An Epic 4-Day Iceland Itinerary to See the Best Sights

I am thrilled to report that all the hype about Iceland is 100% true!

It is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited with its diverse landscapes, amazing waterfalls, and unique sights.

This was undoubtedly one of the most epic trips I have been on, and I can’t wait to share with you everything we did to help you plan your perfect 4-day Iceland itinerary!

Be sure to stick around until the end where I also share valuable Iceland travel tips, recommendations on where to stay, rental car information, and much more!

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I have included a Google Maps below that has all of these sights in this 4-day Iceland itinerary, making it easier for you to find directions during your trip.

4-Day Iceland Itinerary

This 4-day Iceland itinerary is the perfect way to get the most out of your trip to Iceland by seeing amazing waterfalls, hiking on glaciers, and so much more.

Depending on the time of year you visit, some of these sights and activities might not be feasible.

Therefore, this itinerary is geared towards visiting during the summer when the weather is better and the sun is out longer – meaning more time for activities!

Some of these days are jam-packed so be sure to evaluate which sights are the most important to you in case you do not have the time and/or energy to fit them all in.

Due to the limited number of days, this itinerary is focused around the southern coast of Iceland to limit the amount of driving time.

Day 1: Golden Circle

Glymur Waterfall Hike

If you’re looking for an amazing hike to do in Iceland, the hike to Glymur Waterfall is a very popular hike with amazing views along the way.

It is about a 1 hour drive from Reykjavík, and the hike takes approximately 3 hours.

I really wish we were able to do this hike, but unfortunately, our flight got delayed by a day, and we did not have the time in our itinerary to do it.

I still wanted to include it in this itinerary though since I have heard it is one of the best hikes in Iceland!

I have read on All Trails reviews that most people recommend doing the hike counterclockwise to get the challenging part over first.

Keep in mind that there are a couple river crossings along the hike as well, so be sure to pack some water shoes so you don’t have wet feet for the whole hike.

Or, you can always take your shoes off and bring a towel to wipe your feet off before putting your hiking shoes back on.

This will take up about half of your first day so you might have to cut some of the other sights out depending on time and your energy, but it is worth it if you’re looking for some adventure!

If you’re visiting during the summer when the sun does not set (praise the Midnight Sun!), then you might be able to fit all of this into one day, depending on your energy levels.

Here is the Glymur Waterfall hiking route you will follow and directions to there.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

It is also home to Iceland’s largest natural lake – Pingvallavatn. 

Here are a couple things to do in Thingvellir National Park:

• The hike to Öxarárfoss Waterfall via Almannagjá Trail is a great way to see some of the best sights in Thingvellir National Park. It is 3 miles round trip and easy.
• You can snorkel between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates which is called the Silfra fissure, talk about an epic adventure! If you’re interested, check out this popular snorkeling tour.

Lunch at Friðheimar

During your research for your trip to Iceland, I bet you have come across the iconic tomato restaurant called Friðheimar!

It is such a popular restaurant so make sure to book a reservation several months in advance to secure your spot.

If you are unable to get a reservation, we saw some people walk in and get seating in the bar area, but I do believe the menu is more limited in there.

They are only open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and it is located near the Golden Circle sights, making it a great place to stop for lunch.

Their menu is all tomato based, and you can get unlimited tomato soup and bread. It was amazing!

If you want something other than soup, they have other menu options as well like pasta. 

➡️ Be sure to read my blog post where I cover 20 international travel tips to get you prepared for your upcoming trip to Iceland!

Geysir

Next up, drive to the Geysir called Strokkur which is a short walk from the parking lot.

It erupts about every 6 minutes, and it is a pretty powerful geysir!

I have never seen a geysir before so this was pretty neat, and it is a pretty quick stop.

Gulfoss Falls

Gulfoss Falls is definitely the highlight of the Golden Circle. It is such a large and powerful waterfall making it quite a sight to see! 

The hike to the waterfall is only about one mile round trip and is relatively easy. Check out the All Trails map here.

