Day 3 of your trip takes you even further into South Iceland and is quite possibly our favorite day of this entire itinerary. This day’s itinerary starts out with the legendary and incredibly photogenic Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, before taking you to Skaftafell (Vatnajokull National Park) to see the mighty Svartifoss Waterfall and eventually brings you to the famous and jaw-dropping views at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you can take a boat tour out on the water. Get ready to experience one of the most unique traveling days of your life!
Type: Canyon
Arrival Time: 10:00am
Departure Time: 11:30am
Time Spent: 1 hour 30 min
Distance: 1.2 Miles (Roundtrip)
Type of Trail: There & Back
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? Yes
This attraction gets pretty busy as the day goes on, so be sure to visit first thing in the morning. There are three bathrooms, but the water available runs out by 12pm.
This is truly one of our favorite attractions in all of Iceland. Fjaðrárgljúfur offers a incredibly beautiful views and a peaceful ambiance that is very unique – you have to be there to experience it.
Follow the road down past the parking lot by the bridge that offers a full view looking up the canyon. This is a different perspective that allows you to see up through the canyon instead of over the river on the hike.
Type: Canyon
Arrival Time: 10:00am
Departure Time: 11:30am
Time Spent: 1 hour 30 min
Distance: 1.2 Miles (Roundtrip)
Type of Trail: There & Back
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? Yes
This attraction gets pretty busy as the day goes on, so be sure to visit first thing in the morning. There are three bathrooms, but the water available runs out by 12pm.
This is truly one of our favorite attractions in all of Iceland. Fjaðrárgljúfur offers a incredibly beautiful views and a peaceful ambiance that is very unique – you have to be there to experience it.
Follow the road down past the parking lot by the bridge that offers a full view looking up the canyon. This is a different perspective that allows you to see up through the canyon instead of over the river on the hike.
Type: Gas Station
Arrival Time: 11:50am
Departure Time: 12:00pm
Time Spent: 10 min
Cost: $60
This was our first time stopping to grab gas on the trip. It is very easy to pay with credit or debit card to pump gas before getting back on the road. Be sure to remember which side of the car the gas tank is on! If you need to use the restroom, it usually costs 100 ISK or you need to buy something in the store, but if you don’t have any cash, be polite and ask if you can use the restroom for free.
Type: Gas Station
Arrival Time: 11:50am
Departure Time: 12:00pm
Time Spent: 10 min
Cost: $60
This was our first time stopping to grab gas on the trip. It is very easy to pay with credit or debit card to pump gas before getting back on the road. Be sure to remember which side of the car the gas tank is on! If you need to use the restroom, it usually costs 100 ISK or you need to buy something in the store, but if you don’t have any cash, be polite and ask if you can use the restroom for free.
Travel Time from N1 Gas Station to Foss á Síðu Waterfall – 10 minutes (Driving)
Type: Waterfall
Arrival Time: 12:10pm
Departure Time: 12:15 pm
Time Spent: 5 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No
Type: Waterfall
Arrival Time: 12:10pm
Departure Time: 12:15 pm
Time Spent: 5 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No
Travel Time from Foss á Síðu Waterfall to Skaftafell (Vatnajökull National Park) – 45 minutes (Driving)
Type: National Park
Arrival Time: 1pm
Departure Time: 3:25pm
Time Spent: 2 hours 25 min
Distance: 3.4 Miles (Roundtrip)
Type of Trail: Loop
Cost (For Parking): $9 / 1,000 ISK
Bathroom Available? Yes
There is a $9 / 1,000 ISK parking fee and you pay at the visitors center, which is only a few minutes walk from the parking lot. Don’t forget to write down your license plate number before you leave your car, since that is what’s used to pay for parking.
There is a lot to see in Skaftafell, but the two attractions that you must see during your visit are Svartifoss Waterfall and Sjónarsker.
Type: National Park
Arrival Time: 1pm
Departure Time: 3:25pm
Time Spent: 2 hours 25 min
Distance: 3.4 Miles (Roundtrip)
Type of Trail: Loop
Cost (For Parking): $9 / 1,000 ISK
Bathroom Available? Yes
There is a $9 / 1,000 ISK parking fee and you pay at the visitors center, which is only a few minutes walk from the parking lot. Don’t forget to write down your license plate number before you leave your car, since that is what’s used to pay for parking.
There is a lot to see in Skaftafell, but the two attractions that you must see during your visit are Svartifoss Waterfall and Sjónarsker.
Travel Time from Skaftafell (Vatnajökull National Park) to Svartifoss Waterfall – 45 minutes (Walking)
Type: Waterfall
Arrival Time: 1:45pm
Departure Time: 2:00pm
Time Spent: 15 min
Cost: Free (included in cost of parking fee at Vatnajokull National Park)
Bathroom Available? Yes
Svartifoss Waterfall can be found hiding in Skaftafell (Vatnajokull National Park) and is one of the closest attractions from the parking lot.
