nightlife of Reykjavik to a landscape dotted with active volcanoes, smoking springs, and glittering glaciers, there is no limit to what you can experience with a day Iceland trip. Looking for a quick sojourn through the land of ice and snow? Go on a whirlwind journey with our 2- and 3-day Iceland adventures below.
- Carolyn Williams
- From USA
1. South Coast Summer Tour: 2 Days in Iceland
| Day 1 | Explore black-sand beaches and waterfalls |
| Day 2 | Watch icebergs cleave in Jökulsárlón and walk Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon |
Tick off Iceland’s most famous natural landmarks from your base in Reykjavik during this two-day tour. Stand behind the cascading waters of Seljalandsfoss and set foot on the Soheimajokull glacier. Look out for puffins in Reynisfjara and take in the famous Diamond Beach, named after the pieces of ice that constantly wash ashore. Then learn more about Icelandic history in one of just six remaining turf-built churches before heading out to celebrate nature’s power in Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. See all tours to Iceland.
2. Silver and Golden Circle: 3 Days in Iceland
| Day 1 | Visit Barnafossar and Hraunfossar, explore the ice cave beneath Langjökull |
| Day 2 | Explore the epic Golden Circle |
| Day 3 | Go on a glacier walk, visit waterfalls |
Never let it be said that three days is not enough time to truly explore Iceland. Despite being short, this trip is packed with impressive attractions. Starting amid cascading Barnafossar and Hraunfossar waterfalls, you will continue on to Iceland’s biggest ice cave, tunneling its way through the Langjökull Glacier. If anything, the experiences get better on day two, when you will scour the Golden Circle for its ethereal highlights. But be sure not to end your visit unless you have walked across a glacier and gawked at the attractions along the south coast. Get in touch with our local travel experts for a customized trip to Iceland.
3. Golden Circle and More: Iceland in 3 Days
| Day 1 | Discover sights along Iceland’s Golden Circle |
| Day 2 | Explore legendary landscapes of ‘Game of Thrones' |
| Day 3 | Gaze at Diamond Beach and uncover the island’s history |
With three days in Iceland, you have got no time to lose, so start as you mean to go on by tackling what is perhaps Iceland’s biggest draw – the Golden Circle. See geysers shoot steaming water high into the air, experience water tumbling down Gullfoss, and discover Thingvellir National Park. Then make your way to the Sólheimajökull glacier for the rare chance to walk across this mass of solid ice. Finally, learn more about the constant evolution of icebergs at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, where ice crystals glisten on black volcanic sands.
As seen from the itineraries above, 3 days in Iceland is enough for an Iceland tour. For more ideas, browse through our list of 3-day tours in Iceland. If you want to spend some more time in the country, check out our guide on how many days to spend in Iceland. Want to design your own journey? Talk to one of our travel experts in Iceland.
