Coolcations are the latest trend you can’t afford to miss. And we won’t need to tell you that Iceland is the king of cool. In more ways than one.
Iceland’s weather is very definitely on the brass monkeys side of life (rather than say, surface of the sun hot).
But there are still huge advantages to nabbing an Iceland 3 day itinerary over literal hot spot destinations elsewhere.
Not only will your TikTok go insane, but the road trips are absolutely epic.
Want to hike across a glacier? No problem. Keen to gaze into the mesmerising Northern Lights beside someone special? Also not an issue!
From the famed Golden Circle to the nightclubs of capital Reykjavik, an Iceland 3 day itinerary remains as cool as a cucumber – with added sweaters.
With so many possibilities on offer, let us do the hard work for you. Here’s what to do with 72 hours in Iceland.
Our unbreakable Iceland 3 day itinerary✈️
Day 1 ️
Morning :
Hit the ground running. On landing at Keflavik International Airport grab one of the regular shuttles into the heart of Reykjavik.
The island’s capital and biggest city, Reykjavik is no dry business centre.
In fact, it’s a fascinating introduction into Icelandic life. Indy stores sell all manner of Scandy-cool – from winter warmers to décor that will make perfect gifts.
If you’re feeling cultured, the museums pack a real punch. And there’s also Icelandic food to get to grips with.
But we promise you don’t have to tuck into fermented shark or the cast of Finding Nemo if you don’t want to!
Having dropped your bags at your hotel, head straight out to explore.
A great place to start is the lively road called Skólavörðustígur. Luckily, it’s also known as Rainbow Street, and easily recognisable from its rainbow-striped tarmac.
From here you’re just a short saunter away from Hallgrímskirkja,a church that looks like something out of the latest sci-fi epic and featuring a 5275-pipe organ.
Afternoon :
Speaking of organs… For culture with a twist, head to the Icelandic Phallological Museum.
The only museum in the world dedicated to the penis, it boasts more than 200 penises from a variety of animals (including, take note, us).
It also features “donations from across the globe.” Look out for the cast of Jimi Hendrix’s impressive manhood!
Then cool yourself down in the heated waters of the Blue Lagoon.
About an hour from the centre of Reykjavik, its steamy geothermally-warmed pools offer the perfect respite after your flight, leaving you perfectly relaxed for a night out on the town!
Evening :
Famed for its nightlife, heading out to the more than 50 bars and clubs on offer in Reykjavik is an absolute must.
Meet locals, try the island’s favourite drinks and discover for yourself just why the Icelandic capital has made such a name for itself!
Look out for various Happy Hour deals, which not only bring discounted drinks, but also lead to the best atmosphere in town.
Day 2 ️
Morning and afternoon :
Rise and shine folks for day 2 of your Iceland 3 day itinerary!
Foggy heads aside, it’s time to explore the unmissable Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle – also sometimes called the Ring Road – is the most popular attraction in Iceland. And with good reason.
Seeing tour goers explore the further reaches of southwest Iceland from Reykjavik, the mix of sights and attractions makes it a must whatever you’re into.
Consider yourself an international man – or woman – of mystery? Then you’ll want to stand astride the North American and European tectonic plates which meet at the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Take in stunning cascades like Gullfoss Waterfall. Delight in the stunning landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (so it must be good!).
Discover the heat beneath your feet at Geysir Geothermal Area, where water spouts fire high into the air at regular occurrences.
As road trips go, it’s hard to think of any that are more impressive.
Plus, if you don’t fancy driving yourself (we’re looking at you 2am kebab) there are plenty of tours available for the 7-8 hour full-day tour.
Evening :
If you hadn’t already realised it, Iceland does extraordinary better than almost anywhere else.
And head to this magical country at the right time of year and you can also tick off one of the rarest sights on the planet.
The Northern Lights.
The science behind the Northern Lights – or aurora borealis – may be less than thrilling. But the same can’t be said for capturing these whirling ribbons of space light for yourself.
And Iceland is one of the top spots worldwide for Northern Lights encounters.
So wrap up warm, get your Insta filters set to stun, and prepare for an experience that is nothing if not YOMO-worthy.
You’ve seen the Rainbow Road of Skólavörðustígur, now it’s time to absorb one of the very best displays Mother Nature can offer.
Day 3 ️
Morning :
Remember that volcano that grounded flights across Europe a few years ago? Well it’s just one of many that you can get up close and personal to.
On the last day of your Iceland 3 day itinerary we’d suggest doing just that. After all, the closest you’ll get to an active volcano in the UK is the mound beneath Edinburgh Castle!
You’ll need no special gear to search out the lava flows of Fagradalsfjall Volcano. You might even smell the still-smoldering land around it.
Or if you’re really lucky, there’s a chance to see flowing lava too – from a safe distance of course.
Hikes take anywhere from 2 hours upwards.
Afternoon :
Red hot rock not your thing? Then why not use your last afternoon taking to the water? Iceland’s coastal waters are rich in fish. And this is good news even if you’re not an avid angler.
That’s because Iceland’s fish attract several species of whale and dolphin, with whale watching tours easy to organise.
On land, puffins are fun to watch, while Iceland’s horses have such an unusual gait it’s supposed to be possible to hold a full pint of beer in one hand and not drop any of it.
That said, when it comes to heading back to the airport, we recommend a shuttle service instead!
