We're traveling to Iceland at the end of a whirlwind trip through Scandinavia and have four days to explore. Our two adult children will be joining us (30 and 27). Although it seems like most people recommend starting the trip with a visit to the Blue Lagoon and then decamping to Reykjavik, I was wondering if it makes sense to do it the other way- rent a car, drive down and stay near Hvolsvollur so we can do a trip the next day to Heimaey Island, then see the rest of the sights on the south coast, spend another night (somewhere closer to the Golden Circle), spend the following day doing the Golden Circle then drive up to Reykjavik for the remainder of the trip. Also, if we can fit it in to the schedule, I think we might all like to do some Icelandic horseback riding while along the South Coast- any recommendations?
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3104 posts
When are you going? If this summer, you may be out of luck finding accommodations as things book up many months in advance. That would probably be the deciding factor in itinerary.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6917 posts
I don't know that I agree that most people recommend starting (or visiting at any time) the Blue Lagoon. It is not a natural hot spring. For me, there was so much else in Iceland that I skipped the Blue Lagoon, as did others that I know that have visited Iceland.
The Golden Circle can be done as a day trip from Reykjavik. One consideration, you are short on time a bit. It sounds like you will self drive the Golden Circle. If so, if you have been to Yellowstone, you may not find the geyser area interesting. The rest of the Golden Circle was so interesting and scenic.
Posted by
Big Island of Hawaii
786 posts
Most people are flying in from the States and need that recovery time at the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik. Coming from Scandinavia you won't need to recover from jet lag. Reykjavik is a nice city, but you really don't need to spend time there since your trip is short and you have a lot of things you'd like to do. Just focus on Heimaey, South Coast (two nights), and Golden Circle.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
1166 posts
We did 4 nights in Iceland last year, skipped Reykjavík all together, and do not regret it. We stayed at the Courtyard near the airport free on points (very nice btw) and did the Golden Circle one day, the power plant (skip it, I’m a science geek and found it quite boring) and blue lagoon one day, and south coast one day. I agree with others that the blue Lagoon is just ok; however, my husband and two teenagers felt that it was a highlight of the trip.
If I had to do it again, I think I would spend the first and last night at the courtyard and the two nights in the middle somewhere on the south coast, even though that involves changing hotels. I feel like we just barely scratched the surface of the south coast, and I personally found it prettier/cooler than the golden circle.
Posted by
OP
24 posts
Thanks for the information! I hadn't considered staying near the airport but it's a great idea, especially since my youngest isn't doing Scandinavia with us and will be joining us for the Iceland portion of the trip and her flight gets into Keflavik at 6:30am! We're planning to spend two nights on the South Coast and then use Reykjavik as a base for the rest of the trip. We know we'll only be scratching the surface, but will see as much as we can in the limited time we have.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
3074 posts
Since this is at the end of your Scandinavia part of the trip, the good thing is you won't be dealing with jet lag so can hit the road once you arrive. I would skip the Blue Lagoon. There are far better places to soak with far fewer crowds.
As for horseback riding, take a look at Eldhestar near Selfoss. On our most recent trip we stayed there for our last night and rode there in the morning. It is a hotel and horse farm, and they offer a variety of rides. The hotel is wonderful too:)
So does your daughter arrive the morning after you do, or another day? I am trying to get a sense of just how much time you have and when you pick her up. If she arrives the morning after you, look at the Aurora Hotel for just that one night. It is literally a 5 minute walk across the parking lot to the airport which would make that early morning pickup a but more civilized:)
I would not stay in Reykjavik for those other days. Head up to Snaefellsness and explore there as there is so much to see and do up there! If you want time in Reykjavik, one day is ample. Don't get me wrong, I love the city, but the countryside is what Iceland is all about and it would be a shame to not get to see as much of it a you can, IMO.