Base in Selfoss, 3 nights? Blue Lagoon timing?

Posted by mcm on 05/05/25 06:44 PM

Our first night is Reykjavik - picking up rental at 8am and check in at 3.

1.
Is noon the smart time for Blue lagoon? Or maybe we should go earlier? Looking to keep this day fairly quiet as we will be off a flight and will have 2 nights back in Reykjavik at end of our 6 night trip.

We have three nights in Selfoss....wanted 2 nights there and at least on on South coast, but we have had availability challenges.

2.
That said, should we split the golden circle sites over two days? and plan one day in South coast?

Or 2 days to see south coast sites and one day golden circle sites?

Thanks

Posted by jules m

Twin Cities of MN

05/05/25 07:07 PM

6927 posts

I enjoyed my tour of the Golden Circle. However, if you have seen Yellowstone, you may not find the geyser area that exciting. I say this because it is sounding like you want to make the best use of your time. I loved Iceland. Have fun.

Posted by mcm OP

05/05/25 08:40 PM

188 posts

I have been to Yellowstone, but a million years ago. My children have not so I think we're good. Thanks so much for the feedback though....

Posted by mikliz97

Snohomish, WA

05/05/25 09:50 PM

3078 posts

I would do the Blue Lagoon upon arrival and then head to Reykjavik for the rest of the day and stay there that night. Since you are picking up your rental at 8am, I would book the BL for 9am. If you delay this, you will just get more tired as the day goes on, and that is when you do not want to be driving. So do the BL right after getting the rental, then head to Reykjavik and enjoy all that it has to offer.

IME, 3 nights in Selfoss is 2 too many.

The GC is easily done in one day, even adding in more of the sites besides the big 3.

I would only do one night in Reykjavik at the end, not two. Allot that extra time to go further up the south coast or up to Snaefellsness.

Posted by mcm OP

05/06/25 12:38 AM

188 posts

We have three nights in Selfoss and two at end in Reykjavik because of the size of our group and availability. Changing is cost prohibitive or impossible. I'm okay with Selfoss as a base....just trying to wrap smartest itinerary around it.

Will look to do BL earlier rather than later...thanks

Posted by naalehuretiree

Big Island of Hawaii

05/06/25 09:15 PM

787 posts

You will pick up your rental car at the airport, and the Blue Lagoon is only about 25 minutes away. Go there first because it's another 45 minutes to drive into Reykjavik.

I would prioritize south coast sites over Golden Circle. One day to do the Golden Circle is enough. You could go as far as Vik and even beyond if you want to. Can you stay longer in Selfoss and stay only one night in Reykjavik at the end?

Posted by mcm OP

05/06/25 09:45 PM

188 posts

Thanks...
I'm looking for cancellations, but so far no dice. So it night one Reykjavik, night 2,3,4, Selfoss and night 5,6 back in Reykjavik. Was thinking maybe we head north one day at the end from Reykjavik.

So....something like this ???
1. Land, Blue Lagoon, Lunch, and then check in
2. Maybe head south immediately and do as much of south coast as possible? Selijalandfoss, Skoafoss, Reynisfara (and any stops in between that are worthwhile Double back for night in Selfoss
3. Slow day around Golden Circle night in Selfoss - I want to book Secret Lagoon? Or Fontana?
4. Whatever we missed near golden circle - spend night in Selfoss
5. Head north maybe as far as viogelmir lava tube (would need to re-book though) - spend night in Reykjavik (probably too much driving
6. Puffin tour? walking tour? Spend night Reykjavik

Any recommendations for Puffins? Free walking tour can't be booked yet.