Iceland Itinerary: A Vacation in the Spring Time
Use this Iceland itinerary to travel to Iceland as a long weekend vacation or as a multi-day layover on your flight from the United States to Europe or a European City to a city in the States.
An island country with majestic beauty to explore in its landscape of volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, waterfalls, lava fields, lakes, mountains, and oceans there is also plenty to enjoy in the small towns and the capital city of Reykjavík. Follow this three day Iceland itinerary to enjoy the best of Iceland.
In the first place, travel to the Nordic nation in the Spring and you can experience the natural beauty of Iceland with less crowds and shoulder season rates on airfare and accommodations.
Moreover, a three day trip on a long weekend or as a layover stop is a nice taste test of what the beautiful country of Iceland has to offer.
Overviewing the Iceland Itinerary you will enjoy a day at the famous Iceland Blue Lagoon, take a road trip around the Golden Circle for natural beauty, geysirs, and waterfalls, stop at a local geothermal spa, and spend a day skiing the mountains of Iceland or explore Reykjavik or go on a whale watching excursion.
3 Day Iceland Itinerary
Day 1 Iceland Itinerary: The Blue Lagoon
Land in Iceland either coming from Europe or from the United States. Rent a car at the airport and head directly to your first stop, the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa.
Luxuriating in the Blue Lagoon on a fly day is one of my favorite travel treats as it has the benefits of a spa day and being outdoors.
After benefiting from the mineral rich waters of the Blue Lagoon and any private lagoons and treatments reserved it is time to check into your hotel.
Either stay at one of the lodging options at the Blue Lagoon and dine at one of the Blue Lagoon’s restaurants or drive to Reykjavík for dinner and your hotel.
Travel Tip: Book your Blue Lagoon reservation as soon as you have your flights confirmed. The Blue Lagoon in Iceland can sell out months in advance.
Iceland Itinerary: Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa
The Blue Lagoon is a Geothermal Spa located not far from the airport near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Furthermore, the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa is the most visited tourist site in Iceland and the warm silica waters nestled in a lava field are a relaxing escape.
As a note, If you are not renting a car, the Blue Lagoon has a bus shuttle service from the airport that you can book with your entrance tickets.
Three packages are available at the Blue Lagoon:
- Comfort Blue Lagoon includes entrance to the hot springs, a silica mud mask, towel rental, and one drink of choice.
- Premium Blue Lagoon package offers the amenities of the Comfort offering with two additional masks and the use of a bathrobe. Also included is a glass of sparkling wine if dining at the Lava Restaurant on site.
- Luxury Retreat Spa bundle includes five hours at the Retreat Spa, a private changing suite, and unlimited access to the Blue Lagoon and Retreat Lagoon.
Spa Day at the Blue Lagoon
In addition, the Retreat Spa offers treatments and massages. It features an intimate hidden spa as well as outdoor and subterranean spaces.
Dining at the Blue Lagoon
Equally important, the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa hosts three restaurants on site and a cafe. Dining options at the Blue Lagoon vary from the convenient cafe with local cuisine, gourmet delights in the Spa Restaurant, to Michelin recommended cuisine at the Moss Restaurant, and culinary classics in an unforgettable volcanic architectural setting at the Lava Restaurant.
Additionally, If you plan on dining at one of the restaurants book a reservation in advance.
Lockers at the Blue Lagoons
After providing your entrance reservation time and ticket head into the Blue Lagoon area where you will find changing rooms, lockers, and showers.
As a matter of fact, the Blue Lagoon facilities are a delight after a long flight but the real treat is soaking in the Blue Lagoon geothermal waters.
Blue Lagoon Gift Shop
Lastly, you can pick up the masks you tried while soaking in the Blue Lagoon at the gift shop along with Blue Lagoon speciality skin care products.
Blue Lagoon Accommodations
One option for your first night is to stay at one of the two accommodations at the Blue Lagoon. Both options are geared towards relaxation and serenity.
The first is the Silica Hotel is built in a lava field with a mineral-rich waterscape. Guests have access to the Silica Lagoon. Rooms offer views of the mountains, the lagoon, or lava fields.
The Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel offers views of lava fields and silica-blue waters with architecture inspired by Iceland’s natural surroundings. This luxury hotel includes rooms with private balconies and lighting enhanced to promote serenity.
Importantly, Pack a swimsuit and flip flops for the Blue Lagoon.
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Day 2 Iceland Itinerary: Golden Circle Road Trip
Day two of your Iceland itinerary is a road trip on Iceland’s Golden Circle.
