An EPIC 4 Day Iceland Itinerary For Summer

You can get a lot done with just 4 days in Iceland.

Reykjavik makes a perfect home base for exploring some of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes: waterfalls you can walk behind, black sand beaches, active volcano zones, and glacier trekking.

I spent 9 days in Iceland and most of my favourite activities were within driving distance of Reykjavik. I visited in June and got to witness the best of Iceland in summer (the midnight sun was somehow even trippier to my brain than I expected!).

In this 4 day Iceland itinerary, you’ll find an action-packed, jammed-to-the-brim itinerary from Reykjavik. You’ll cover Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, real lava at a recently active volcano, the south coast’s best waterfalls, and more!

Is 4 Days in Iceland Enough?

Yes, if you’re strategic. With a 4 day trip to Iceland, you can explore Reykjavik, visit the Golden Circle, road trip along the South Coast, and squeeze in a geothermal soak or two.

I wouldn’t recommend venturing too far from Reykjavik because you’ll be too rushed. Rather, it’s better to use Reykjavik as a home base and take day trips each day to see glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls.

You’ll have just enough time to do it all without feeling like you’re sprinting from place to place.

What to Do in Iceland For 4 Days:

Day 1: Reykjavik Sightseeing, The Golden Circle and Whale Watching Tour 

I landed at Keflavík just before 7 am, grabbed a rental car, and was on the road by 8:30 am. If you’re doing the same, you can knock out the Golden Circle loop first before settling into Reykjavik in the afternoon.

If you don’t plan to rent a car, there are plenty of tours that explore the Golden Circle, as one of Iceland’s most popular things to do.

I personally prefer this tour because it’s a small-group tour in a van instead of a large group in a massive coach bus. They also include an extra stop at Kerid Crater, which isn’t in many of the other options.

👉 Check updated prices and availability for the small-group Golden Circle Tour

⭐️🚘 If you do plan to rent a car, I recommend checking and booking through AutoEurope. I find they have the best prices because they gather all the deals from individual rental car agencies in one place. I book my cars through this!

Stop 1: Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir)

📍 45 min from Reykjavik

Your first stop is Thingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. Thousands of years ago, it created a large rift between the two plates that you can now walk between. 

There are several hikes in Thingvellir, and it’s best to park at P1. Several shorter hikes bring you right in between the tectonic plates, but the best hike to see all the highlights is a 2-hour, 6.5 km hike.

The trail starts from P1 and leads past the “Rock of the Law” where Iceland’s parliament was formed. It continues along a boardwalk path to Öxararfoss waterfall, Skogarkotsvegur, the beautiful viewpoint at Skogarkot farm, lava fields, and finally the picturesque church.

👉 Bonus Activity: If you are looking for a unique adventure, you can try snorkeling or diving in the Silfra Rift. It is listed as one of the top diving locations in the world. It has bright blue water and is the only place you can say you swam between tectonic plates. This activity is available all year round with special wetsuits to keep you warm. Here’s a great tour option.

Stop 2: Geysir Geothermal Area

📍 1 hour from Thingvellir

After getting your fill at Thingvellir, head to the Great Geysir geothermal area. The landscape has bubbling streams, mud pots, steaming vents, and Strokkur.

Strokkur is an erupting geysir that shoots hot water every 5 – 10 minutes, 20 metres in the air. The whole area smells faintly of sulfur because of the minerals in the air.

I stayed to watch it erupt several times and it ended up being my favourite of the three stops in Iceland’s Golden Circle.

Stop 3: Gullfoss Waterfall

📍 10 min from Geysir

Gulfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. It is wide and drops into a canyon. You can walk right up close to it and feel the spray. If it’s sunny, there are almost always rainbows formed in the mist.

After looking down into the canyon, walk back towards the parking lot and find a spot to have a picnic. We sat down in a grassy field right across from where the falls drop and enjoyed the view while eating our picnic lunch.

Evening: Explore Reykjavik

📍 1.5 hours from Gulfoss

Reykjavik is the largest city in Iceland and a cultural hub. It is worth spending at least an afternoon exploring. Here were my favourite things to see in Reykjavik:

• Hallgrímskirkja Church – If you’ve seen any prior pictures of Reykjavik, you’ve likely seen this tall white church. The church has unique architecture with cascading columns stretching into a point 74.5 metres (244 ft) tall. You can enter the church for free or pay an entrance fee to climb to the top and see views over the city. 
  
