The Best of Iceland in 4 Days: A First-Timer’s Guide

Iceland is one of those places that, when you think about it, the first thing that comes to mind is the Aurora Borealis. To be honest, that was the original idea that pushed me to visit this place—but let me tell you, it’s way more than that…

I usually try to take a trip during the Thanksgiving weekend, and that was the case with my trip to Iceland. By arriving around 8 p.m. on day one, I had four full days to explore this beautiful country. Here’s an idea of the itinerary I followed during my visit.

Exploring Reykjavik: Iconic Sights and Local Delights

I decided to stay at the Edition Hotel, a nice property located within walking distance of some of Reykjavik’s main attractions. After a rainy but relaxing first night of rest, it was time to start exploring.

Harpa: A Cultural Gem

I began by visiting Harpa, a stunning concert hall and conference center in the heart of Reykjavik. Its striking architecture, designed by Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, features a mesmerizing facade made up of geometrically shaped glass panels in various colors, inspired by Iceland’s basalt landscape. Opened in 2011, Harpa quickly became a cultural hub, hosting various events from classical concerts and jazz performances to conferences and exhibitions.

Downtown Reykjavik and the Arnarhóll Statue

After Harpa, downtown Reykjavik was my next target. This city has a beautiful and peaceful vibe. One of the first landmarks I visited was the Arnarhóll statue, which commemorates Ingólfur Arnarson, Iceland’s first permanent settler. The sculpture, created by Icelandic sculptor Einar Jónsson in 1924, depicts Arnarson holding his spear and standing beside his high-seat pillar adorned with a dragon’s head. According to legend, Arnarson threw his high-seat pillar overboard as a good omen when he first saw Iceland, naming the settlement Reykjavik, or "Smoky Bay," due to the steam rising from nearby hot springs.

The statue is located on Arnarhóll hill, which offers a great view of Reykjavik’s Old Town and marina. It’s a perfect spot to relax and take in the sights before continuing your exploration of downtown Reykjavik.

Rainbow Road and Hallgrímskirkja

After a short walk, my goal was to explore the famous Rainbow Road, which is lined with stores offering all kinds of items. At the end of the road, you’ll find the famous Hallgrímskirkja. Standing 73 meters tall, Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in the country, named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of the Passion Hymns. Looking like a structure straight out of a Thor movie, the design was actually inspired by nature.

You can pay 1,000 krona (around $7) at the entrance to go up and enjoy the amazing view from the top of the church, overlooking all of Reykjavik. This is definitely worth it, so don’t miss out!

Breakfast Recommendation: Brauð & Co.

If you’re looking for breakfast, a short walk from Hallgrímskirkja takes you to the bakery Brauð & Co. You have to try this place—the cinnamon rolls are amazing! It’s one of the most popular bakeries in the city. Visit Brauð & Co. here.

Art and Culture: Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum

If you like art, there are some small museums to visit. I went to the Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum, a modern and contemporary art museum dedicated to the work of Icelandic artist Gerður Helgadóttir. The museum is a cultural hub and community space that hosts a variety of exhibitions. It also has a cozy café where you can relax.

Sky Lagoon: A Highlight of the Trip

Now let’s talk about one of the main attractions and a personal highlight for me: the hot springs. I visited just before the volcanic eruptions. Instead of the famous Blue Lagoon, I decided to book the Sky Lagoon—and it was an amazing choice.

This geothermal spa and thermal bath is located on the outskirts of Reykjavik. The lagoon’s edge creates the illusion of swimming into the ocean, and the water is kept at a comfortable temperature of 100–104°F (38–40°C). When I visited, there was a light rain, and it was perfect. The lagoon overlooks the North Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views of the horizon.

The Seven-Step Ritual

I picked the Seven-Step Ritual, which includes the hot springs, a cold plunge, a sauna, a steam room, a mist room, a body scrub, and a relaxing shower to finish. By the end of this experience, your skin feels like new. I 100% recommend it! The Sky Lagoon also offers private changing rooms, lockers, a restaurant, and a bar. Be sure to book in advance—I made my reservation a month before my trip to secure a sunset time slot around 4 p.m.

