The Top Things to Do in Iceland in 2 Days: 48 Hour itinerary
This travel guide will explain how to visit Reykjavik Iceland in 2 days, whether you are visiting on a stopover or spending time in the city before exploring more of the country.
Iceland has gone from an unknown destination to a travel hotspot in the past decade. This is partially due to the Icelandair stopover deal.
People can spend anywhere from one to seven days in Iceland for free as a stopover. The most common option is to spend 48 hours in Reykjavik, which I have done twice.
Iceland has become a beloved destination for nature-lovers due to the unique terrain, abundant waterfalls, geysers, and all the natural beauty.
The city of Reykjavik is a cultural center with unique history within walking distance.
The first time I visited Iceland was en route for a big Europe trip. It was the perfect way to kick off our journey, relaxing way to break up the long haul flight, and made me fall in love with the country.
A few years later, I visited for a second time on the way to Zermatt Switzerland for a ski trip.
Whether you are visiting Reykjavik as a stopover, weekend trip or portion of a Icelandic tour, this guide will help you optimize the time.
Keep reading for what to do, what to see in Iceland in 2 days, and other travel tips.
Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. Thanks for your support!
The Top Things to do in Iceland
1. Visit the Blue Lagoon
Fun Fact: The hot springs at the Blue Lagoon are not natural. They are the by-product of the nearby energy-plant. However, the waters are still full of healing minerals.
The Blue Lagoon is likely the most well-known activity in Iceland and for good reason. The spa-like atmosphere and healing waters are incredibly relaxing and unique to Iceland.
Although touristy, a trip to the Blue Lagoon was the best way to recover from a long-haul flight. The Lagoon is located between Keflavik (the airport) and Reykjavik so I would recommend going on the way to or from the airport to optimize your time.
When you arrive at the Blue Lagoon you will be directed towards the dressing room to change into your swimsuit and shower. I recommend putting conditioner in your hair to protect it from the minerals in the water.
Next, you can enter the pools and begin exploring the lagoons. While the central area is very busy, there are smaller areas that nobody seems to find so keep an eye out. Inside the lagoon, the face masks and your first drink are complimentary, so be sure to take advantage.
Tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon:
- Book your tickets ahead of time here, tickets are not available on site.
- If visiting to/ from the airport, there is a place to leave your bags for a small fee, just keep your swimsuit in your carry on.
- Purchase this waterproof phone case to capture photos while in the water, these photographs will be some of your favorites from the trip.
2. Explore Downtown Reykjavik
Reykjavik is an adorable Scandinavian town with charming streets, beautiful water views and incredibly kind people.
During your two days in Iceland, be sure to spend some time exploring the town. If you are tired from a long flight, you can simply wander the streets and stop in the cute local shops.
If you have a bit more energy, here is an easy 2 hour DIY walking tour of the city:
1. Start at Hallgrímskirkja: Begin your tour at this iconic church, Reykjavik’s tallest structure. Admire its impressive architecture and take in the panoramic views from the observation deck (admission fee applies).
2. Stroll Down Skólavörðustígur: Wander along this charming street lined with shops, cafes, and boutiques. It’s a perfect spot to pick up souvenirs or enjoy a cup of coffee.
3. Harpa Concert Hall: Walk towards the waterfront to admire the modern and stunning Harpa Concert Hall. Its unique glass facade reflects the surrounding landscape and the sea.
4. Old Harbor: Continue to the Old Harbor area, where you can see fishing boats and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
5. Sun Voyager Sculpture: Head towards the Sun Voyager sculpture, which resembles a Viking ship. It’s a beautiful piece of art that overlooks the sea and the mountains.
6. Austurvöllur Square: Walk back towards the city center and stop at Austurvöllur Square, a lively public square surrounded by cafes and historic buildings.
3. Golden Circle Superjeep Tour
If you do one thing during your 48 hours in Reykjavik, you need to take a superjeep tour.
The Golden Circle is a 1-day loop just outside of Reykjavik that highlights the main attractions of Iceland.
Visiting on a guided tour provides local insights, historical background and access to the lesser-known stops.
We embarked on a superjeep tour of the golden triangle bright and early. Our charming and candid guide, Arnie, picked us up from our hotel then we embarked on an 6-8 hour tour of the golden circle.
We saw waterfalls, Geysir (the original geyser the rest are named after), Icelandic horses and went off-roading on a glacier.
All of the stops were beautiful (and chilly) but my favorite was the glacier. Arnie let some air out of our tires so we could go deep onto the glacier to where we were the only people around.
The serenity of being away from other people and simply surrounded by nature took by breath away.
I recommend doing a private tour because everyone is guaranteed a great window view, you can progress at your own pace and you can easily get all your questions answered by the guide.
