8 Days in Reykjavík: Iceland Marathon & Geothermal Recovery
The Reykjavík Marathon (August) runs during the midnight sun, with the race starting at 10pm and finishing in low-light conditions—a surreal, bucket-list experience. This 8-day trip combines the flat, spectator-rich urban race with Iceland's Golden Circle day trips, geothermal spa recovery (Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon), and potential Aurora viewing.
What to expect
- Midnight-start marathon under twilight skies (August's perpetual dusk)
- Flat, loop course through Reykjavík's compact neighbourhoods and harbour
- Blue Lagoon & Sky Lagoon geothermal spas for post-race muscle recovery
- Golden Circle day trip: Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall
- Potential Northern Lights viewing (rare but possible in late August)
Day by day
Fly into Keflavík; bus or rental car to Reykjavík (45min); check into central hotel.
Explore Laugavegur Street (main shopping strip); easy walk around Tjörnin pond (circular route, 5km).
Early dinner; experience the constant daylight; try to rest despite 24-hour light.
Drive south to Blue Lagoon (30min from city); soak in warm geothermal waters (book ahead).
Return to Reykjavík; light 4km run through Old Harbour and Perlan neighborhood.
Icelandic lamb dinner; early sleep before the marathon.
Rental car to Þingvellir National Park (1 hour); easy hike between continental plates.
Geysir eruption (Strokkur geyser every 5-10min); Gullfoss waterfall trail (2km walk).
Return to Reykjavík by evening; light dinner and hydration before race night.
Sleep in; light breakfast and carbs throughout the day.
Rest, hydrate, and prepare for 10pm start; light 2km warmup jog at 9:30pm.
Reykjavík Marathon starts at 10pm; finish under twilight skies (10:30pm-1:30am depending on pace).
Sleep as long as needed post-race; light breakfast and stretching at hotel.
Book massage at Sky Lagoon (recently opened geothermal spa with ocean views); soak and spa treatments.
Recovery walk along Reykjavík waterfront; light dinner.
Drive east to Seljalandsfoss waterfall (easy 5km trail, walk behind the cascade).
Skógafoss waterfall nearby; multiple hiking trails (choose low-impact recovery routes).
Return to Reykjavík; light dinner and early rest for Aurora viewing.
Leisurely breakfast; active recovery walk in Reykjavík's city center.
Optional: Sky Lagoon return visit; local running shop for race merchandise.
Late-night Aurora hunt via bus tour or self-drive to dark-sky sites north of city (weather-dependent).
Final Icelandic breakfast (rye bread, smoked salmon); visit Hallgrímskirkja church.
Drive or bus to Keflavík airport; duty-free shopping.
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