When you’re planning a weekend break to Iceland then I’m so excited for you! Iceland is a magical place and I like it extra with each go to.
Whilst you might spend an entire week on this unbelievable nation, a weekend journey to Iceland is ideal. It’s an costly vacation spot so retaining the journey brief retains the prices down and you’ll simply see loads in a brief area of time.
The place to remain in Iceland
You’re going to be extremely busy throughout this weekend journey to Iceland so I’d suggest selecting budget-friendly lodging in Reykjavik. You gained’t be spending a lot time there so don’t waste an excessive amount of cash on a elaborate lodge.
I’ve stayed at Kex Hostel and it was pretty. I do know the phrase ‘hostel’ typically places individuals off however there are personal rooms and it’s not stuffed with 21 yr previous backpackers. It’s extra like a sociable lodge.
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is one other good choice for a easy lodge in an excellent location for an excellent worth.
get round Iceland
I extremely suggest hiring a automobile in Iceland. It’s a very simple nation to drive in and automobile rent is affordable compared to taxis and public transport. It additionally provides you a number of freedom and suppleness to see issues at your individual tempo.
I’d decide it up from the airport and use a comparability web site like Kayak to check costs and choices.
Greatest time of yr to take a weekend break to Iceland
Actually, Iceland is beautiful at any time of yr! I’ve been in October, November, March and June and so they have been all pretty instances to go to.
One factor I’d say is that it’s unlikely you’ll get completely heat, sunny, clear-skied days. It’s not like different European locations which actually are a lot nicer to go to in the summertime. It’s typically a bit cloudy and gray so it doesn’t actually matter whenever you go.
Your weekend break to Iceland itinerary
When you’re taking a weekend break to Iceland I’m going to imagine you’re going Friday-Sunday.
I discovered these flights from Manchester to Keflavik with easyJet from Friday-Sunday and this could be absolutely the preferrred!
Day 1 of your weekend break to Iceland: Reykjavik + Sky Lagoon
Once you arrive at Keflavik Airport, decide up your rent automobile and drive straight into Reykjavik. The drive takes about 45 minutes.
Right here’s every part you may ought to see and do in Reykjavik
Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran Church
Make this your first cease as a result of you may park without spending a dime right here. It’s the tallest church in Iceland at 74.5 meters (244 ft) and the sixth tallest architectural construction within the nation. You possibly can go up the tower and get your bearings for the entire metropolis! Ensure you take a look at the magnificent pipe organ with 5,275 pipes!
Guests can go up the tower (tickets value £8 and there’s a raise to take you up) to take pleasure in breathtaking (though very chilly!) panoramic views of Reykjavík and its environment.
Frakkastígur (get a snack at Brauð & Co Bakery) + road artwork
Stroll down the press road Frakkastígur and admire the normal and vibrant buildings in addition to the road artwork. Pop into Brauð & Co Bakery for a espresso and a snack to gasoline you just a little additional!
Solar Voyager
Maintain strolling down Frakkastígur and finally you’ll come to the waterfront and the Solar Voyager sculpture.
Sólfar was designed by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. It was unveiled in 1990 as a tribute to the solar and the ocean, reflecting Iceland’s reference to nature, exploration, and historical past.
The sculpture resembles a Viking ship and is an ode to the spirit of discovery, symbolizing hope, progress, and freedom. Positioned in opposition to the backdrop of Faxaflói Bay and Mount Esja, the Solar Voyager turns into particularly enchanting at dawn or sundown, when gentle performs off its polished floor.
Harpa Live performance Corridor
From the Solar Voyager, stroll a couple of minutes to Harpa Live performance Corridor which is totally gorgeous each in and out. There’s a stunning bar/restaurant on the bottom flooring the place we had a espresso (£5) and loved the gorgeous ambiance.
Harpa Live performance Corridor and Convention Centre was opened in 2011 and can also be on the waterfront. The constructing’s putting, fashionable design was a collaboration between Danish-Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson, Henning Larsen Architects, and Batteríið Architects. Its façade is made up of a lattice of geometric glass panels impressed by Iceland’s basalt landscapes, reflecting the encircling sky, sea, and metropolis lights. By day, daylight dances throughout its floor, whereas at night time, the panels are illuminated by a stunning LED show.
There are a number of performances occurring contained in the live performance corridor however if you happen to’ve simply acquired sooner or later in Reykjavik then it’s unlikely you’ll have time to take pleasure in one. However, be sure you go inside and luxuriate in the fantastic thing about the constructing inside.
