How to get the most out of 3/4 days in Iceland (in August with a teenager)

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Looking to head to Iceland with my 14 year old in August, we only have max four days to spare. I feel like an ‘intrepid’ type group travel experience would suit us well but the dates don’t work so I think we will have to make the best of doing it solo - that’s fine but I’d love to hear your tips for getting the most out of our short break?

One hotel base or travel around? Hire a car or is there easy transport? Try to hit as many sites as possible…or concentrate on really enjoying just a few?

Watch some Youtube videos of itineraries. Golden circle, a visit to one of the lagoons and a trip into Reykjavik in that timeframe. Lots of bus tours and lots of car hire options.

We hired a car and drove- very easy in Iceland. You can also do coach trips from Reykjavik to all the Golden Circle attractions if you prefer.

We stayed in a few different places of which the nicest was Luxury Accommodation in Iceland’s Golden Circle | Torfhús Retreat

We found the Blue Lagoon over-priced and quite a frustrating experience- full of people taking selfies when you are trying to relax. Would recommend the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir instead.

Don't forget to take a second mortgage out before you go 😂

I would echo what Maybe5 said. As you are so limited on time, choose somewhere in Golden triangle, self catering as a base. I would get a car at the airport, do a supermarket run and drive to cottage (2-3 hours from airport).

Perhaps Day 1..National Park Thingveiller, see the rift, maybe snorkel at Silfra.
Day 2..Riding hack on Icelandic pony and then local spa the near Laguvartn is lovely.
Day 3, Gulfoss, Geyser, hot mud tour in the car.
Day 4 Head back to airport via Reyjkavik..see the seafront, Cathedral.

Iceland can be expense but you dont pay for any of the natural wonders. Day 3+4 for example would be free! Fish and chips are excellent and cheap (£10), lamb stew is also very good. Spend your cash on a couple of activities. Distances appear close but the speed limit is usually 50mph so it takes time to travel.

We LOVED Iceland. We went in Feb and were worried about road closures so stayed in Reyjavik but drove the golden circle ( would recommend Hvammsvik hot springs, on the edge of a fjord and stunning!!) , we went down to Vik and the glacier and to the inside the glacier tour plus the lava tubes. Reyjavik isn’t the nicest city I’ve been to but for 3 days was a good central
place . we stayed near the harbour and ate at a food hall nearby which was good. Also stayed b&b at the hotel which made a huge difference! The scenery is amazing and in summer you’ll have different options. Oh we also dis a walk to see the volcanic eruption sights and to the bridge over continents. You’ll love it!!

Oh and hire a car for sure! Very easy driving and means you can stay as little or as long at a place as you like. We took itsu noodle pots and flasks with us for lunch as had heard it was super expensive and we’re glad we did as places were really busy and around £20 for a burger!

We stayed in Central Reykjavik and used Get Your Guide to book excursions - worked really well with my teenagers. Some trips are more intrepid than others!

We loved the super jeep tour. I had a go at driving it. Great fun. Yes to the Golden Ring and I’d stay part of the way round.