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Iceland has so much to offer, but don’t be discouraged if you only have a few days to spend in the country. Here, we’ll share the best ways to see the greatest sights that Iceland has to offer, in just four days.
Iceland calls to people for all reasons. Some are eager to capture the country’s unparalleled beauty with photography, while others are eager to hike its rugged peaks, and some just want to bask in the balmy geothermal springs. For those who are visiting Iceland for less than a week, it’s important to make sure you strike a balance of seeing as much as possible, but also not feeling rushed off your feet.
If you only have four days to spend in Iceland, we suggest you focus on trying to see the following sights and attractions to strike that perfect balance.
Day 1: The Golden Circle
The famous Geysir in Iceland
Depending on what time of day you land in Keflavík, we’d suggest getting started right away to make the most of your four days in Iceland. If time allows, it’s worth heading straight towards one of Iceland’s most popular routes, The Golden Circle. This route begins in Reykjavík, which makes it an ideal one to begin on your first day in Iceland. The Golden Circle route includes some of Iceland’s most popular attractions, all within close proximity, making it an ideal day-long adventure. The attractions you can see on The Golden Circle are:
Along the route, there are many other smaller attractions worth visiting. Our guided Golden Circle tourscan help you soak up every bit of excitement that the route has to offer.
Day 2: Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Ice on the shore of Diamond Beach, Iceland
For some picturesque scenery, head along to Iceland’s South Coast to glimpse two unmissable attractions: Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The multicolored icebergs floating in the glacier lagoon are a sight to behold. As smaller chunks of ice break off, they float away and wash up at the nearby Diamond Beach. The contrast of sparkling ice against the beach’s black sand makes for wonderful photograph opportunities.
For the adventurists at heart, there are a multitude of ways to enjoy these attractions, from kayaking to zodiac or amphibian boat tours at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Kirkjufell Mountain at sunset during winter
For those who want to absorb as much of Iceland as possible in just a few days, you can’t do much better than the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Located in West Iceland, this region is famous for encompassing many of the geographical features found all across the country, with the convenience of all being in one localized area. This includes mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, beaches, fjords, farmland, and much more.
Some of Iceland’s most notable attractions can be found in this corner of the island, including Kirkjufell Mountain, Bjarnafoss Waterfall, Budir Black Church, and plenty more. Our tours of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offer a variety of activities and durations and can easily be worked into your four-day visit to Iceland.
Day 4: Reykjavík
Aerial view of Reykjavík
As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík is full of amazing food and culture. Spending an afternoon exploring the city before you prepare for your departure flight is a very efficient use of your time. From museums and unforgettable performances at the Harpa Concert Hall to unique shopping and beautiful architecture, Reykjavík is so much more than an airport city, and spending some time experiencing it is certainly worthwhile.