The classic Golden Circle road trip loop runs about 140 miles/230 kilometers through the country’s top natural sites and majestic beauty. You can make the trip in a day including stops for food, walks, and pictures.
In fact, total drive time of the Golden Circle is three hours. However, add to this time multiple attraction stops and lunch and it is a full day. Depending on the season you are visiting, and hours of daylight, plan your trip accordingly.
Of course, if you did not rent a car there are many guided bus tours available for the Golden Circle route of Iceland.
Starting the Golden Circle trip from Reykjavík you will drive clockwise to visit:
- Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park
- Oxararfoss Waterfall
- Langjökull Glacier
- Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Spas
- The Great Geysir
- Strokkur Geysir
- Gullfoss Waterfall
In conclusion for your Golden Circle road trip, pack hiking boots, a collapsible travel water bottle, waterproof jacket, touch-screen friendly gloves, and a hat for your road trip. Bring your bathing suit and flip flops for the stop at Laugarvatn Fontana. Carry water, snacks, camera, phone, and phone car charger.
Iceland Itinerary: A Unesco World Heritage Site: Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park World Heritage Site is located in an active volcano area. Intercontinental drifting is exhibited dramatically in the areas cliffs and fissures. Driving to the park from Reykjavik takes about 45 minutes.
Although you can spend a full day or several days at the Pingvellir National Park if you are doing the Golden Circle as a day trip you want to allow approximately three hours of straight drive time. In addition to lunch and stops at the Fontana Geothermal Spas, Geysir fields, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Oxarafross Waterfall, Lake Þingvallavatn, Almannagia Gorge, Langjökull Glacier
While in the park marvel at the Öxarárfoss Waterfall. Drive to the Southern end of the National Park to visit Iceland’s largest lake, Lake Þingvallavatn. Take time to capture views of Langjökull Glacier.
Alternatively, the adventurous can snorkel between the tetonic plates at Silfra. This is rated as a top world dive site but will require an extra day of travel.
Or, hike among the tetonic plates and capture images at Almannagjá Gorge, familiar from the Game of Thrones series.
Iceland Itinerary: Fontana Icelandic Geothermal Spa – Laugarvatn Fontana
Treat yourself to another geothermal spa to capture the feeling of the Icelandic lifestyle. After leaving Pingvellir National Park drive thirty minutes to Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Spas.
Located on a lake, the outdoor geothermal spas offer a nice retreat and another viewpoint of the geothermal bathing spas offered in Iceland. This spa is frequented by locals and visitors alike with a reasonable entrance fee.
Also, the lakefront spa includes the mineral pools, as well as a sauna and natural steam baths.
Bath in the mineral waters while viewing the lake and if you dare, and the temperature is safe, jump from the dock into the icy cold waters of the lake before returning to the warm geothermal water.
Even if there is Spring snow on the ground it is comfortable in the water and fun to take a dip at the Laugarvatn Fontana.
Iceland Itinerary: The Great Geysir, Strokkur Geysir
After another Iceland Geothermal Spa, continue clockwise on the Golden Circle Route to the next stop to view Geysirs located another thirty minutes drive from Laugarvatn Fontana.
Plan at least an hour at the Geysirs to walk the few minutes to the erupting Strokkur Geysir and to time your videos and pictures to the eruptions of the Geysir.
Also, include time in the gift shop for traditional Iceland gifts and souvenirs. Add time if you are ready for lunch. There are traditional Icelandic cakes, snacks, and beverages available in the cafe.
In fact, the Great Geysir in Iceland is where the name for all other geysirs in the world originated.
Beginning In the Haukadalur Valley geothermal area you will drive past chimneys and vent steams as you continue clockwise to the Great Geysir.
Getting to Strokkur Geysir Driving the Golden Circle
Watch for signs for Strokkur Geysir or Geysir to park. The blue road signs along the route can be tricky to read as you drive past if you are unfamiliar with the language.
The Strokkur Geysir is directly across the street from parking, a restaurant, an expansive gift shop, and restrooms.
Next, a short walk will take you to Strokkur Geysir that erupts regularly every five to ten minutes.
You can capture amazing photographs and video of the geysir erupting. Surrounding the area are numerous boiling mud pots, active geysirs, and hot springs.
Currently, the Great Geysir is dormat but is still an attraction as the namesake of all geysirs and at the same area.
Do not enter any water as the boiling water temperatures can cause sever injury and death.