While I highly recommend renting a car during your trip to Iceland to explore at your own pace and hit all the sights, you can still visit the Golden Circle without a car by taking a guided tour.

If you’re looking to take a day trip from Reykjavík, then I would recommend booking one of the Golden Circle Day tours that will take you to all three major sights – Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gulfoss.

Bruarfoss

Brúarfoss is known for its bright blue water and unique “bridge” formation. 

It’s a bit off the beaten path and requires a short hike, but the beautiful color of the water makes it worth the effort especially since it is usually way less crowded than the sights at the Golden Circle.

Here is the directions to get there as well as the short walking route you will take to reach the waterfall.

Faxafoss

Faxafoss is another beautiful waterfall located on the Tungufljót River. 

As you can tell by now, there is no shortage of amazing waterfalls in Iceland!

It’s a great spot for a quick stop, and it is located about 20 minutes from Brúarfoss.

Dinner at Efstidalur II

Efstidalur II is a charming family farm that offers farm-to-table dining and homemade ice cream. It is a great stop for dinner and ice cream to end your night.

You can see the farm animals and enjoy a meal made with fresh, local ingredients.

Their kitchen does close at 8:00 pm, so keep that in mind based on the timing of your itinerary.

Optional Stops on Day 1 (If You Have Time)

Hrunalaug Hot Spring

Hrunalaug is a small, more rustic hot spring located in the Icelandic countryside.

It offers a more peaceful and less crowded spot to relax in a warm hot spring, compared to the more popular and larger hot springs like Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon.

It is close to the Golden Circle attractions, making it a worthwhile stop if you have the time.

They have a time limit of 1.5 hours due to it being a smaller place, and there is a small fee that you can pay by cash or card. Check out more details on their website.

Skjol Cafe

Skjól Cafe is a great spot to grab a bite to eat near the Geysir in the Golden Circle area.

They are well-known for their pizza!

➡️ To prepare for your long flight to Iceland, check out my blog post about things to do on long flights to make the time pass quickly!

Where We Stayed Near the Golden Circle

We stayed in the Golden Circle area for one night, and we stayed at a charming Airbnb that was the perfect way to spend the evening in the countryside.

It is located on a horse breeding farm near the Golden Circle area, making it a convenient place to stay the night.

Here is the Airbnb if you’re interested!

Day 2: Southern Coast

Gluggafoss

Gluggafoss, also known as “Window Falls,” is a unique waterfall with multiple tiers.

It is slightly out of the way, making it a less crowded destination compared to the other famous waterfalls in Iceland.

The trail is about 0.7 miles out and back and can be steep at times, especially if you hike all the way to the top to see the other waterfalls, which I recommend doing if you’re able to!

This one does add some more time to your already long day, so if you’re short on time this is the stop that I would cut out of your itinerary.

Seljalandsfoss & Gljufrabui

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, known for the path that allows you to walk behind the waterfall for a super cool view.

Once you’re at Seljalandsfoss, be sure to continue onward on the walking path where you will eventually run into, Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall that is partially obscured by a cliff.

To get to Gljúfrabúi, you will have to walk through a short and narrow canyon, to see the waterfall in all of its glory!

We visited later in the morning on a week day in July, and it was busy.

We had to wait in line for about 15 minutes before we could walk through the short canyon to get to Gljúfrabúi. So, if I were you, I would try to get here early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Here is the AllTrails map you can follow to see both waterfalls. I highly recommend wearing a rain jacket as you will get wet from the waterfalls.

Skogafoss

Skógafoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls we visited during our trip to Iceland!

You can walk right up to the base of the falls and climb the stairs to a viewing platform for stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding landscape!

I highly recommend climbing the stairs to the viewing platform.

Lunch at Mia’s Country Van

Please be sure to stop for lunch at Mia’s Country Van while you’re visiting Skogafoss!

It is super close by and they serve up the most delicious fish and chips I have ever had!

Kvernufoss

Kvernufoss is a beautiful waterfall tucked away in a small canyon near Skógafoss.

