Ultimate Iceland Adventure: Your Guide to Nature’s Wonderland

Iceland. The name itself evokes images of dramatic landscapes, otherworldly geothermal wonders, and a touch of pure magic. Having recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to this incredible country, I can confidently say that “magical” barely scratches the surface of what Iceland truly offers. Over the past year, Iceland has rapidly ascended to the top of many travel wish lists, and for good reason. Its unique blend of ice, fire, and vibrant culture promises an experience unlike any other.

This post is the final chapter in our Scandinavian adventure. My travel companion, Mark, and I spent 16 exhilarating days exploring Northern Europe. If you’re just joining us, be sure to catch up on our previous travels: our epic hiking escapade in Norway and our charming city break in Copenhagen. Now, buckle up as we dive into the breathtaking beauty of Iceland!

Chasing the Northern Lights: A Dream Come True in Iceland

Luck was certainly on our side during our Icelandic visit, especially regarding the weather. While the air had a crisp, refreshing chill, we remarkably managed to avoid any significant precipitation. This clear weather proved to be an absolute blessing, culminating in an awe-inspiring spectacle: the Northern Lights. Seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across the sky was a profound bucket-list moment for both Mark and me.

Before our trip, we were a little disheartened by our late August timing, as most articles suggested September to March as the prime viewing season for the Northern Lights in Iceland. Yet, fate had a different plan! With a forecast showing a 3 out of 9 on the aurora activity scale and perfectly clear skies, we decided to take a chance. At 11:30 PM, we drove approximately 20 miles outside of Reykjavik, found a quiet, open field, and settled in. For about an hour, we lay there, gazing upwards as the sky came alive with ethereal green and sometimes pink hues. It was an incredibly romantic and humbling experience. That memory alone makes me yearn to return to Iceland again.

Now, let’s delve deeper into all the details of our unforgettable stay in Iceland!

Unveiling Iceland’s Wonders: Our Epic Itinerary

Our Compact Adventure: Maximizing 3 Nights and 2 Days

It’s important to reiterate that our time in Iceland was limited to just three nights and two full days. This allowed us to experience the iconic Golden Circle and embark on a scenic drive south to Vik, but it also left us yearning for more. Iceland offers so much to explore, and we felt we barely scratched the surface due to our time constraints. Initially, we wanted to pack an exhaustive list of attractions into our two full days. However, we quickly realized this would mean spending most of our time driving and very little time truly experiencing each place. While many attractions are relatively close to Reykjavik, travel time between them adds up, and factoring in Iceland’s famously unpredictable weather is always a must – even though we were fortunate!

The Iconic Blue Lagoon: A Geothermal Oasis

Visiting The Blue Lagoon is an absolute must for any trip to Iceland. This world-renowned geothermal spa is one of the country’s most iconic attractions, offering a truly unique and relaxing experience. Mark and I booked an 8:30 AM appointment, ensuring we had ample time to soak in the mineral-rich waters. We opted for the “Comfort” package, priced around $60 USD, which included a silica mud mask, a towel, a refreshing drink (I chose a delicious Blueberry Skyr Smoothie, while Mark, a true Wisconsinite, enjoyed a beer at 9 AM!), an algae mask, and access to the locker rooms. The experience was simply perfect. Submerging ourselves in the warm, milky-blue water after a busy week and a half of traveling through Norway and Copenhagen was incredibly rejuvenating. The geothermal waters genuinely work wonders for the skin; I could feel the dead skin on my toes begin to peel off – perhaps too much information, but it’s a testament to its benefits!

Following a tip from a fellow traveler, Davida, I changed our initial 12:30 PM slot to a much earlier time, and she was absolutely right – it gets incredibly crowded! Even with our early booking, we still waited about 20 minutes to enter. If we were to do it again, I would strongly recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon either right after landing in Reykjavik or just before your departure flight. Its proximity to the airport, and its location separate from other major attractions, makes it an ideal first or last stop, optimizing your travel time.

South Coast Charms: Vik and the Black Sand Beach

Our journey to Vik involved a stunning two-hour drive from Reykjavik, a trip that proved to be just as enjoyable as the destination itself. The topography along Iceland’s southwestern coast is truly epic, a dynamic tapestry of cascading waterfalls, majestic glaciers, ancient volcanoes, expansive ocean views, and winding streams. For some reason, I had envisioned Vik as a bustling town or city, only to discover it’s a quaint village with a population of just 291 inhabitants – a delightful surprise! Our primary activity in Vik was a leisurely 45-minute stroll along the famous Black Sand Beach, followed by a delicious lunch. While there were quite a few tourists, we embraced our inner “Fit Foodies” and ventured a good distance down the beach to find a quieter spot to absorb the incredible scenery.