Towards the end of the hike to waterfall, there is a bridge to your left. Don’t cross the bridge – go to the right and follow the trail that leads right up to the waterfall. You should take the bridge on your way back out after visiting the waterfall though, which leads you to Sjónarsker.
Type: Waterfall
Arrival Time: 1:45pm
Departure Time: 2:00pm
Time Spent: 15 min
Cost: Free (included in cost of parking fee at Vatnajokull National Park)
Bathroom Available? Yes
Svartifoss Waterfall can be found hiding in Skaftafell (Vatnajokull National Park) and is one of the closest attractions from the parking lot.
Towards the end of the hike to waterfall, there is a bridge to your left. Don’t cross the bridge – go to the right and follow the trail that leads right up to the waterfall. You should take the bridge on your way back out after visiting the waterfall though, which leads you to Sjónarsker.
Travel Time from Svartifoss Waterfall to Sjónarsker – 20 minutes (Walking)
There are no Google Maps directions available, but walk across the bridge and along the trail until you see a post pointing up to Sjónarsker.
Type: Viewing Point
Arrival Time: 2:20pm
Departure Time: 2:35pm
Time Spent: 15 min
Cost: Free (included in cost of parking fee at Vatnajokull National Park)
Bathroom Available? Yes
Sjónarsker offers 360 degree views and is found within Skaftafell (Vatnajokull National Park) and is a short walk from Svartifoss Waterfall.
This is one of the best quick hiking detours we’ve ever taken and the sights from this viewing area are incredible. The pictures featured on this page are simply incapable of providing the full views that we were able to experience in person.
Type: Viewing Point
Arrival Time: 2:20pm
Departure Time: 2:35pm
Time Spent: 15 min
Cost: Free (included in cost of parking fee at Vatnajokull National Park)
Bathroom Available? Yes
Sjónarsker offers 360 degree views and is found within Skaftafell (Vatnajokull National Park) and is a short walk from Svartifoss Waterfall.
This is one of the best quick hiking detours we’ve ever taken and the sights from this viewing area are incredible. The pictures featured on this page are simply incapable of providing the full views that we were able to experience in person.
Travel Time from Skaftafell (Vatnajökull National Park) to Jökulsárlón – 1 hour 5 minutes (Driving)
Along this dive, make sure to stop at the following coordinates for an absolutely jaw dropping view, shown in the image directly below. There is a pull off on the side of the road that has plenty of parking – this is a quick 5-10 minute stop.
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Type: Glacier
Arrival Time: 4:30pm
Departure Time: 7:30pm
Time Spent: 3 hours
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? Yes (until 7pm)
We booked a tour through Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours and never looked back. If you’re visiting Jökulsárlón, a boat tour is a must and is 100% worth it. We would recommend booking time slots either in the morning or towards the end of the day.
As you walk around Jökulsárlón, be sure to walk right up to the water and watch the ice float to shore. It is a crazy experience to see floating ice from the glacier just wash up onto the pebbles. There is also a hill to walk up on to get a more panoramic view.
While we recommend visiting either at the beginning or end of the day, our preference is towards the end of the day from 4-7pm. Depending on the weather and what time of year you visit, you will have the opportunity to see the sun rays stream through the clouds, which is an epic sight.
Type: Glacier
Arrival Time: 4:30pm
Departure Time: 7:30pm
Time Spent: 3 hours
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? Yes (until 7pm)
We booked a tour through Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours and never looked back. If you’re visiting Jökulsárlón, a boat tour is a must and is 100% worth it. We would recommend booking time slots either in the morning or towards the end of the day.
As you walk around Jökulsárlón, be sure to walk right up to the water and watch the ice float to shore. It is a crazy experience to see floating ice from the glacier just wash up onto the pebbles. There is also a hill to walk up on to get a more panoramic view.
While we recommend visiting either at the beginning or end of the day, our preference is towards the end of the day from 4-7pm. Depending on the weather and what time of year you visit, you will have the opportunity to see the sun rays stream through the clouds, which is an epic sight.
Type: Glacier Boat Tour
Arrival Time: 4:45pm
Departure Time: 7pm
Time Spent: 2 hours 15 min
Cost (Per Person): $91 / 10,200 ISK
Bathroom Available? Yes
These tours book up quickly and sell out – make sure to reserve your seat(s) far in advance.
Check in 30 minute before your tour starts and don’t cut it close getting here! You’ll want to be safe by checking in early and then you can explore a bit around the Jökulsárlón glacier area before the tour starts.
Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours provides full body suits that are extremely warm and comfortable – there are sizes available for everyone. These suits cut out the wind when you’re on the water and make a huge difference to keep you nice and warm.
Tours are recommended for all ages, with the exception of infants of course, and is fun for the whole family. You will need to hold on tight when the boat is in motion, but we had children on our boat and they had no problems.
