The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary for Solo Travelers in Iceland
Updated October 2024
As I bought my tickets to Iceland just a few days before departure, I had one goal on my mind– experiencing the Blue Lagoon. While other activities followed, visiting the Blue Lagoon had been on my bucket list since I was 12 years old. My inner child was overjoyed as I boarded my flight from Copenhagen to Iceland, ready to embark on this solo adventure. I left Copenhagen on a Tuesday, needing to return by Friday to fly home to America that Saturday. Despite having to pack up months worth of belongings from my time in Copenhagen, I felt that visiting Iceland was a must before I flew home.
Although my stay in Iceland was brief, I managed to cross off items from my bucket list, learned more about Icelandic history, and deepened my appreciation for Iceland’s landscapes. In all honesty, two days are not enough for first-time visitors, so I will share additional recommendations should you have more time than I did.
Travel Details
Why I Skipped a Rental Car
Given my short stay, I didn’t want to spend money on a rental car (plus I didn’t have my license at the time), so I carefully planned my stay and tours around options that included transportation. Iceland doesn’t have any rideshare services (like Uber or Lyft), and I couldn’t find any relevant information on reliable public transportation. I also didn’t want to depend on taxis, in case I had poor cellular service and general uncertainty based availability once I landed.
I booked round trip transportation with Reykjavik Excursions’ Flybus. The Flybus picked me up from the airport and dropped me off at the BSÍ Bus Terminal, from there I walked to my accomodation. I will admit, the walk was tiresome after a full morning of travel, but compared to the cost of private transportation I did not mind. Round trip the Flybus was $53 USD and offered a coach bus with multiple seating options, wifi, and access to charging ports.
Where I Stayed: Guesthouse Sunna
I stayed at Guesthouse Sunna, a simple but clean hotel located near the heart of Reykjavik’s old city center. This family-run property was close to shops and restaurants, and conveniently located near the pickup point for my tour. My twin room with a private bathroom was without frills but included everything that I needed for my short stay. The room was furnished with a twin bed, clean linens, bathroom toiletries, a desk, ample patio space, and a communal kitchen in the hallway. The property offers breakfast for additional price, but I preferred to get my own.
Day 1: Exploring Reykjavik
Lunch at Svarta Kaffio
After checking in, I walked to Svarta Kaffio, excited for their signature bread bowl of mutton soup. I wasn’t disappointed, soon after being seated, I was served a fresh and steaming serving of Supa i brauoi with icelandic butter on the side. After a long day of traveling, I couldn’t imagine a better meal..
The Icelandic Phallological Museum
Walking distance from lunch, I stumbled upon the Icelandic Phallological Museum, one of the most intriguing museums I’ve ever visited. It holds a collection of over 200 penil parts including a majority of Icelandic land and sea animals. While the museum wasn’t on my original itinerary, it was a fascinating find. I purchased my tickets at the door for ISK 3,300 and spent hours rummaging through the collections.
Sightseeing in Reykjavik
After the museum, I did some sightseeing nearby. I took photos on Reykjavik’s rainbow painted street and visited the Church of Iceland. With an early start the next day, I stopped by a local grocery store for snacks and drinks given the full-day tour.
Dinner at Íslenski Barinn
I had dinner at Íslenski Barinn, just a few steps away from the rainbow street. Of course, I started off with a steaming bowl of tomato soup with basil and garlic. For my entree I enjoyed a crispy and fresh fish and chips (Fiskur Og Franskar).
Day 2: Golden Circle Tour
Tour Highlights
Given my short stay in Iceland, the Golden Circle Tour by Nicetravel was perfect for hitting the highlights. The tour included stops at the Golden Circle, Kerid crater, and the Blue Lagoon. Round-trip transportation from nearby pickup locations made it easy for me to get around without renting a car. Though I cannot recall my tour guides name, he was fantastic – sharing facts and stories about Iceland along the route, making light-hearted jokes, and being patient as we explored each site. I felt comfortable throughout the entire tour and made light conversations with some of the other travelers which is always fun!
Food wasn’t included in this tour, but we had a chance to sit down and buy lunch at Geysir Glima Restaurant. I packed a sandwich and some snacks from the grocery store for breakfast the day prior. The Blue Lagoon’s cafe is another option to buy food during the tour.
While the Blue Lagoon tickets weren’t included in the tour price, I purchased my tickets in advance for the 17:00 time slot which included a towel, silica mud mask, and a drink of my choice. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Blue Lagoon! The water was as blue as it appears with ample space to walk around and explore various sections. Despite arriving in the laster afternoon (around 5pm local time) the lagoon wasn’t too crowded.
Additional Highlights
If I had more time, here are a few extra activities that I’d add to my itinerary:
It isn’t everyday you get the opportunity to say you’ve swam between two tectonic plates, but this tour in Iceland offers the opportunity to do just that. The pictures alone are breathtaking, with the crystal clear waters and beautiful rock formations. This tour is high on my list for my next visit. Tickets start at $125 USD.
Raufarhólshellir is one of the largest lava tubes in Iceland, formed by an eruption 5200 years ago. What excites me the most is the ability to see the ice sculptures that form during the winter season. Tours start at 8.400 ISK (about $60 USD).
vök baths feature Iceland’s only floating geothermal pools. Bathing in thermal hot springs is an Icelandic tradition, so I wouldn’t want to miss out on this experience during my next trip. This bath offers an additional option to travelers that want a similar experience to the Blue Lagoon or Sky lodge without the crowd. The facilities include two on shore hot pools, a sauna, cold water spray tunnel, tea bar, an in-water pool bar, and the on-site restaurant, Vök Bistro. Admission Starts at ISK 6.990 or $50 USD.
This looks amazing, can’t wait to visit.