The price for two adults, including the Seven-Step Ritual, locker room access, and a drink at the hot springs bar, was around $295 or 41,480 Icelandic krona.

Beyond Reykjavik: The Golden Circle

A trip to Iceland is not complete without experiencing its stunning nature. Exploring the amazing landscapes is a MUST. For my second day, I had one plan only: visit the Golden Circle.

The Golden Circle is a loop in Southwest Iceland that takes you to these incredible places:

Tingvellir National Park

Starting the tour at Þingvellir National Park, a place where nature and history come together in the most incredible way. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where Iceland's first parliament, Alþingi, was established back in 930 AD. The park also sits between two tectonic plates, the North American and Eurasian, and you can even walk right between them.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Next stop: the Geysir. While the original "Great Geysir" doesn’t erupt much these days, nearby Strokkur takes the spotlight, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters in the air every 5–10 minutes. The area is dotted with steaming vents and bubbling hot springs, creating a surreal atmosphere.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss, or the “Golden Falls,” is a true showstopper. This powerful, two-tiered waterfall plunges into a dramatic canyon. As you walk along the paths, you’ll hear the thunderous roar of the Hvítá River and feel the refreshing spray on your face.

Kerid Crater

A short detour brought me to the striking Kerid Crater, a 3,000-year-old volcanic marvel. Its vivid colors are what set it apart—the deep red volcanic rock contrasts beautifully with the turquoise water at the bottom of the crater. The hike around the rim is easy and offers stunning views.

Travel Tips for the Golden Circle

I decided to take a guided tour instead of renting a car. I booked mine on Get Your Guide, and it was worth it. Be sure to wear the right shoes and consider using crampons for icy paths. The tour costs around $80, and don’t forget to budget extra for food—groceries and snacks can help save on expenses.

More Wonders in the South of Iceland

For my third day, I took a 10-hour guided tour to the south of Iceland. Priced around $100, this tour included the following attractions:

Skógafoss Waterfall

This massive waterfall tumbles 60 meters (almost 200 feet). You can admire it from below or climb the stairs to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Sólheimajökull Glacier

Sólheimajökull offers a chance to witness one of Iceland’s magnificent glaciers up close. The icy giant, with its dramatic crevasses and volcanic ash streaks, left me speechless.

Lunch Stop in Vík

Vík, a coastal village, is perfect for a break. Surrounded by cliffs and black sand beaches, this picturesque town offers cozy cafes and hearty Icelandic dishes. Plus, you get views of the ocean and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance.

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara’s black volcanic sand and towering basalt columns are awe-inspiring. Be cautious of the powerful sneaker waves and pay attention to the safety lights at the entrance.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is unique because you can walk behind it. The view from behind the curtain of water is magical, especially at sunset. Be prepared to get a little wet—it’s worth it!

Chasing the Aurora Borealis

The last adventure on my itinerary was a night boat tour to see the Aurora Borealis. Unfortunately, the weather turned on me with rain, so I couldn’t see the elusive lights. However, the tour allows you to rebook until you see them, even years later if you return. As a piece of advice and based on experience, I will not purchase this tour if the Aurora shows up you will see it.

Relaxing in Old Reykjavik

On my last day, I explored Old Reykjavik, the historic heart of Iceland’s capital. From Tjörnin Lake to the Old Harbor, the area is filled with charming old buildings and vibrant spots to enjoy a peaceful stroll. I also visited the Perlan Museum, which offers panoramic views of the city and interactive exhibits showcasing Iceland’s natural wonders. This place is great for families.

A Few Tips Before Your Visit

• Embrace the Weather: Iceland’s weather is unpredictable. Pack layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes. Crampons are a must for the winter season.

• Budget Wisely: Iceland can be expensive. Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially the Hot Springs.

• Rent a Car (or Don’t): In winter, guided tours are more practical, but in summer, a car is great for exploring especially if you love to hike.

Embrace the "Þetta Reddast" Spirit: This Icelandic saying means "it will all work out." Go with the flow and enjoy the experience, even if things don’t go as planned I experienced this with the Aurora Borealis.