• Sun Voyager Sculpture – A short walk on Reykjavik’s waterfront, you’ll find this stainless steel sculpture. It was made to look like a Viking ship and is especially pretty during sunset.
  
• Laugavegur Street – The city’s main shopping and food street. It gets lively in the evenings, and one of its side streets is painted like a rainbow. 

Another Option: Evening Whale Watching Tour 

If you’d prefer something more adventurous in the evening, Reykjavik has world-class whale watching tours. The best season to go is between April and October. You’ll have a chance to spot minke whales, humpbacks, porpoises, orcas, and even the largest animal in the world, blue whales!

I spotted a blue whale on my Iceland whale-watching tour, and they are so much larger than the human brain can really comprehend.

The tours last about 3 hours, and they have evening departure times at 5 pm.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability Here!

Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls, Beaches, and Glaciers

For day two of your four days in Iceland, take a mini-road trip along Iceland’s south coast. The south coast is known for its abundance of waterfalls and black sand beaches. 

Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

📍 1 hr 45 min from Reykjavik

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Water pours in a narrow stream over a tall cliff with a hollowed-out section behind it. That means you can actually walk behind it. The surrounding landscape is a mossy green, adding to the already stunning picture. 

Make sure to continue down the path away from the parking lot to get to another waterfall, Gljufrabui. The waterfall is tucked inside a narrow canyon in the cliff with a small opening to get inside. You can stand right close beneath the waterfall to get your picture taken. It is less busy than Seljalandsfoss, because many people don’t even realize it’s there! 

Stop 2: Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

📍 24 min from Seljalandsfoss

While exploring the south of Iceland, you absolutely need to see the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool. It is an old concrete swimming pool built into the side of the mountain, warmed slightly by hotsprings.

The pool feels completely remote with incredible views of purple lupine fields, mountains, and mossy green Icelandic landscape. It was hands-down one of my most memorable stops in Iceland.

The walk to the pool takes you along a narrow path through a dramatic mountain valley, with wildflowers dotting the landscape in the warmer months. It takes about 20 minutes each way. There’s a small, weathered changing room on-site, and the water stays warm enough to swim in comfortably, even when the air is cold and crisp.

Despite how special this place is, it still flies under the radar. We shared the pool with maybe five other people, and it felt like stumbling onto a hidden gem that most travelers somehow miss.

Stop 3: Skógafoss Waterfall

📍 15 minutes from Seljavallalaug

Skógafoss has a wide curtain of water with a thunderous roar. It stretches 25 metres wide and 60 metres tall. You can walk right up to the base on the black sand beneath it or climb the steep stairs to the top for views down the coastline. On sunny days, rainbows are common in the mist.

Stop 3: Sólheimajökull Glacier (Optional Hike or Viewpoint)

📍 15 min from Skógafoss

If you want to see a glacier up close, Sólheimajökull is worth the detour. It’s a glacier tongue that extends from Mýrdalsjökull and is easily accessible on foot. It only took us about 15 minutes to walk from the parking lot.

The hike to the edge of the glacier and along the shores of the lake is on black volcanic sand. You can walk right up close to the edge and even touch the 10,000 year old ice! 

You need to be on a guided ice tour to venture onto the glacier. I ended up regretting that I didn’t book one of these tours, as I watched people suit up with crampons, helmets, and harnesses.

The glacier trekking tours last 3 hours and you get to trek over crevasses, bright blue glacial ponds on top of the ice, and magical ice formations. I trekked on the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia and it was well over $500 so this glacier trek is comparatively a steal!!

❄️ Check Out: Glacier Hiking Experience at Solheimajokull Glacier

Stop 4: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

📍 45 mins from Sólheimajökull

Reynisfjara is Iceland’s famous black sand beach. It has towering basalt columns, rushing waves, and an eerie stretch of black sand that feels like you’re on another planet. If the tide is low, you can explore past the section of tall basalt columns to see more of the beach and its dramatic cliffs. 

Stop 5: Vik i Myrdal

📍 12 mins from Reynisfjara

If you have the time and energy left in your day, I highly recommend making a quick stop in Vik. It was my favourite town on the south coast because it is sandwiched between large green cliffs and black sand beaches with crashing waves.

There is a surprisingly high number of things to do in and near Vik. Like stopping for a coffee or treat from Skool Beans Cafe and Roastery (it’s in a converted school bus), taking pictures outside of Vik church, and shopping for practical souvenirs at Ice Wear.

