3 days
3 days in South Iceland
A reasonable 3-day plan covering Reykjavík → Vík → Jökulsárlón and back, with daily options that flex for every season, weather and pace of travel.
Key facts
- Total driving
- ~750 km
- Overnight stops
- Vík + Jökulsárlón / Höfn
- 4×4 needed?
- No
- Days
- 3
- Best for
- First-time visitors with limited time
- 4×4 needed?
- No
- Best months
- may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
Day by day
-
Day 1: Reykjavík to Vík
Drive east on Route 1, hit the South Coast classics, sleep in Vík.
Stops: Seljalandsfoss + Gljúfrabúi · Skógafoss · Sólheimajökull viewpoint · Dyrhólaey · Reynisfjara (watch the surf warning lights) · Overnight in Vík
-
Day 2: Vík to Jökulsárlón / Höfn
Drive east past Skaftafell, then to Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach.
Stops: Eldhraun lava field · Kirkjubæjarklaustur · Skaftafell (Svartifoss hike) · Jökulsárlón · Diamond Beach · Overnight near the lagoon or in Höfn
-
Day 3: Return to Reykjavík
Long driving day back; one short stop.
Stops: Optional Stokksnes detour in the morning · Long drive back via Route 1 · Optional second visit to Seljalandsfoss or Reynisfjara
Why 3 days
Three days is the minimum to do South Iceland without feeling cheated. One-day round trips to Jökulsárlón are technically possible in summer but punishing — you drive 10 hours to see the lagoon for 30 minutes.
What to book ahead
- Vík accommodation (1 night).
- Höfn / Jökulsárlón accommodation (1 night). Options near the lagoon are limited.
- Any ice cave tour in winter — these sell out.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do this trip in winter?
Yes, with flex. Cancel-friendly hotels in Vík and Höfn are essential. Always check road.is before driving east of Hvolsvöllur.
Should you reverse the direction?
It works either way. Going east first gives you Jökulsárlón at the end (a strong finish); going west gives you home-base familiarity at the end.