I will go for the Ascension weekend in November or for 3 days on another weekend. My primary goal will be to see the northern lights, a natural phenomenon that one has the chance to see only once in a lifetime. In this article, I will tell you about my 3-day trip to Iceland and what to do in Iceland?
📋 Key points to remember: In 3 days in Iceland, you cover the Golden Circle + a south coast excursion + Reykjavík. Ideal plan: D1 Reykjavík + Blue Lagoon, D2 Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss), D3 south coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach). Short trip budget: €700-1,200 per person all included.
Weekend in Iceland in 3 days? What to do in Iceland?
While waiting for my trip, this summer to Japan and China, I will plan my next trip abroad.
I chose to go to a mysterious and little-known country that I will call “Iceland“.
The northern lights season in Iceland is from September to March. Iceland is the best place in Europe to see them well, you can also see northern lights in Iceland, in northern Canada, Siberia, or Alaska.
What to do in Iceland? For a 3-day weekend!
– Go see the northern lights in the northeast of the country.– Enjoy the lagoons and hot springs.
– Walk on the mountain close to Reykjavik.
🌍 Did you know?
The Blue Lagoon is geothermal residual water from a nearby power plant, and not a 100% natural spring. The white silica that makes the water so milky comes from minerals. Water at 37-40°C all year round, rich in mineral salts. Reservation mandatory (often 6-8 weeks in advance in high season): €60-95 for standard entry.
– Go see the geyser and volcano region.
🗣️ My experience: Advantage of the extended weekend in Iceland: direct flight Paris-Reykjavík in 3h30, so departure Friday evening, return Monday evening = 3 full days on site. The combo Blue Lagoon upon arrival to unwind is just after the airport (25 min by bus). That way, the stay starts in the warm water at 38°C. Unbeatable as an introduction.
– Visit the various glaciers, the most spectacular in Iceland is the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon in the southeast of Iceland.
– Go to national parks (Vatnajökull is the largest National Park in Europe) and nature reserves.
If you want a list of possible excursions here is the linkI will detail my plan for you:
🍀 Iceland in 3 days
- Short flight (3h30)
- Iconic sites accessible from Reykjavík
- Extended weekend format possible
- Guaranteed wow effect despite the duration
🔻 Limitations
- No time for the full tour (1,332 km)
- Frustrating if you get attached to the country
- Unpredictable weather can ruin 1 day
- Expensive hotels (Reykjavík: €200/night)
Iceland in 3 days or 4 if you want. What to do in Iceland?
- Arriving Wednesday evening, I will try to take advantage to scout the city of Reykjavik.
- The next day, I will check out the excursions offered to me (Geysers or national park) or head towards the aurora borealis region to try to see one.
- For a return on Saturday or Sunday morning, I will then go for a hike on the mountain bordering the capital and then enjoy the night to see what nightlife Iceland has to offer.
- If I have time, I will go relax in the hot springs (Blue Lagoon) then return to Paris.
The budget for my trip to Iceland in 3 days
Iceland remains one of the most expensive countries in the world.Iceland in 3 days in backpacker mode
General expenses:- Youth hostel nights, I mainly recommend: KEX Hostel (recommended by a hotel booking site), Skúlagata 28, Reykjavik, Iceland in low season, you can get a bed between 15 and 20 euros; in high season it would be rather between 20 and 35 euros. It is the most popular youth hostel if you want to meet people, otherwise go to other hostels if you want to stay unnoticed. If you want accommodation ideas; here is a link
- Icelandic food is not very well known, most people eat hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and pizzas but if you want to try specialties, rather test: skyr (dairy product), black bread and Hangikjöt, smoked meat), you can find food like pizza, fast food for less than 10 euros.
- Transport: count from 200 euros on Wowair or a little more than 300 euros on Icelandair. I personally prefer to book my tickets on Wowair. Knowing the rigor of Scandinavians, the service will be the same for less and there is no cheaper way to go to Iceland from major European capitals. Check out my other site on Iceland, with help for ticket booking. If you want to book a vehicle follow this link
The most expensive thing in Iceland remains the price of excursions which varies greatly according to your needs.
Plan at least 100 euros for a one-day excursion.
⚠️ Classic trap
Book the Blue Lagoon on the day. Often fully booked 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially in high season (June-August). If it’s in your plan, book it at the same time as your flight. Plan B: Sky Lagoon (Kópavogur, 10 min from Reykjavík), newer (2021), same quality, often bookable 2-3 days ahead.
If you feel comfortable, it is much better and cheaper to rent a car and travel around the island. Expect from 50 euros per day plus mileage fees.
| Day | Program | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| D1: Reykjavík + Blue Lagoon | Old town, Hallgrímskirkja, thermal bath | 80-100 € (Blue Lagoon) |
| D2: Golden Circle | Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss | 0 (with car) or 80 € tour |
| D3: South coast | Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara | 0 (with car) or 100 € tour |
| Car rental | 3 days sedan | 120-200 € (without 4×4) |
| Hotel Reykjavík | 3* central | 180-250 €/night |
Plan a budget 10% higher to have a margin, at least 500 euros for 3 days if you want to do one or two excursions.
For the full tour, what to do in Iceland details the 10-14 day road trip. The Northern Lights in Iceland covers the specific topic of auroras. And to compare with other short destinations, Europe weekend ideas offers alternatives.
If you want more information, follow these guides:
Find more information on Scandinavia and Europe in the section: You can read the article on the Scandinavian countries.
