Skyline Reykjavik Iceland Iceland three day itinerary things to do winter 72 hours

72 Hours in Reykjavik Iceland, Three Day Winter Itinerary

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How to Spend 72 Hours in Iceland

It is difficult to determine how to best use 72 hours in Iceland, there are so many fun things to see, do and eat. This 3-day itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions, including, Northern Lights, ice caves, Blue Lagoon, frozen waterfalls, geysers, fluffy horses, icebergs, glaciers, volcanic fields, quirky street art, and more. Looking for more options? Check these additional things to do in Reykjavik Iceland to supplement this 72 hours in Iceland itinerary. Have more time? Use this road trip itinerary for Iceland’s Westfjords. It is possible to travel the world with limited PTO, here’s a day-by-day guide to visiting Iceland in 3 days. Enjoy your time out of the office!

READ Complete Iceland Travel Guide, What You Need to Know

Blue Lagoon Iceland three day itinerary things to do winter 72 hours
Blue Lagoon

How to Spend Three Days in Iceland, Itinerary

Day One: Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik Austurstræti Street

Take an overnight flight and arrive in the morning. Book the Fly bus straight to the Blue Lagoon. The food at the Blue Lagoon is pricey; consider eating at the airport or purchasing food to bring along with you. The bus departs the airport and arrives as Blue Lagoon opens. There is a storage room for luggage. Keep the items you will need at the lagoon in your carry-on. Be sure to pack a scrunchy to get your hair up, you do not want to get it wet with geothermal water. It is cold in Iceland but you may not need a robe and slippers. It is likely you will run from the door to the water. Do you want to stop and take off a robe and slippers? No. No, you do not.

Hallgrimskirkja Church Reykjavik Iceland three day itinerary things to do winter 72 hours
Hallgrimskirkja Church

Spend some time floating around checking out all the corners of the lagoon, playing with the mud mask, and having a cocktail. Be aware of the time and catch the Fly bus into Reykjavik; it will drop you at your hotel. Check into your hotel and head downtown to Austurstræti Street. Spend the evening checking out the local cafes and bars. Grab dinner and an Icelandic beer. Iceland is expensive, download the Reykjavik Grapevine’s Appy Hour app to find deals.

Sun Voyager Reykjavik Iceland Iceland three day itinerary things to do winter 72 hours
Sun Voyager

Day Two: Reykjavik Laugavegur Street, Hallgrimskirkja Church, and Harpa Concert Hall

Spend the day exploring Reykjavik. The city is full of street art and cafes. Start out in the city center on Laugavegur Street for breakfast and window shopping. Consider checking out the Icelandic Phallological Museum for some truly unique photos to share with friends at home. Stop by Iceland’s largest record shop and browse the vinyl at Lucky Records. Head to Hallgrimskirkja Church and take the elevator up to the observation deck to take the obligatory photo of the city. Now head to the Sun Voyager for the next obligatory photo. Walk along the water to the Harpa Concert Hall, it is worth the time to go in and gaze out at the water and mountains. Across the street is the Kolaportið Flea Market. And, you must stop at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for an amazing hot dog.

Icelandic Horses Reykjavik Iceland three day itinerary things to do winter 72 hours
Icelandic Horses

Day Three: Iceland Golden Circle

Get out of the city! Rent a car or book a day tour of the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle route includes Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur Geyser, and Faxi Waterfall. I chose a day tour that included time at the geothermal Secret Lagoon.

Skogafoss Waterfall Reykjavik Iceland three day itinerary things to do winter 72 hours
Skogafoss Waterfall

Iceland South Coast Itinerary

Stay longer! Do you have another two days? I suggest taking an escorted tour to the South Coast. This area includes Icelandic Horses, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and Basalt Columns. I chose an overnight tour that included a traditional Icelandic dinner, a viewing of the Northern lights, and ice caving. There was a whiteout on the glacier which added to the experience. DIY’ers beware, it began to snow on the way back to Reykjavik and it was obvious the driver was struggling through some of the windy passes.

Be sure to check the Reykjavik Iceland Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Reykjavik Iceland three day itinerary things to do winter 72 hours
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Instagrammable Iceland: Best Spots for the Best Shots

There is no question Iceland is a wanderlust dream. Instagrammable Iceland is full of rainbow adorn waterfalls and panoramic views photogenic in the summer and winter. Iconic spots like the Blue Lagoon offer Insta-worthy selfie opportunities and hidden gems like the Secret Lagoon will step up your Instagram feed. Then there are the lava fields, glaciers, icebergs, geysers, hot springs, black, golden, and red beaches, colorful homes, wooden churches, quirky street art, furry horses, and puffins. Visit my Instagram Feed for some of the best spots for the best shots in picture-perfect Iceland.

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Plan Your Trip to Reykjavik Iceland

Iceland Travel Guide

Download an ebook, phrasebook, map, or bundle directly from Lonely Planet, or pick up an Iceland Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

Book Your Accommodation in Reykjavik Iceland Now

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find to perfect property!

Reykjavik Iceland Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

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Have a great vacation!

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