Best 3-Day Iceland Itinerary - With Secret Spots

Iceland’s South Coast and Golden Circle get all the hype—but what if I told you there’s a wilder, quieter side to this Nordic wonderland? After road-tripping from the sun-soaked coasts of Greece to the Arctic Circle, I’ve learned that the best adventures lie off the beaten path. This 3-day Iceland itinerary skips the crowds and dives into hidden waterfalls, geothermal secrets, and coastal magic you won’t find on Instagram (yet). Let’s go with JetlyGo!

Day 1: Skip the Blue Lagoon—Here’s Where to Soak Instead

Morning: Hvammsvík Nature Baths

Forget the Blue Lagoon’s price tag and crowds. Head to Hvammsvík Nature Baths, a geothermal oasis (brings back memories of my Yellowstone 5 days trip in USA!) tucked into a fjord 40 minutes from Reykjavík. With eight tidal pools that disappear into the ocean during high tide, this spot feels like a secret cove shared only with local seals. The views? Snow-capped mountains meet steaming waters.

Cost: 6,900 ISK (~$50) for day access.

Pro Tip: Book the “Secret Pool” experience if staying overnight—it’s exclusive to guests!

Afternoon: Reykjadalur Thermal River Hike

Swap crowded hot springs for a hike to Reykjadalur, a natural hot river winding through a volcanic valley. The 3.5-mile round-trip trek passes steaming vents and neon-green hillsides. At the top, strip down (yes, fully) and soak in the river’s warm currents.

Cost: Free!

When to Go: Summer for lush greenery; winter for snowy solitude (but pack microspikes).

Evening: Dinner at Friðheimar Tomato Farm

Dine inside a greenhouse at Friðheimar, where tomatoes grow year-round under geothermal heat. Their unlimited tomato soup and homemade bread are legendary. Pair it with a basil-infused gin cocktail—trust me.

Cost: ~3,500 ISK (~$25) for the soup buffet.

Reservations: Essential—book online to snag a table by the vines.

Day 2: South Coast Secrets—Waterfalls, Black Sand, & a Ghost Ship

Morning: Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

Everyone visits Seljalandsfoss, but 90% miss Gljúfrabúi, its shy neighbor. Walk 10 minutes left from Seljalandsfoss’ parking lot, wade through a narrow gorge (waterproof boots required!), and find a 130-foot cascade thundering inside a mossy cave. You’ll feel like Indiana Jones.

Parking: 700 ISK at Seljalandsfoss—split the cost with other travelers.

Midday: Kvernufoss & the Abandoned Plane Wreck

Near Skógafoss, hike 15 minutes to Kvernufoss, a waterfall you can walk behind without battling selfie sticks. Then, drive to Sólheimasandur for the eerie 1973 U.S. Navy plane wreck. The 2-mile walk across a black desert is hauntingly beautiful.

Pro Tip: Visit at sunrise for moody photos sans crowds.

Afternoon: Landeyjahöfn Black Sand Beach

Skip Reynisfjara’s tourist waves and head to Landeyjahöfn, a deserted beach with a rusted fishing boat wreck. Drive onto the sand (4x4 only!) and picnic with views of the Westman Islands.

Safety: Watch for “sneaker waves”—never turn your back on the ocean.

Evening: Seljavallalaug Hot Spring

Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, Seljavallalaug, is hidden in a valley near a glacial river. Built in 1923, this free geothermal pool is rustic (think: algae-covered walls) but utterly magical.

Facilities: Basic changing huts—bring a towel and courage (the water’s lukewarm).

Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula—Volcanoes, Canyons, & a Hot Tub Boat

Morning: Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

Drive north to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and squeeze into Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, a Tolkien-esque crack in a mossy cliff. Follow the stream into the canyon—if you’re brave, climb the iron chains to a hidden waterfall.

Parking: Free!

Midday: Kirkjufell Mountain & Shark Museum

Snap the iconic Kirkjufell (Game of Thrones’ “Arrowhead Mountain”), then visit the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum. Taste hákarl (fermented shark)—Iceland’s infamous delicacy—and tour the drying sheds.

Cost: 1,500 ISK (~$11) for the museum and tasting.

Afternoon: Hauganes Hot Tubs

Cap your trip at Hauganes, a fishing village where an old sailboat doubles as a hot tub. Soak in 104°F water while watching the Northern Lights (seasonal) or midnight sun. Bonus: Cool off with a polar plunge in the Arctic Ocean.

Cost: 1,000 ISK (~$7) per person.

Book Ahead: Limited to 12 people—message them on Facebook.

Evening: Dinner at Gamla Fjósið (“The Old Cowshed”)

Dine in a converted barn at Gamla Fjósið, where candlelit tables overlook a fjord. Try the lamb fillet or Arctic char—both sourced locally.

Reservations: Critical—email [email protected].

Pro Tips for Your 3-Day Iceland Adventure

Rent a 4x4: Gravel roads and hidden trails demand it.

Grocery Shop: Bonus and Krónan are budget-friendly chains.

Weather-Proof Gear: Waterproof pants, gloves, and layers are non-negotiable.

Northern Lights: Visit October–March; use the Aurora Alerts app.

Respect Nature: Stay on trails—Iceland’s moss takes decades to regrow.

My Take

Iceland’s magic isn’t in the postcard spots—it’s in the whispers of hidden waterfalls, the thrill of a midnight soak, and the taste of tomatoes grown under the Arctic sun. This 3-day itinerary skips the ordinary and dives deep into the wild heart of Iceland. Now, go chase those secrets—and don’t forget your waterproof socks.