Rainbow Avenue
Maintain strolling across the metropolis and make your strategy to Reykjavik’s ‘Rainbow Avenue’. Often known as Skólavörðustígur, a part of Rainbow Avenue is painted with a vibrant and daring rainbow design, a logo of pleasure, help for the LGBTQ+ neighborhood and to have fun range.
There are many nice retailers, bars, cafes and eating places alongside this road so it’s a stunning place for a wander.
When you’re feeling peckish then cease for fish and chips at Reykjavik Fish. There are three places across the metropolis however we visited the one on Rainbow Avenue and the fish was scrumptious.
All in all, that first a part of our Reykjavik sooner or later itinerary took about 3.5 hours. This didn’t really feel rushed so you may do it sooner if you happen to’re brief on time.
Sky Lagoon – Intention for a sundown time slot
You’re then going to get again in your automobile for the 11 minute drive to Iceland’s Sky Lagoon. When you don’t have a automobile, you’d must get in a taxi.
The Sky Lagoon will certainly be a spotlight of your weekend break to Iceland. It’s an expensive geothermal spa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It opened in 2021 so it’s comparatively new and competes with the Blue Lagoon.
I used to be completely blown away by the Sky Lagoon. It’s man-made however feels prefer it could possibly be a pure lagoon with its moss-covered partitions and stone paths and swimming pools carved into the rock. However there’s additionally a bar, a waterfall and excellent seats to sit down and overlook the ocean because the steam billows round you.
There’s an unbelievable infinity pool that appears to merge seamlessly with the ocean and the sky. With billowing steam and sometimes cloudy skies, it truly is tough to see the place one ends and one other begins. The water is heated by geothermal vitality, so it’s deliciously heat no matter Iceland’s often-chilly climate.
Sky Lagoon is thought for its Ritual, a seven-step wellness journey impressed by Icelandic bathing traditions. The journey features a chilly plunge (I positively didn’t do that step!), sauna, physique scrub, and steam tub, a recent juice after which ending with a heat rinse within the geothermal waters.
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You can too take pleasure in a drink from the swim up bar and I extremely suggest visiting at sundown for probably the most breathtaking views because the solar goes down. (I booked the 15:00 time slot in November and this was good to observe the sundown!)
When reserving your Sky Lagoon bundle, you may ebook both Saman or Ser. I by chance booked Ser which was the dearer choice and consists of the personal altering rooms which, admittedly, have been pretty, however I’m undecided I wanted to pay an additional £17 for it! You do must ebook your bundle prematurely.
Icelandic Avenue Meals
When you’re at a centrally situated lodge then I’d positively suggest heading out into Reykjavik for dinner and drinks. There’s such a fantastic ambiance at night time time and I’d even say it’s higher at night time than it’s within the day!
Head to Icelandic Avenue Meals for dinner. Right here you’ll discover conventional Icelandic meals with a contemporary twist and a casual ‘quick meals’ vibe. It additionally isn’t fairly as costly because the extra conventional eating places!
Day 2 of your weekend break to Iceland: The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s final sightseeing loop, filled with waterfalls, geysers, and historical past. Consider it as Iceland’s best hits album, however in street journey type and only a one-hour drive from Reykjavik.
So, what precisely is the Golden Circle? It’s a 300-kilometer (186-mile) route that takes you thru three of Iceland’s greatest sights: Thingvellir Nationwide Park, Geysir Scorching Springs, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
When you’re brief on time then you may truly drive the Golden Circle in 3-4 hours however I like to recommend taking your time and making a day of it.
Your first cease can be Thingvellir Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage web site. Not solely is it the place the world’s first parliament was established in 930 AD (yep, the Vikings have been manner forward of their time), but it surely’s additionally the place two huge tectonic plates—the North American and Eurasian—are actually pulling aside. You possibly can truly stroll by the rift valley the place they meet, which is type of like straddling two continents without delay. Oh, and if you happen to’re feeling adventurous, you may even snorkel or dive within the Silfra fissure, a crystal-clear glacial water rift between the plates. Fairly cool, proper?
I truly did this fashion again in 2014 and it was unbelievable! Learn extra: Snorkelling between tectonic plates in Iceland.
Subsequent, we hit Geysir Scorching Springs. This place is the place the phrase “geyser” truly comes from, because of the Nice Geysir, which used to erupt often. Today, its little sibling, Strokkur, steals the present, blasting boiling water as much as 30 meters (100 ft) within the air each couple of minutes. It’s the right spot for that traditional “ooh-ahh” second (and possibly just a little shock if you happen to’re standing downwind). The entire space smells like sulfur, however hey, that’s simply a part of the geothermal appeal!