When we visited, it was way less crowded than Skógafoss, providing a very peaceful experience.

I think it was my favorite waterfall we visited during our trip to Iceland!

It is a relatively short hike to get to Kvernufoss, where you can walk behind the falls and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Here is the AllTrails map that gives you directions to get there as well as the walking route to reach the falls.

Sólheimajökull

Sólheimajökull is a stunning glacier that extends from the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap.

There is a large parking lot, that costs a small fee, and then it is just a short walk from the parking lot up to the glacier.

If you’re wanting to do a glacier hike, I actually recommend doing a hike on the Vatnajokull glacier instead of Sólheimajökull.

With that being said, Sólheimajökull is 100% worth a visit to just see it even if you’re not walking on it.

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara Beach is famous for its black sand and unique basalt columns.

The beach is known for its powerful waves, called sneaker waves, making it essential to keep a safe distance from the water. You can read more about this here.

It’s a breathtaking spot for photography and offers amazing views of the Icelandic coastline!

We were lucky enough to stay at an Airbnb within walking distance from here. It was amazing to just be able to walk here from our accommodations.

This was hands down the best Airbnb I have ever stayed in due to it being located in the most beautiful setting!

Day 3: Vik

Breakfast from Restaurant Suður-Vík

There are limited dining options for breakfast in Vik, but Restaurant Suður-Vík is really all you need! Their breakfast food and coffee were delicious.

They are also an amazing spot for dinner as well, and it was our favorite meal we had while in Iceland!

Coffee from Skool Beans Cafe

Skool Beans is a super unique coffee shop located in a converted school bus.

It offers a cool atmosphere, serving up some excellent coffee.

It’s a great place to take a break and enjoy a warm drink before heading off on your adventures for the day.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a breathtaking sight, featuring a river that winds through steep, moss-covered cliffs.

It’s a must-visit for its dramatic landscapes, and it was also where Justin Bieber filmed his “I’ll Show you” music video.

Here is the AllTrails map of the hike there.

Skaftafell & Svartifoss

Skaftafell is a part of Vatnajökull National Park and offers several hiking trails through stunning scenery.

The highlight is Svartifoss, a waterfall known for its epic basalt column backdrop!

A moderate hike through the park leads to this picturesque waterfall. It is steep at some points on the way up to the waterfall but still very doable.

Here is the AllTrails map we used to get to Svartifoss.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is a black sand beach located near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, famous for the ice that washes ashore and shines like diamonds against the black sand.

It’s a stunning and unique landscape, perfect for photography and enjoying the scenery.

Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón is a stunning glacier lagoon filled with floating icebergs that have broken off from the nearby glacier.

You can take boat tours to get closer to the icebergs and seals that inhabit the area.

We decided to not do the boat tour and instead just viewed the lagoon from the shore. We even spotted a few seals in the water!

Despite the far drive from Vik, it was 100% worth the drive!

Drive up to the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse

Dyrhólaey Lighthouse is located high up offering panoramic views of the Icelandic coast.

Driving up to the lighthouse gives you the opportunity to see the dramatic cliffs, the ocean, and most importantly, puffins during the summer months.

We saw multiple puffins while there which was such a highlight!

We also timed our visit during sunset, and it was seriously stunning.

Optional Stops (If You Have Time)

Yoda Cave

Yoda Cave, officially known as Hjörleifshöfði Cave, is a natural cave that looks like the face of Yoda from Star Wars.

This stop offers a fun photo opportunity for Star Wars lovers and a short hike to explore the surrounding area, including stunning views of the coastline.

Glacier Hike

If you’re looking for some adventure to add into your itinerary, you must add a guided glacier hike to your list of must-dos. It was the best decision we made!

We chose to do our glacier hike with Local Guide of Vatnajökull, and it was such a phenomenal experience.

You’re with a small group of people, ours was 8 people in total, including our local guide.

You are given crampons and ice axes and are able to walk across the glacier’s surface as you traverse along stunning ice formations and crevasses.

It was a once-in a lifetime experience and gave us such an adrenaline rush!

