Day 1: Arrive Reykjavik
42m walk
Hotel Borg by Keahotels
Check in after landing at KEF (~45 min transfer). Central base for nights 1–2 — request a quiet courtyard room if you can.
2 nights$520
17m walk
3
Harpa Concert Hall
Day 2: Golden Circle
4h 15m drive
42m drive
1
Þingvellir National Park
First stop (~45 min from town). Walk the Almannagjá rift path. Parking fee at the visitor center — and bring a layer; it's windy even in August.
1h 04m drive
2
Friðheimar tomato farm lunch
Book the tomato soup lunch ahead — they fill up.
$55
36m drive
3
Geysir geothermal area
Strokkur every 5–10 min.
15m drive
4
Gullfoss
Lower viewpoint is the money shot. Back to Reykjavik for night 2.
Day 3: South Coast
2h 40m drive
1h 37m drive
1
Seljalandsfoss
You can walk behind the falls — waterproof jacket.
24m drive
2
Skógafoss
27m drive
3
Reynisfjara black sand beach
NEVER turn your back on the ocean — sneaker waves are real. Stay well above the wet sand line.
Day 4: Vik → Blue Lagoon
3h 41m drive
23m drive
1
Dyrhólaey viewpoint
Quick stop — road closes in high wind.
2h 39m drive
2
Blue Lagoon
Book Comfort for a ~3 PM slot on the drive back. Leave Vík with 2.5–3 hrs; traffic near KEF stacks up.
$140
39m drive
Foss Hotel Reykjavik
Last night — early breakfast for KEF.
1 night$240
Day 5: Departure
53m drive
5m drive
1
Kaffivagninn breakfast
Only if you have time.
49m drive
2
Keflavík Airport (KEF)
Return the car ~2 hrs before departure.