How to Spend a 3-Day Stopover in Iceland: Hot Springs, Waterfalls & Food

If you ever find yourself with the chance to do a three-day stopover in Iceland—TAKE IT! Iceland is one of the most breathtaking, otherworldly destinations, and even a short visit will leave you in awe. From stunning natural hot springs to jaw-dropping waterfalls and unforgettable meals, here’s how we made the perfect itinerary for our 3 full day stopover in Iceland and made every moment count.

3-Day Iceland Stopover Itinerary

Day One: Arrival, Reykjavik Sights & Sky Lagoon

We landed around 9:00 AM at Keflavík International Airport and picked up our rental car from Blue Car Rental (be prepared to dig your car out of snow at pickup if needed!). Initially, we went to Loft HI Eco Hostel to drop off our bags before check-in. However, once we officially checked in, we immediately checked out—the rooms were awful.

After leaving the hostel, we grabbed lunch at Víkinga Pylsur, a must-visit hot dog stand serving up Iceland’s famous lamb hot dogs with crispy onions and remoulade – GLIZZY O’CLOCK!! If you know you know. Next, we admired the towering beauty of Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik’s most iconic church, before browsing Fischersund, a boutique fragrance shop run by Icelandic musicians.

By late afternoon, it was time to unwind at Sky Lagoon, a breathtaking geothermal infinity pool overlooking the North Atlantic. We booked the 4:30 PM sunset lagoon session, which included the seven-step spa ritual (highly recommend!).

After an incredible soak, we checked in at Hotel Kriunes, a cozy lakeside retreat just outside the city. For dinner, I was craving pizza and sushi (coming off a long international trip in Morocco and Scotland!), so we went to Pósthús Food Hall & Bar, where I got to end the night with both.

Day Two: Hvammsvik Hot Springs & Cozy Countryside Stay

We started our morning with breakfast at Sandholt Cafe, a beloved Reykjavik bakery known for its buttery croissants and artisan breads. Then, we drove about an hour from Reykjavik to Hvammsvik Hot Springs, our absolute favorite soak spot. This stunning natural hot spring sits right on the ocean, offering a blend of geothermal and seawater pools with a peaceful, rustic vibe.

For lunch, we stopped at Icelandic Street Food, a charming eatery serving unlimited refills of traditional Icelandic soups—the lamb soup was unreal.

We continued driving another hour+ to our adorable Airbnb in Hveragerði, a small town known for its geothermal activity. For dinner, we ate at Messinn Selfoss, a cozy seafood restaurant serving traditional Icelandic fish pan-fried in butter. Sadly, this location has since closed, but their Reykjavik spot is still open!

Day Three: Waterfalls & Chasing the Northern Lights

We ended up booking an extra night at Hotel Kriunes for a better chance to see the northern lights—and it worked! Before heading back to Reykjavik, we had lunch at Ölverk Pizza & Brewery, known for its wood-fired pizzas and locally brewed beers.

Next, we explored some of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls, starting with Skógafoss, a massive 200-foot waterfall that you can walk right up to (be prepared to get misted!). Just a short hike away, we discovered Kvernufoss, a hidden gem tucked behind a small canyon. For the adventurous, there’s even a hidden waterfall just down the path that few tourists know about. These two waterfalls are part of the Golden Circle, so most Iceland stopover itineraries should have it!

After a day of exploring, we returned to Reykjavik and checked back into Hotel Kriunes. We were lucky enough to get an upgraded room with panoramic lake views, making our last night extra special. For dinner, we warmed up with steaming bowls of ramen at Ramen Momo, a tiny spot known for its handmade noodles and flavorful broths.

Day Four: Blue Lagoon & Departure

Where We Stayed: The Best Hotel in Reykjavík

• Hotel Kriunes – A lakeside boutique hotel just outside Reykjavik with huge rooms, heated floors, and northern lights views (plus northern lights wake up calls!). We loved it so much, that when we extended our stay we came back an extra night! This hotel earned a spot on my top boutique hotels list!
• Airbnb in Hveragerði – A charming countryside escape near hot springs, perfect for exploring southern Iceland. Includes a hot tub outside and a gorgeous view of the little town and stars at night.

The Best Natural Hot Springs in Iceland

1. Hvammsvík Hot Springs – Our top pick! A stunning blend of ocean and geothermal waters with a serene, natural feel. There are several pools all with different temperatures, and you can cold plunge directly into the ocean. Here, the views were the best of the trip and drinks came straight out the window from the swim up bar. It was much less crowded than the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon!
2. Sky Lagoon – An infinity-edge spa experience with a relaxing seven-step ritual, perfect for a sunset soak. I loved the waterfalls, and the entry. We even snacked on some charcuterie and wine after our dip! I loved this spot as the sauna overlooking the lake was an amazing touch.
3. Blue Lagoon – Iconic and touristy, but a must-visit for first-timers as it is definitely a different experience than the top 2, and includes a face mask. The showers and facilities themselves were far below the ones at Sky Lagoon and Hvammsvík, but it was still a great morning.

Iceland Hot Spring Costs Per Person

• Hvammsvik: ~$55 USD
• Sky Lagoon: ~$65 USD (with the full ritual experience)
• Blue Lagoon: ~$65-$85 USD (depends on the package)

Must-Try Restaurants & Food Spots in Reykjavik

• Messinn – Traditional Icelandic fish dishes, cooked to perfection.
• Brauð & Co + Sandholt – The best bakeries for pastries and sandwiches.
• Icelandic Street Food – Cozy, unlimited soup refills for the ultimate comfort meal.
• Ramen Momo – A tiny ramen shop with amazing broth and handmade gyoza.
• Víkinga Pylsur – The classic Icelandic hot dog stand everyone raves about.
• Issi Fish & Chips – The crispiest fish & chips, right near the airport.

The Northern Lights: Myth Busted!

---