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50 Hours in Iceland -- Itinerary expertise requested

Posted by on

Arriving at 2 pm on Monday
Leaving at 4 pm on Wednesday

(This is all the time I have. Would like to stay longer, but not feasible at this time)

I know my tentative itinerary can be improved and definitely expanded upon by all of you with expertise.
I thank you in advance for your help.

Staying both nights in Reykjavik. Will have a car.

Day 1
Explore Reykjavik. Would like to see the rainbow street and, if possible, walk to the top of Hallgrimskirkja. Other than that, not sure.

Day 2
Drive the Golden Circle route. – I've heard there are better alternatives, but don't know what they are. Want to experience as much of the variety of Iceland landscape as I can

Go swimming at a warm water lagoon. Have heard there are alternatives to the popular Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon. What's a good spot that's reachable given my limited time in the country?

Day 3
Hike in the morning somewhere then go to airport? Would be good to find a short hike to a scenic view

Posted by
3110 posts

We have been many times, and based upon my experience and what you are looking for, these are my suggestions:)

Day 1 is good, but you can fit a whole lot more into it. Rainbow road leads right up to the church, so that is easy. Be sure to buy tickets and go to the top of the church as the views are wonderful. Walk along the water to the Sun Voyager, visit Harpa inside and out, check out all the murals and street art, visit the Handknitting Association store for locally handmade woolen items (it is on Rainbow Road), walk up Pufa, and visit a local pool or go to Sky Lagoon.

Day 2 I would skip the Golden Circle entirely. I would head up to Snaefellsness where it is basically a mini Iceland in that there is a wide variety of things in a small area. Ytri Tunga is the seal beach, Budir, Gerduberg basalt cliffs, Raudfeldsgja, Arnastapi and the hike to Hellnar and back (45 minute search way, if you have the time), Djupalonssandur, Saxholl Crater, Hellisandur (mural capital of Iceland), Olavsvik, Kirkufjell, Helgafell, and Stikisholmur are all great places. You won't have time for all of this, but you can pick and choose or do drive by's. On your way back, go to Hvammsvik Hot Spring which is about 45 minute north of Reykjavik. It is our favorite hot spring in all of our trips, FWIW.

Day 3 you will need to be back at KEF no later than 1pm, so return the car a bit before that. So that gives you until about 12:30 that day. I would take that time to see some of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Then that will put you close to KEF. There is a lot to see in this area. Gardur lighthouses, the Bridge Between Continents, Hafnarberg, Reykjanes Lighthouse, Gunnuhver hot springs, Valahnukamol, and the shipwreck/Hopsnes lighthouse.

Posted by
91 posts

Thank you mikliz97!

This is exactly what I was looking for

Do you know if it’s possible to walk to the top of Hallgrimskirkja or is the elevator required? I’d like to walk all the way up if it’s allowed

Posted by
3110 posts

moss--I only know of the elevator, and think that is the only way. It is about $8 to go up, and you buy the ticket inside to the left in the teeny tiny gift store.

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