Reflecting on our trip, if we were to return to Iceland, we would definitely consider staying in Vik for a night or two. This would allow us to properly explore the impressive Katla Volcano and embark on a thrilling glacier hike. It’s fascinating to note that this volcano is actually covered with glaciers – a prime example of Iceland’s unique “land of ice and fire” moniker. This glacier hike experience came highly recommended in numerous travel blogs we read, but alas, our schedule simply didn’t permit it this time.

As a side note, our visit to Vik was just two days after two earthquakes occurred at the Katla Volcano (on August 29th), which is situated right outside the village. Fortunately, there were no aftershocks during our stay, and the locals seemed unfazed. For a brief moment, I admit, I found myself contemplating the end of days!

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: Walk Behind the Veil

If your itinerary includes a drive from Reykjavik to Vik, making a stop at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is an absolute must! Located approximately 30 minutes north on Highway 1, this majestic waterfall offers a truly unique experience, and best of all, it’s free to visit. Like many other natural wonders in Iceland, this was a relatively quick stop, but incredibly impactful. Mark, being a true waterfall enthusiast, insisted on walking behind the cascading water, while I opted to capture its beauty through my camera lens from a drier vantage point. We managed to enjoy the best of both worlds! Our visit lasted no more than 30 minutes, during which we also indulged in a homemade peanut butter cookie from a charming little stand nearby, adding a sweet touch to our scenic detour.

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River: A Rewarding Hike

Ah, the Reykjadalur Hot Spring hike – an absolute highlight of our Icelandic adventure! I am incredibly grateful to Davida for suggesting this excursion, as it was hands down my favorite activity in Iceland. After numerous hours spent driving to Vik and navigating the Golden Circle, my body craved movement, and this hike was the perfect remedy. It’s a delightful 6km (approximately 3.7 miles) round trip, and honestly, one of the most picturesque trails I’ve ever encountered. The hike culminates after about a mile and a half up a mountain, leading you to the most magnificent, entirely natural hot spring – the Reykjadalur thermal river. What truly set this experience apart was the relative lack of crowds. It seems that the prospect of leaving a tour bus and embarking on a mountain hike deters many tourists, leaving the serene beauty of Reykjadalur for those willing to make the effort.

Mark and I absolutely adored this experience. Our only regret was not bringing a bottle of wine or a few beers to fully savor the moment, but now we know for next time! Once again, our luck with the weather held, allowing us to witness a spectacular sunset on our descent, creating a truly perfect ending to the day. Pro tip: Make sure to pack plenty of water, towels, a waterproof bag for your wet swimsuit, and a change of clothes for your journey back. And, of course, you’ll definitely want your camera to capture the stunning scenery!

Navigating the Golden Circle: Iceland’s Iconic Route

Introduction to the Golden Circle: A Must-Do Scenic Drive

The Golden Circle is an absolute essential for any traveler to Iceland. But what exactly is it? It’s a popular tourist route, approximately 150 miles long, that begins near Reykjavik and loops east through a collection of breathtaking natural wonders. It’s the perfect route to explore if you have just a few days in the country. Mark and I consulted Google, which led us to The Blonde Abroad’s comprehensive guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle, and we largely followed her suggested itinerary, omitting only a few stops due to time. Our journey began in Reykjavik, heading south to explore Kerið Crater, then north to witness the power of Geysir, and finally to the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall.

Kerið Crater: Volcanic Beauty

I’ve always been captivated by craters, and Kerið Crater did not disappoint. This stunning volcanic lake is a relatively quick and affordable stop along the Golden Circle. Its vibrant red volcanic rock walls contrasting with the deep blue-green water create a truly mesmerizing sight. We took our time walking the entire perimeter, soaking in the unique geological formations and enjoying the fresh air before continuing our journey. One crucial tip for visitors: the area around Kerið can be incredibly windy, so be prepared with appropriate clothing!

Strokkur Geysir: Nature’s Powerful Eruption

No Golden Circle tour is complete without witnessing the impressive eruptions of Strokkur Geysir, one of Iceland’s most famous geysers. This powerful natural wonder erupts every 6-10 minutes, sending a towering column of hot water high into the air – a truly spectacular sight to behold! While it’s an incredibly cool experience, be prepared for crowds; the area is usually packed with tourists eager to capture the perfect shot. We didn’t linger too long, as after witnessing a few eruptions, we felt we had experienced its full glory. The site also features a few restaurants and a souvenir shop, where we grabbed some (admittedly overpriced) snacks before continuing our adventure.

Gullfoss Waterfall: The Golden Falls

Gullfoss Waterfall quickly became one of my favorite natural landmarks in Iceland. This magnificent site, fed by a powerful glacier, lives up to its name, “The Golden Falls,” with its roaring waters and often misty, rainbow-laden atmosphere. We were incredibly fortunate to witness a spectacular double rainbow during our visit, an epic moment that, despite the persistent wind, added an extra layer of magic to the scene. I believe I enjoyed this attraction so much precisely because it required a bit more effort to reach. The walk and descent down several sets of stairs naturally thinned out the crowds, allowing for a more serene and immersive experience. Be prepared to get a little wet from the spray – if you don’t have a rain jacket, you might find yourself a bit soggy, but it’s all part of the fun!