Return to Reykjavik

Drive back 2.5 hours to Reykjavik.

Day 3: Snaefellsnes Peninsula 

The drive to Snaefellsnes Peninsula is on the longer-side, about 2.5 hours, but once you’re there it is 100% worth it. The peninsula has a variety of volcanic mountains, coastal views, unique churches, and more. 

Stop 1: Ytri Tunga Beach for Seal Spotting

📍2 hours 15 minutes from Reykjavik

Ytri Tunga has beautiful coastal scenery but is worth visiting for its high chance of spotting seals basking on the beach.

There are other places in Iceland you can potentially see them, but this is one of the most reliable. It is a popular resting spot for harbor seals and grey seals. You can see them laying on the rocks or swimming in the water.

Stop 2: Búðakirkja (Black Church of Búðir)

📍 30 min from Ytri Tunga

Budakirkja is a traditional black church sitting in a lava field near the ocean. It’s no wonder why its one of the most photographed churches in Iceland. After taking some photos of the church, take some time to wander the surrounding Búðahraun lava field. 

Formed over 8,000 years ago, the Búðahraun lava is now covered in thick moss and dotted with wildflowers in the summer. It’s easy to miss if you’re rushing through, but Búðahraun is one of those places that really captures Iceland’s raw, untouched beauty.

Stop 3: Arnarstapi + Hellnar Coastal Walk

📍 15 min from Búðir

Arnarstapi is a small seaside village with dramatic cliffs and rock formations. There is a coastal trail between Arnarstapi and the nearby town of Hellnar.

The trail is 2.5 km one-way and is popular for its dramatic sea arch you can see along the way. You’ll also hike past basalt formations and sea birds.

Grab a coffee and snack at Fjöruhúsið Café in Hellnar.

Stop 4: Londrangar Cliffs Viewpoint

📍 8 min from Arnarstapi

The Londrangar cliffs are on the westernmost tip of Snaefellsnes Peninsula. They are dramatic basalt cliffs with sea stacks formed by volcanic activity.

The cliffs are easily visible from the main road and has a designated parking lot. There is a short walking path that leads to a viewing platform overlooking the cliffs. 

There is also a hike that leads to the base of the Londrangar stacks. You can start in a couple different locations depending on how long you want to hike for.

If you start at the main lookout parking lot, the hike is about 1 km each way and takes about an hour. You can also start from the Snaefellsjokull Visitors Center to do a total of about 4 kms and 2 hours round trip. It extends the hiking time along the coast. 

Stop 5: Kirkjufell Mountain

📍 45 min from Londrangar

Kirkjufell is one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains. Start by visiting Kirkjufellsfoss, where you can get pictures of the mountain with a short waterfall in front of it. There is a parking lot there with a short 5 minute walk to the falls. 

Make sure to also stop at this Kirkjufell Viewpoint to get pictures of the mountain from across the lake. 

After Kirkjufell, start the drive back to Reykjavik. 

Optional Dinner Stop: Stykkishólmur or Borgarnes

• Stykkishólmur is a cute harbor town where you can walk the docks and grab seafood if you’re not in a rush.
  
• Borgarnes is closer to Reykjavik and a good spot to stop for food on the drive back. The Settlement Center has yummy meals and an optional history exhibit if you’re interested.

Day 4: Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes Peninsula Volcanoes  

This is one of Iceland’s most underrated regions, and honestly, I was shocked at how few people were out here.

The Reykjanes Peninsula is only an hour from Rekyjavik and home to the 11 volcanic eruptions that happened between 2021 and 2024. The lava that oozed out of the Fagradalsfjall system has since dried into a black crust that you can actually walk on and touch. 

Here are the best things to do in the area: 

Stop 1: The Blue Lagoon

📍45 mins from Reykjavik

Everyone knows of the famous Blue Lagoon. Many have started to argue for other hot springs (like the stunning Vok Baths in east Iceland) as alternatives because of how busy this popular attraction can get. I still Blue Lagoon it’s 100% worth visiting (you can read all my thoughts on it here). 

Blue Lagoon is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik in a lava field. It is powered by geothermal activity, although not a natural hot spring, and is a bright blue milky colour because of the high silica and mineral content. 

