3-Day Iceland Itinerary: Flexible & Customizable

Jan In Iceland - (janiniceland)
Itinerary created by
Jan In Iceland
What you’ll do

What to Expect

This action-packed 3-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Iceland’s top highlights in a short time. Expect a mix of adventure, wildlife, and stunning landscapes as you explore the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Reykjavik. You’ll go whale watching in Reykjavik, hike on a glacier at Sólheimajökull, soak in a geothermal lagoon, and visit iconic waterfalls and black sand beaches—all while enjoying the freedom of a self-drive trip.

Who Is This For?

This itinerary is perfect for those who:
✅ Want to experience whale watching, glacier hiking, hot springs, and waterfalls in just three days.
✅ Are comfortable driving longer distances to see as much as possible.
✅ Prefer a mix of adventure and relaxation, with time to unwind in geothermal lagoons.
✅ Are visiting in summer or winter—with minor seasonal adjustments.
✅ Need a flexible plan that can be adjusted based on their arrival and departure times.

💡 Customizable: If your flight departs on Day 3, you can still follow this itinerary but may need to skip some activities depending on your schedule. Plan extra time for driving and returning your rental car.

🚗 Get ready for an unforgettable Icelandic road trip filled with epic sights and thrilling experiences!

Day Total

84.7 km (52.6 mi)

1 hr 46 min

🗺️ Day overview

📍 Arrival + Whale watching + Reykjavík + Spa

✈️ Arrival time :

✍🏻 Notes :

1

Keflavík International Airport
Unlock to see location
Iceland's international Airport
Category
Public Transport
Direction

✈️ Arrival:

  • Visit Duty Free store (save 30-50%) If you need to buy any alcohol/tobaco

  • Pick up the car. There's a free car rental shuttle right outside the hall next to Flybus parking (easy to find, just follow the signs)

ℹ️ Car Rental

Car Rental name :

Reservation number :

ℹ️ Depending on your arrival time and preference I can suggest two different plans for your day:

  1. Blue Lagoon - Whale Watching - Reykjavik

  2. Reykjavik - Whale Watching - Sky Lagoon

2

Blue Lagoon
Unlock to see location
Luxurious spa retreat in Iceland
Category
Hot Spring
Est. Price
$$$
Direction

🐋 Whale watching

  • You can do this before of after city tour depending on when time you book the tour for.

3

Elding Whale Watching
Unlock to see location
Whale watching & sea tours in Reykjavík
Category
Tours
Est. Price
$$
Est. Duration
2-3h
Direction

⛪︎ Reykjavik Downtown Walk
- I recommend to park your car to Hallgrimskirkja (paid parking, use Parka app/EasyPark to pay)

  • Plan B : if the weather is really bad, skip the tour and drive to the harbour area to do some indoor interactive activity near the city centre like Lava Tour or FlyOver Iceland.

4

Hallgrimskirkja
Unlock to see location
Iconic church in Reykjavík
Category
Sightseeing
Est. Price
$
Direction

🚶🏻‍♂️From church walk to Frakkastígur street down towards the ocean.

5

Brauð & Co
Unlock to see location
Warm cinnamon rolls in Reykjavík
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
Any
Direction

🚶🏻‍♂️Continue walking straight and cross the main road by the ocean.

6

Sun Voyager
Unlock to see location
Symbolic sculpture in Reykjavík
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

586 m (0.4 mi)

1 min

7

Harpa
Unlock to see location
Cultural hub with diverse events
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

🚶🏻‍♂️From Harpa cross the main road to Ingólfsstræti street and then take left turn to Laugavegur Street.

ℹ️ This is shortened version - you can also walk towards Ingólfur Square, visit popular Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, The Settlement Exhibition and Tjörnin lake (all marked in the map)


8

Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street)
Unlock to see location
Vibrant pedestrian street in Reykjavik
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

🛏️ Check-in & dinner

9

Reykjavík Treasure B&B
Unlock to see location
Cozy B&B in Reykjavík
Category
Homes
Direction

4.5 km (2.8 mi)

8 min

10

Raðagerði Veitingahús
Unlock to see location
Restaurant near Grótta Lighthouse
Category
Restaurant
Direction

🚶🏻‍♂️Evening walk to the lighthouse.

  • Popular place to watch northern lights in the winter.

11

Grótta Island Lighthouse
Unlock to see location
Scenic lighthouse in Reykjavík
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

Want to see more?

Simply sign up to access the free version of my travel guide, featuring things to do, itineraries, and travel tips.