Iceland Itinerary: Gulfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Perhaps my personal highlight of the trip and the Iceland Instgram spot is visiting the Gulfoss Falls, translation Golden Falls. Arrive in Spring and the falls may still feature ice which adds to the dramatic scenery.
Located a short drive from Strokkur Geysir, about 15 minutes, the Gulfoss Falls are in a canyon on the Hvítá river. There are two stages to the waterfall. You can view the raging falls from above and ground level with the provided walkways, stairs, and overlooks.
The falls are a short distance from the parking lot. The Gullfoss Cafe on site features views of the falls.
Another opportunity to shop for traditional Icelandic souvenirs is available at Gullfoss Falls.
Iceland Itinerary: Drive to Reykjavik, Capital of Iceland
After taking pics of Gulfoss Falls continue clockwise along the Golden Circle heading towards the town of Hveragerdi and then on to Reykjavik.
Stop along the way with your camera to capture famous Icelandic horses and iconic Icelandic views.
End your day long road trip along the picturesque Golden Circle back in the city of Reykjavik. Dine at one of the many restaurants in town on traditional Icelandic fare and spend the night in the city. Rest up for your third day of the Iceland itinerary.
Day 3 Iceland Itinerary: Skiing in Bláfjöll, Iceland
One of the reasons I visited Iceland in the Spring was to ski Iceland as well as visit during off peak season for the discounted rates and fewer crowds.
Plus, I did my Iceland trip as layover on the way to Europe to enjoy Europe in the Spring. Icelandair offers no fee layovers to Iceland on their routes from the United States to Europe. As a side note, Europe in the Spring also enjoys discounted shoulder season rates, fewer crowds, less heat, and spring time flowers.
Skiing in Bláfjöll, Iceland
Located not far from Reykjavik, around thirty minutes, is the ski resort of Bláfjöll. Bláfjöll mountain offers ski lifts for downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and hiking routes. Ski lessons can be booked in advance. The resort rents ski gear at the best prices I have seen in decades.
Skiing Bláfjöll was a treat. The mountain ski resort was visited almost exclusively by locals with families from grandparents to small toddlers. The ski lifts serviced wide open bowls. We did not encounter very long lift lines and there was ample room on the runs.
Run after run we glided down the packed powder with vast vistas of Iceland.
Lastly, when you want a break enjoy a hot beverage in the lodge.
Having skied the Austrian Alps and North America from Whistler and Blackcomb British Columbia to Mammoth Mountain and all of the Southern California Ski Resorts, to living and enjoying the skiing in Colorado, this day was special. Maybe it was the views, or the lack of crowds, or the fair ticket pricing, or the local families, or the familiar crunch of fresh snow skiing down the steeps of open bowls, or simply the novelty of skiing on the island country of Iceland. Whatever it was, I recommend this as a day trip to anyone that skis and visits Iceland.
Packing for a Ski Trip in Bláfjöll, Iceland
When taking a day trip to Blafjoll, Iceland to ski remember to pack your ski clothes and gear.
Travel with base layers, ski pants, ski jacket, ski socks, fleece, neck or helmet gator, ski goggles, ski gloves and apres ski boots. Use your hiking boots for apres ski boots. Rent your skis, ski boots, poles, and helmet to travel light or bring your own ski equipment.
Also, double check our general packing list before you go!.
After a full day of skiing return to Reykjavik for a hearty Icelandic dinner at one of the many restaurants in the shopping district.
Alternative Day 3 Iceland Itinerary: Reykjavik
If skiing, boarding, or hiking are not of interest then spend the day in the city of Reykjavik or book a tour like whale watching.
Visit the Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik. Tour the Saga Museum and National Museum for Viking history. Do some shopping for authentic Icelandic souvenirs.
Choose from a variety of Icelandic cuisine restaurants.
Iceland Itinerary: Iceland Shopping
Walk the downtown shopping district and purchase a quality keepsake that will remind you of your travels:
- Icelandic wool jacket
- Traditional Icelandic Lopapeysa sweater
- Wool blankets
- Add a wool hat to your collection
- Pack your bags full of unique Icelandic Fashion
- Fill your carry on bag with some Icelandic licorice candy
- Bring home Icelandic skin products touting the mineral rich ingredients found in the geothermal spas
- Take home Iceland water in the form of Brennivín Black Death liquor or Reyka Vodka
- Add fun home decor by picking up a wood bird or furry sheep at one of the souvenir shops
- Bring a handful of magnets and licorice candy back for your coworkers
Enjoy your time in Iceland!