Paying entrance to the Blue Lagoon is steeper than other hot springs, but it includes a face mask and a free drink from their swim up bar. I ordered a smoothie and my sister got a glass of wine, so they’re good quality drinks. 

We ended up spending 3 hours at Blue Lagoon. I recommend doing this activity first in the day to avoid the crowds. We booked for their first time slot at 8 am (they run every hour) and had sections of the lagoon to ourselves for the first hour! As each time slot arrives, it gets busier and busier. 

👉 Here’s the best blue lagoon tour option that includes admission tickets and also round-trip transportation from Reykjavik (with hotel pickup!)

Stop 2: Fagradalsfjall Volcano 

📍 15 mins from Blue Lagoon

After relaxing in the lagoon, hike on top of dried lava and see real active volcano craters. The Reykjanes peninsula is one of the best spots to see real lava in Iceland.

There is a huge lava field of freshly-dried lava rock that still crunches when you walk on top of it. This was my absolute favourite thing to do in Iceland. 

There are 5 viewpoints you can hike to ranging in distances from only 800 metres, 2.6 km roundtrip, or upwards of 5.6 km. There are two car parks that the different trails start from with well-marked signs to tell you trail lengths and what they lead to. 

When I visited, I simply drove to the first car park I saw and followed the path for about 30 minutes until I came to a viewpoint overlooking the valley of dried lava. I hiked down the hill and walked out onto it, where I stayed for over an hour exploring the different formations and touching and feeling the black crunchy rock.

Stop 3: Seltún Geothermal Area (Krýsuvík)

📍 25 min from the volcano site

The Seltun Geothermal Area has an orange coloured landscape with bubbling mud pots, steam rising from holes in the ground, hot springs (although you can’t swim in these ones), and the distinct smell of sulfur. There is a short wooden boardwalk from the parking lot and you can hike around the area on unmarked trails. 

Return to Reykjavik

Spend the rest of the evening exploring around the rest of Reykjavik.

👉 If you don’t have a rental car, you can join this tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula with a local who actually witnessed the eruptions!

Weather Conditions in Summer:

The temperatures range from highs of about 12 – 14 degrees Celsius and lows of 7 – 9 degrees. With the sun shining during certain activities, it can feel warm enough to wear only a t-shirt. Yet, on the same day the weather will shift and require a winter hat and warmer layers. 

Daylight in Summer:

• June: Sunrise at 3:21 am, sunset at 11:31 pm.
• July: 3:06 am / 11:55 pm
• August: 4:35 am / 10:29 pm
• September: 6:11 am / 8:41 pm

From about mid-May to mid-July, it doesn’t get dark at night. Even with the sun technically setting, the sky stays a twilight-like brightness. My brain was so tripped out by this phenomena.

I’ve even heard of people who intentionally stay on their local time zone schedule and explore in the middle of the night to avoid crowds!!

Interested in Alternative Day Trips For Your 4 Days?

The itinerary I provided above is my personal favourite combination of Iceland’s activity to spend your 4 days on. However, Iceland is one of the most diverse countries and we all have different interests!

Here are some alternative day trips from Reykjavik you could take to replace one or more of the above days if they interest you more:

1. Landmannalaugar Mountains and Hot Springs

Landmannalaugar is part of the southern highlands and only accessible in summer. To get there you have to take a super jeep that can off-road the rugged F-Road terrain. That’s why most people who visit Landmannalaugar visit as part of a super jeep tour.

The drive to get there is on the longer side, about 3 hours each way. However, this is likely the most insane landscape you will ever see in your life. Landmannalaugar is known for its multi-coloured rhyolite mountains and high number of hot springs. You’ll get to hike in valleys between these towering mountains and then visit several of the natural geothermal hot springs to rest your legs.

This is definitely a more rugged way to spend a day in your 4 day itinerary.

🤩 Check prices and availability!

2. Katla Volcano Ice Cave Tour

The Katla volcano ice cave is a couple hours from Reykjavik. It’s a large ice chamber inside a glacier that is capped over top of a volcano. The cave is known for shining a bright blue colour with black stripes running through it from hundreds of years of volcanic ash.

You can trek inside the ice cave any time of year, even in summer. The most interesting part, is that the cave subtly changes shape and form every year from the natural melt and re-freeze cycle of the seasons.

You can only visit the ice cave as part of a tour for safety and conservation reasons. Plus, it includes round trip transport from Reykjavik to make the day seamless.

🤩 Check prices and availability!