Lastly, we get to Gullfoss, the “Golden Falls.” This waterfall is an absolute beast—huge, roaring, and stunningly stunning. The Hvítá River drops right into a deep canyon in two phases, making a dramatic, misty spectacle. When you’re fortunate and the solar’s out, you would possibly even catch a rainbow over the falls.
Again within the early 1900s, there was a plan to show Gullfoss right into a hydroelectric dam, however a neighborhood farmer’s daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, fought to guard it. Because of her, we get to take pleasure in this pure surprise in all its glory.
One of the best half in regards to the Golden Circle? It’s tremendous straightforward to do. You are able to do it in your rent automobile and discover at your individual tempo, or hop on a guided tour if you happen to’d slightly sit again and benefit from the journey.
Both manner, you’re assured some mind-blowing surroundings, fascinating historical past, and loads of Instagram-worthy moments. Oh, and when you have time, think about including some further stops just like the Kerið Crater, a shocking volcanic lake, or the Secret Lagoon, a soothing sizzling spring.
Make your weekend journey to Iceland further particular
In your second night in Iceland you may positively hit the bars and eating places in Reykjavik. An important choice right here is to take an Icelandic foods and drinks tour to expertise among the greatest locations to eat and drink within the metropolis. After all, you may simply make up your individual too!
If that’s not your vibe then think about a Northern Lights Tour! After all, you’re by no means assured to see the unpredictable Northern Lights however this can be a as soon as in a lifetime alternative and for many individuals it’s a threat price taking!
Day 3 of your weekend break to Iceland: Journey exercise + The Blue Lagoon
Your closing day throughout your weekend break to Iceland is basically going to be dependent in your flight time residence. When you’re fortunate sufficient to have a night flight residence just like the easyJet flights I discussed on the high then you definately’ve acquired time to squeeze in a morning journey exercise after which a visit to the Blue Lagoon in your manner again to the airport.
The Blue Lagoon is ideally located 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport so it makes a fantastic place to go to in your manner again.
After all, you could desire to spend your closing morning in Reykjavik stress-free however if you happen to’re the adventurous kind then listed here are a few of my favourites!
Iceland Journey Actions
You’re going to have one which departs early however there are lots to select from!
The Blue Lagoon
Now you is perhaps considering that you simply’ve already visited a geothermal spa throughout your weekend break to Iceland, do you actually need to go to two? I might argue that sure, you 100% want to go to two!
The Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon are such completely different experiences, neither one is best than the opposite, they’re simply completely different and unbelievable in their very own proper. And as I stated earlier than, The Blue Lagoon is so near the airport that it might be impolite to not, proper?
The Blue Lagoon is considered one of Iceland’s most well-known and photogenic spots! This place is like stepping right into a dreamy, otherworldly spa the place the water is a milky, electrical blue, and the steam rises mysteriously into the air. It’s all because of geothermal magic—the lagoon is fed by superheated water from deep underground, wealthy in minerals like silica and sulfur. Supposedly, these minerals do wonders in your pores and skin, so slathering on the complimentary silica mud masks is a should!
Regardless of trying like a pure surprise, the Blue Lagoon is definitely man-made. It was shaped within the ‘70s when water from the close by geothermal energy plant (don’t fear, it’s completely clear and pure) began pooling within the lava fields. Folks seen the water left their pores and skin feeling superb, and voilà—the Blue Lagoon spa was born!
It’s the right place to unwind after an extended day of adventuring by Iceland’s epic landscapes. Whether or not you’re soaking with a cocktail in hand from the in-water bar, chilling in a steamy cave, or getting a elaborate in-water therapeutic massage, it’s pure bliss.
Journey Hack Tip: Guide your tickets prematurely! This place will get packed, and also you don’t wish to miss out. Oh, and if you happen to’re frightened about your hair—sure, the silica could make it really feel like straw. Simply coat it in conditioner earlier than you go in and take a look at your greatest to not get it within the water.
The Blue Lagoon is 100% definitely worth the hype—simply be able to by no means wish to depart!
And there you might have it. Absolutely the final weekend break to Iceland. You’re going to get residence feeling such as you’ve been away for every week and there’s one thing so magical about Iceland that may stick with you perpetually. It’s a really particular place!