Some choose to self-guide a tour which will save some money, but I would only recommend this if you are very comfortable driving in rugged conditions and are satisfied not having a guide to give you background information.
4. Iceland Northern Lights Tour
Another staple of an Iceland Stopover in the winter is hunting for the northern lights. Seeing the Northern lights is a bucket-list item for most people and Iceland is one of the only places they can be seen. While not guaranteed, Iceland in the winter is the best time to go light-hunting.
This small-group luxury tour is a great way to see the Northern Lights. Their expert guides know all the best spots to see the lights. They also have a network of other guides to discuss where the lights are visibile on that given night.
During my visit, we left the hotel around 10pm and visited 4 sites that are notorious for great visibility. Unfortunately, the northern lights were not active that night so seeing them remains on my bucket list.
Even without seeing the lights, I would still recommend the activity. It was surreal being out in the Icelandic wilderness with nobody else around.
We were also assured that we could take another tour for free our next trip to Iceland to try again to see the lights.
5. Taste Local Food
We solicited dinner recommendations from many locals and they all suggested the delicious Grillmarkadurinn (or Grill Market). This restaurant is a high-end local restaurant tucked into a back alley.
The menu and wine list are refined yet approachable. We sampled puffin, whale and reindeer, all of which were surprisingly tasty!
For my main course, I enjoyed a beef filet which rivaled those of the best steakhouses in the United States.
2 Day Iceland Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving in Reykjavik
Day 1 is likely a travel day but depending on your arrival time, it can be a day of exploration as well. We took a direct flight from Seattle that left at 2pm and landed at 6am Iceland time, giving us a full day of exploring.
On your first day, I recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon between the airport and your hotel. This is the best way to decompress from a long flight and hit the ground running with activities.
Following the Lagoon, head to Reykjavik and check into your hotel. With the rest of the day, explore the city with a DIY walking tour.
Day 2: Iceland’s Golden Circle
After a good night’s rest, day 2 is all about adventure! While jet-lag will be a factor, get ready for an action packed second day of your Iceland Stopover.
Start the day off with a Golden Circle superjeep tour to see the natural highlights of the area. Then, spend some time relaxing at your hotel before heading out for a night time northern lights tour.
Day 3: Concluding Your 48 Hours in Reykjavik
As your 48 hours in Reykjavik come to an end, you will be wondering why you did not book a longer trip but will be satisfied by the memories you created in a short time.
Either head back home or embark on the next leg of your European vacation.
Getting to Reykjavik
The Iceland airport is in Keflavik, 45 minutes from the Reykjavik city center. To get to the city, there are three options:
1. Schedule a bus– this is the most budget-friendly option, but also the most time consuming. Book a transfer ahead of time here to save time, money, and stress when you arrive.
2. Catch a taxi– While Taxi’s in Iceland are safe and reliable, they can be expensive (like most things in the country). Taxi’s can be found directly out of the airport exit.
3. Book a tour– The Blue Lagoon is located between the airport and Reykjavik, making it a great first activity upon arrival. This is the option we selected.
The Best Luxury Hotels in Reykjavik
The Canopy by Hilton – This hotel is where I stayed and is conveniently located near the main street of Reykjavik. I recommend staying near the city center so you can walk to all of the main city sites. The hotel has nice, modern décor, and makes good use of the small space.
Reykjavik Edition – This is the only 5 star resort in Reykjavik and is definitely the nicest place to stay. The modern design of the hotel is stunning and the large windows have amazing views of the harbor. The hotel also has a full-service spa and restaurant on site.
Retreat at the Blue Lagoon – Situated on property at the Blue Lagoon, this is one of the most unique and luxurious places to stay in Iceland.
With only two days in Iceland, I recommend staying in the city to maximize your time. However, if you only have one night, this is a great place to stay.
You have direct access to the relaxing Blue Lagoon and are located conveniently next to the airport.
Summary of Two Days in Reykjavik
Iceland’s transformation from an unknown destination to a travel hotspot is thanks, in part, to the Icelandair stopover deal, allowing travelers to spend a few free days in Iceland.
Reykjavik, the cultural capital, is the perfect base for a 2-day visit. Explore the famous Blue Lagoon, take a thrilling superjeep tour of the Golden Circle, and hunt for the Northern Lights.
Discover the city’s charm, from its cozy streets to delectable cuisine. Despite the brevity, these 48 hours in Reykjavik will give you a great taste of the city and desire to return again.
For a longer Europe trip after your Iceland stopover, check out this 3 week itinerary.
Related Posts:
- Europe Trip Itinerary: Planning The Perfect 3 Weeks In Europe
- Balkans Road Trip 10 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
- Two Days In Amsterdam – Quick Travel Guide & Itinerary
- Complete Guide To A Zermatt Ski Vacation
Pin for Later:
