This is a four day Iceland itinerary based in Reykjavik, using the city as a hub for day trips rather than moving hotels each night. Most of the attractions on this four day plan sit along or just off the Ring Road, Iceland's main highway, which is also called Route 1. The route works either as a self-drive trip or by joining guided day tours that depart from Reykjavik.
How to plan four days in Iceland and get around
Keflavik International Airport is about 47 kilometres from Reykjavik, and the drive between them takes roughly 45 minutes. Use the Driving Distance Calculator to help plan your trip.
Day one: arriving at Keflavik Airport and settling into Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a compact capital that can be explored on foot, making it a good low-effort first day before longer drives.
Day two: driving the Golden Circle loop
The Golden Circle is a loop from Reykjavik that links Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. The Golden Circle takes between six and eight hours to complete as a day trip from Reykjavik. Thingvellir National Park is approximately 48 kilometres from Reykjavik. At Thingvellir the Althing, an open-air assembly for all of Iceland, was established in 930. Thingvellir National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Strokkur is Iceland's most active geyser and erupts every six to ten minutes. Strokkur's eruptions can reach up to 30 metres into the air. Gullfoss falls in two stages, a first drop of 11 metres and a second drop of about 20 metres, for a total of about 30 metres.
Day three: chasing waterfalls and black sand on the South Coast
Seljalandsfoss is a 60 metre waterfall on the South Coast that visitors can walk behind. Skogafoss is a 60 metre waterfall located about 155 kilometres from Reykjavik along Route 1. Reynisfjara black sand beach and the town of Vik i Myrdal are roughly 188 kilometres from Reykjavik. Reynisfjara is known for dangerous sneaker waves that can surge far up the beach without warning, so visitors are advised to keep well back from the water.
Day four: the Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes before you fly home
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa on the Reykjanes peninsula whose water typically sits between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius. The Blue Lagoon is about 20 kilometres from Keflavik International Airport, which makes it a convenient stop on a departure day.
Comparing guided tours and self-drive options for your four days
You can compare Reykjavik tours to see the current options.