Type: Glacier Boat Tour
Arrival Time: 4:45pm
Departure Time: 7pm
Time Spent: 2 hours 15 min
Cost (Per Person): $91 / 10,200 ISK
Bathroom Available? Yes
These tours book up quickly and sell out – make sure to reserve your seat(s) far in advance.
Check in 30 minute before your tour starts and don’t cut it close getting here! You’ll want to be safe by checking in early and then you can explore a bit around the Jökulsárlón glacier area before the tour starts.
Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours provides full body suits that are extremely warm and comfortable – there are sizes available for everyone. These suits cut out the wind when you’re on the water and make a huge difference to keep you nice and warm.
Tours are recommended for all ages, with the exception of infants of course, and is fun for the whole family. You will need to hold on tight when the boat is in motion, but we had children on our boat and they had no problems.
Type: Glacier
Arrival Time: 7:45pm
Departure Time: 8:15pm
Time Spent: 30 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? Yes (until 7pm)
While Jökulsárlón is the more popular destination in the area and offers more in terms of experiences and views, Fjallsárlón allows an up close view of the glacier right along the shore. For any Game of Throne’s fans out there, this attraction is reminiscent of The Wall.
There are facilities and bathrooms here, but they close at 7pm. If you visit here after Jökulsárlón later in the evening, you’ll still be able to see the attraction and walk up to the water, but the facilities will be closed.
Type: Glacier
Arrival Time: 7:45pm
Departure Time: 8:15pm
Time Spent: 30 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? Yes (until 7pm)
While Jökulsárlón is the more popular destination in the area and offers more in terms of experiences and views, Fjallsárlón allows an up close view of the glacier right along the shore. For any Game of Throne’s fans out there, this attraction is reminiscent of The Wall.
There are facilities and bathrooms here, but they close at 7pm. If you visit here after Jökulsárlón later in the evening, you’ll still be able to see the attraction and walk up to the water, but the facilities will be closed.
Type: Gas Station
Arrival Time: 8:50pm
Departure Time: 9pm
Time Spent: 10 min
Cost: $12 / 1.387 ISK
This was a good pit stop on our way back to the campsite to stretch our legs, use the bathroom and grab a snack. We didn’t need to fill up at this point, since the tank still had plenty of gas. If you need to use the restroom, it usually costs 100 ISK or you need to buy something in the store, but if you don’t have any cash, be polite and ask if you can use the restroom for free.
Type: Gas Station
Arrival Time: 8:50pm
Departure Time: 9pm
Time Spent: 10 min
Cost: $12 / 1.387 ISK
This was a good pit stop on our way back to the campsite to stretch our legs, use the bathroom and grab a snack. We didn’t need to fill up at this point, since the tank still had plenty of gas. If you need to use the restroom, it usually costs 100 ISK or you need to buy something in the store, but if you don’t have any cash, be polite and ask if you can use the restroom for free.
Type: Camping
Arrival Time: 11:00pm
Time Spent: Overnight
Cost (Per Person): $15 / 1,750 ISK ($1.75 / 200 ISK for showers)
Vik Camping is one of the most popular campsites along the south coast of Iceland. The camping area is located right off the road and near a gas station / outerwear store, which is very convenient. The bathrooms are also cleaned regularly and showers are available at a small price. There is plenty of space to park and you can arrive at any time.
You are able to pull up to the campsite at anytime during the night and you don’t need to book in advance, as there is plenty of space. There is a reception area with an attendant usually available from 8am-10pm
Vik Camping offers electricity, toilets, showers, WiFi a dining area to cook food and warm and cold running water to wash dishes.
Since Iceland is a cold and windy place, the last thing you’re going to want to do if you have to get up in the middle of the night is walk more than a minute to go to the bathroom. Park as close as you can to avoid a long walk. In the morning and evening when getting ready, we went ahead and just parked our car next to the facilities.
Type: Camping
Arrival Time: 11:00pm
Time Spent: Overnight
Cost (Per Person): $15 / 1,750 ISK ($1.75 / 200 ISK for showers)
Vik Camping is one of the most popular campsites along the south coast of Iceland. The camping area is located right off the road and near a gas station / outerwear store, which is very convenient. The bathrooms are also cleaned regularly and showers are available at a small price. There is plenty of space to park and you can arrive at any time.
You are able to pull up to the campsite at anytime during the night and you don’t need to book in advance, as there is plenty of space. There is a reception area with an attendant usually available from 8am-10pm
Vik Camping offers electricity, toilets, showers, WiFi a dining area to cook food and warm and cold running water to wash dishes.
Since Iceland is a cold and windy place, the last thing you’re going to want to do if you have to get up in the middle of the night is walk more than a minute to go to the bathroom. Park as close as you can to avoid a long walk. In the morning and evening when getting ready, we went ahead and just parked our car next to the facilities.
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