Explore the capital city of Iceland by walking around Reykjavik's downtown area. Visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church and climb to the top for panoramic views of Reykjavik. Walk along the shore and take a picture with the Solfar Sun Voyager Sculpture. Afterwards, head to Harpa Concert Hall to see incredible architecture and glaciers floating on the harbour.
Take a tour of the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route in Iceland that covers three major attractions in one go. Start with Thingvellir National Park, where you can see the continental drift between North America and Eurasia. Travel to the Geysir Geothermal Area and watch the Strokkur geyser erupt every 5-10 minutes. End the day at the Gullfoss waterfall, a stunning two-tiered waterfall with rainbows appearing in the mist.
Get ready for a road trip and drive east towards Vik, stopping at popular landmarks along the way. Witness the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading water curtain. Visit Skogafoss, one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. Stroll along black sand beaches and enjoy the sea stacks at Reynisdrangar. End the day with a trip to the amazing Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you can watch icebergs float in the water and even catch a glimpse of seals and seabirds.
Spend the last day on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa with mineral-rich waters that's considered a bucket-list destination. Visit the Bridge Between Two Continents, where you can see the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Drive along the coast and marvel at the geothermal fields and bubbling mud pools.
It's best to rent a car to explore Iceland on your own since public transportation is limited. It's also helpful to have a GPS or offline map as some roads can be difficult to navigate. Expect gas prices to range from $7-8 per gallon, depending on the station.
If you have more time, consider adding a Northern Lights tour to your itinerary. If you have less time, skip the South Coast and spend an extra day in Reykjavik exploring museums and restaurants. Keep in mind that Iceland can be expensive, so budget accordingly.
Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is located 50km southwest of Reykjavik City Center. The airport is the largest in Iceland and serves numerous airlines around the world.