It does take up most of your day, especially if you choose the longer hike option called Glacier Discovery which I recommend to maximize your time on the glacier.

➡️ Check out my blog post all about things to do in Vik to add to your itinerary!

Day 4: Reykjavík & Sky Lagoon

Explore the Town of Reykjavík

For your last day, you will explore the town of Reykjavík so you can be back near the airport for your departure tomorrow.

The drive from Vik to Reykjavík takes about 2 hours.

Here is a list of things to do in Reykjavík while you’re exploring:

• See the iconic Hallgrimskirja church
• Walk along the famous Rainbow Road
• Grab a hot dog at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
• Join a local food tour
• Grab a cinnamon roll from Brauo & Co – a MUST
• Browse the local shops such as Hy mals og menningar which is a bookstore, coffee shop, bar, and has also live music!

Relax at the Sky Lagoon

After your jam-packed days of adventure, you’re probably craving some relaxation time like we were!

The perfect way to end your trip is to spend it relaxing at the beautiful Sky Lagoon where you get to relax in the warm waters overlooking the beautiful coastline and enjoy a beverage from the swim-up bar.

You can also partake in the seven-step ritual that features a cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and more. You can read more about it on their website.

Stay the Night Near the Keflavik Airport

Since our flight was early in the morning, we chose to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott near the Keflavik Airport.

It was an enjoyable stay and close to Lava Car Rental which is where we rented our car from, making drop-off in the morning a breeze.

P.S. Be sure to check out my blog post where we dive into my top long flight essentials to help make your journey to Iceland more enjoyable!

Conclusion: Is Four Days Enough to See Iceland?

While you won’t be able to see all of Iceland in four days, you can explore plenty of amazing sights and have the trip of a lifetime!

I do recommend staying longer if you’re able to just so you can see even more, but if 4 days is all you’re able to do, then it is definitely still worth the trip.

Now that you have your 4-day Iceland itinerary covered, let’s dig into even more trip planning details and travel tips, covering rental cars, accommodations, currency, and more.

Places to Stay in Iceland

Since this itinerary is focused on three areas of Iceland, I will give recommendations on places to stay in Reykjavík, Golden Circle, and Vik.

Places to Stay in Reykjavík

• Airbnb – We stayed here one night in Reykjavík during our longer trip to Iceland, and it was perfect! I highly recommend.
• Reykjavík Residence Hotel – located in the heart of downtown Reykjavík & great for families since they offer accommodation options with a living room and kitchenettes.
• Reykjavík Lights by Keahotels – a little further out from downtown Reykjavík, making it a more affordable option but still close driving distance.
• Hotel Borg by Keahotels – right in downtown Reykjavík and has charming architecture & decor.

Places to Stay Near the Golden Circle

• Airbnb – Here is where we stayed near the Golden Circle during our trip. It was a great stay in the countryside with beautiful views.
• Hotel Geysir – located right by the Geysir in the Golden Circle area!
• Hotel Gulfoss – near the Gulfoss waterfall in the Golden Circle area.

Places to Stay in Vik

• Airbnb – This is where we stayed in Vik, and it was amazing! It was located within walking distance to Reynisfjara Beach and had beautiful views.
• Hotel Vik I Myrdal – great location and stunning views!
• Hotel Katla By Keahotels – located within a short drive to the town of Vik.

FAQs About Visiting Iceland

Should I Rent a Car in Iceland?

Yes, I highly recommend renting a car in Iceland.

Due to the driving distance in this itinerary and the distance between all the major sights, you would be very limited if you did not have a rental car and just relied on guided tours.

We rented our car from Lava Car Rental, and I highly recommend them. They offer airport pick up and drop off, making the process super easy.

I highly recommend purchasing all of the car rental insurance they offer. Normally, I skip purchasing rental car insurance in the United States thanks to my Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card coverage.

However, considering Iceland’s rougher roads and being outside the United States, getting the full insurance felt like the best choice. This was also a common recommendation across various travel blogs I read.

