Iceland, the land of fire and ice. Which has become a bucket-list destination for many travelers, and for good reason. Its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences make it an unforgettable adventure. Recently, we embarked on a whirlwind three-day journey down the south side of Iceland, starting with an overnight flight that allowed us to maximize our time. Here’s a detailed itinerary of our incredible trip.
Day 1: Reykjavik to Silfra Fissure
Morning in Reykjavik:
Our plane touched down early on Friday morning, giving us a full extra day to explore. We began our journey in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. Our first stop was Rainbow Street, a vibrant and colorful pathway that perfectly captures the city’s eclectic spirit. Also, a great photo opportunity. We couldn’t resist stopping by one of the local bakeries for a pastry, made by an award-winning chef, which was a perfect start to our adventure.
Grocery Shopping:
Understanding that dining out in Iceland can be expensive, we headed to a local grocery store to stock up on snacks for the road. This not only helped us manage our budget but also ensured we had plenty of fuel for our adventures. **Note that as you get further south the grocery stores become limited.
Silfra Fissure Adventure:
Our first real adventure was swimming in the Silfra Fissure with Arctic Adventures. Silfra is a unique rift that lies between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and it’s renowned for its crystal-clear water and incredible visibility. The swim itself lasts about 45 minutes, but the entire experience, including getting into our wetsuits and safety briefings, took a bit longer. Plan for at least 2-3 hours in total. The cold water and the surreal experience of swimming between two continents made it an unforgettable start to our trip. This is Truly a Once in a Lifetime Experience, and don’t forget to drink the water (it’s delish).
Thingvellir National Park:
After our swim, we took some time to explore the surrounding area in Thingvellir National Park. This location is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also a filming location for the popular TV series “Game of Thrones.” The stunning Oxararfoss waterfall and the dramatic landscapes provided a perfect backdrop for our explorations.
Driving South and Check-in at Skálakot Manor Hotel:
In the afternoon, we began our journey south, stopping in the quaint town of Selfoss for a coffee at Konungs Kaffi. The scenic drive through Iceland’s landscapes was a treat for the eyes. By late afternoon, we arrived at Skálakot Manor Hotel, our home for the next two nights. This charming manor offered a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day of travel and adventure.
Evening at Skálakot Manor:
After checking in, we warmed up with a hot shower and enjoyed a delicious dinner paired with a bottle of wine at the hotel. The cozy atmosphere of Skálakot Manor, combined with our exhaustion from being awake for 34 hours, made going to bed feel like a true luxury.
Day 2: Waterfalls and Scenic Drives
Early Morning at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss:
We woke up at the crack of dawn, around 3:30 AM (I Highly suggest doing this), to visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. The early start meant we had these iconic spots all to ourselves, which made for an incredibly serene and picturesque experience. Walking behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss and standing in awe at the base as well as the top of Skogafoss were highlights of our trip. **Note that these places are busy during day hours.
Breakfast and Rest:
After our early morning adventure, we returned to Skalakot Manor for a hearty continental breakfast. The cozy atmosphere of the manor, coupled with a quick nap and black out curtains rejuvenated us for the day ahead.
Black Sand Beach in Vik:
Our next stop was the famous black sand beach in Vik. The contrast of the dark sand against the powerful ocean waves was mesmerizing. We grabbed lunch from a local grocery store and enjoyed a picnic with a view from the church lookout, which offers a stunning panorama of the town and coastline.
Dyrhólaey and Puffins:
Next, we visited Dyrhólaey, a cliff side that offers incredible views of the surrounding area. This spot is also famous for its puffin colonies, and we were lucky enough to see these charming birds up close. The dramatic rock formations and ocean vistas made Dyrhólaey a must-visit landmark.
Exploring a Glacier:
We continued our journey to one of Iceland’s massive glaciers. Witnessing the sheer size and beauty of the glacier was awe-inspiring, but it also served as a stark reminder of the effects of global warming. The glaciers are rapidly retreating, making it all the more important to appreciate and protect these natural wonders.
Exploring Skalakot Manor:
Returning to Skalakot Manor, we spent the afternoon exploring the property. The nearby church, canyon, and waterfalls added to the charm of the place. Don’t skip this part of the trip, the views were like nothing I’ve ever seen. In the evening, Dinner and drinks at the manor provided a perfect end to the day.
Day 3: Airplane Wreck and Blue Lagoon
Early Morning at the US Navy Airplane Wreck:
On our final full day, we woke up early again, at 4 AM, to visit the US Navy airplane crash site on the black sand beach. The walk to the wreck is about 4 kilometers each way, and having the site to ourselves added to the eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. Again, the sight of the ocean waves crashing against the black sand was a breathtaking experience.
Breakfast and Departure:
We returned to Skalakot Manor for another delicious breakfast. The buffet options and hot meals were a perfect start to our treck back to the capital. After packing our bags, we reluctantly left the manor and started our journey back to Reykjavik.
Relaxing at the Blue Lagoon:
Our next stop was the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous attractions and considered one of the wonders of the world. Despite the crowds, it was a relaxing way to unwind and soak in the geothermal waters. While it wasn’t our favorite part of the trip (its busy), it was a fitting end to our adventure and a Icleand staple.
Final Night at Ocean Break Cabins:
For our last night, we stayed at a tiny cabin at Ocean Break Cabins, conveniently close to the airport. The cabin was equipped with a hot tub filled with geothermal water, which provided a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on our insanely fast paced, adventure filled journey. We cooked some famous Icelandic hotdogs on the grill for dinner and enjoyed a peaceful evening.
Conclusion
Our three-day adventure in Iceland was jam-packed with breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences. From swimming in the Silfra Fissure to exploring iconic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the Blue Lagoon, every moment was worth the lack of sleep. Iceland’s natural beauty and unique landscapes make it a destination that everyone should experience at least once.
We woke up early on our final day, packed up, returned our rental car, and caught our flight back to Minneapolis, landing at 11:30 AM. Despite the whirlwind nature of our trip, it was an incredible journey that allowed us to explore some of Iceland’s most stunning locations while making the most of our limited time.
What do you think? Are you ready for 3 Summer days in Iceland?