The full cost of our rental car for 7 days was around $960, including the full protection package. Definitely pricey but Iceland isn’t necessarily a budget destination sadly.

➡️ Read my blog post where we cover additional rental car tips for Iceland!

Where Do You Fly into For Iceland?

When flying into Iceland, you’ll arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavík.

From the airport, you can either take your rental car company’s shuttle to pick up your rental car or take a bus to Reykjavík.

I don’t recommend calling a cab as this is a pricier option to reach Reykjavík.

If you don’t have a rental car, I recommend taking the Flybus to get from the airport to Reykjavík.

When you head back to the airport for your departure, I recommend arriving to the airport at least 3 hours before your departure time if you’re checking a bag. The line for that was very long when we visited during the summer.

We didn’t check any bags so we were able to get through security and to our gate in less than a hour.

Note: If you’re wanting to visit the Blue Lagoon, consider going there after you land at the Keflavík International Airport since you will already be close to it!

What to Pack for Iceland in the Summer

We visited Iceland during mid July, and we experienced pretty mild temperatures with highs reaching the mid to high 50s Fahrenheit and lows being in the 40s.

We did get caught in some rain showers most of the days we were there, but they never lasted too long.

Here are a few of the things I packed for Iceland that I recommend bringing if you’re also visiting during the summer months.

If you’re wanting a more in-depth look at everything I packed, check out my detailed Iceland summer packing list!

• Hiking Boots – These are my favorite pair of hiking boots! They leave me blister-free and are not too heavy on my feet. They kept my feet dry and warm from the rain as well.
• Hiking Socks – These merino wool socks are the perfect socks to wear while hiking to keep your feet warm and dry.
• Rain Jacket – A rain jacket is a must while visiting Iceland. They are handy if you get caught in a rain shower while hiking which will most likely happen! I also wore mine when visiting most of the waterfalls since you will get pretty wet when you’re close to them. This rain jacket is my favorite since it packs down into a small bag, making it easy to fit in your suitcase.
• Plug Adapter – This is something I almost always forget about until last minute, but it is a must have!
• Eye Mask – This is a great thing to pack in case your accommodations do not have blackout curtains since it stays light out until 2:00 am to 3:00 am during the summer.
• Travel Backpack – This is my favorite backpack to use as my personal item on flights. I got the extra-large size, and it fits under the airplane seat.
• Portable Charger – These are always nice to have on hand while traveling to ensure your phone does not die since you will most likely be using it more than normal for directions and taking photos.

If you’re trying to pack in just a carry-on suitcase for Iceland like me, be sure to check out my blog post where I share 40 carry-on packing tips to save space in your luggage!

Iceland Travel Tips

• Passport – Be sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your trip and has at least two blank pages. For more details, check out this website.
• Currency – We never needed cash during our trip and used our credit card everywhere. Apple Pay was also widely accepted. For parking, all payments were made on our phone by scanning a QR code or through the Parka app. Make sure that your credit card does not have foreign transaction fees. My preferred credit card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
• Book in Advance – Since Iceland is such a popular destination, especially during the summer, it is vital to book your accommodations well in advance!
• Offline Maps – Be sure to download an offline Google maps of Iceland before your trip so you can use your GPS to get directions when you don’t have cell service. You can learn more about this here.

I have plenty of other blog posts about my trip to Iceland if you’re looking for more resources to help plan your trip!

• Reykjavik to Vik Drive: The Best Sights You Need to Stop at Along the Way
• Iceland Summer Packing List: What I Packed for My Trip in July
• 2-Day Iceland Itinerary: Must-See Waterfalls, Glaciers, and More
• How Much Does a 5-Day Trip to Iceland Cost? [Detailed Budget Breakdown]
• 9 Jaw-Dropping Hikes Near Vík, Iceland
• 13 Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland Near Reykjavik (Within 2.5 Hours)
• Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Iceland: What You Need to Know
• The Ultimate Iceland Bucket List: 43 Adventures You Can’t Miss in Iceland
• 12 Unforgettable Things to Do in Vik, Iceland: A Complete Guide