It’s worth noting that we embarked on all the Golden Circle attractions mentioned above *after* our refreshing stop at the Blue Lagoon. This meant we were out exploring from about noon until 7 PM. If we were to re-do our itinerary, we would definitely start much earlier, perhaps around 8 AM. An earlier start would have allowed us to spend quality time at Thingvellir National Park, located just east of Reykjavik. We had hoped to fit in a 3-5 mile hike there, but by the time we drove past, we were simply too exhausted from our full day of sightseeing.

Where We Stayed: Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

Disclaimer: Hilton Hotels generously sponsored our stay at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Image via Priceline

An Exceptional Stay at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

Our experience at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica was nothing short of exceptional. With only three nights and two full days to explore Iceland, we needed a reliable, centrally-located base, and the Hilton proved to be absolutely perfect. Situated just outside downtown Reykjavik, and conveniently about 20 minutes from the airport, its location offered easy access to both city attractions and departure routes. From our smooth check-in to our seamless check-out, every aspect of our stay was a breeze.

Mark and I were accommodated in an Executive Room, which was ideal for our needs. Our room offered stunning ocean views and, crucially, granted us access to the Executive Lounge – an absolute marvel. This perk was a game-changer for our busy itinerary. Instead of scrambling to find breakfast each morning, we could simply head to the lounge for fresh coffee and a quick, satisfying meal before heading out for the day’s adventures. Upon returning in the evenings, it was wonderful to pop back into the lounge for a relaxing drink and some appetizers before venturing out for dinner. That Executive Lounge truly was key to a successful and stress-free trip!

Fitness and Spa Amenities: A Touch of Pampering

Our Executive Room also came with access to the Hilton’s impressive fitness facility. Mark and I managed to squeeze in a workout one evening and were delighted to find the entire gym to ourselves. I’m not exaggerating when I say this fitness center was state-of-the-art, equipped with everything imaginable in a modern gym, including a rowing machine! Naturally, I opted for one of my Sweat Series workouts – this plyometric routine, to be exact.

On our final night in Reykjavik, we found ourselves craving the soothing warmth of a hot tub. Upon entering the spa area, the attendant pleasantly informed us that our Executive Room status included a complimentary 5-minute neck and head massage. Oh my goodness! That delightful surprise truly made our evening. I only wish we had an extra night to indulge in a full 60-minute massage; it was exactly what I needed after so much travel and exploration.

Getting Around Iceland: Flights and Car Rental

Icelandair Stopover: A Unique Travel Opportunity

Iceland wasn’t initially on our travel radar until we started researching flights from the United States to Norway. That’s when we discovered Icelandair’s fantastic Stopover program, which allows passengers to extend their layover in Iceland for up to seven days at no additional airfare cost. What’s more, flying from Chicago through Reykjavik to Norway proved to be the fastest travel route (unless you’re lucky enough to find a direct flight). Once we realized this incredible opportunity, adding Iceland to our itinerary became a no-brainer. Plus, seeing that The Healthy Maven and Table For Two had recently visited, we knew we’d have valuable resources for planning! Our experience with Icelandair, however, was a mixed bag. Our flight from Chicago to Bergen, with a brief layover in Reykjavik, went smoothly despite a nearly hour-long delay. The real challenge arose during our flight from Bergen to Reykjavik for our three-night stopover. We had booked what we believed was a non-stop flight, only for it to turn into an eight-hour travel day due to an unexpected one-stop. Initially, I blamed myself, thinking I had accidentally booked a one-stop flight, but conversations with other passengers revealed they too had believed it was a direct flight. It turns out Icelandair promoted this particular flight as direct when it never truly was. We hadn’t even considered the two-hour time change between Bergen and Reykjavik when booking, which further compounded the issue. In the grand scheme of our trip, this was probably our worst experience, but thankfully, it wasn’t catastrophic. What should have been a straightforward three-hour journey stretched into an eight-hour ordeal because of the unexpected stop and layover.

Hertz Rental Cars: Essential for Exploration

One piece of advice that Davida repeatedly emphasized was the importance of securing a reliable car. Consequently, booking a rental was one of our top priorities. Wow, are car rentals in Iceland expensive – especially if you require an automatic transmission! Despite the cost, we were extremely satisfied with our experience at Hertz Iceland. We opted for a sturdy Rav4, which proved perfect for navigating the diverse Icelandic terrain. The pick-up process at the airport was incredibly easy and quick, as was the return. After all the fees and essential insurance add-ons, the total for three days came in at just over $600, even with a 25% discount. The price was certainly steep, but having a dependable vehicle was absolutely crucial for maximizing our time and freedom to explore.

Essential Iceland Travel Tips for an Unforgettable Trip

To help you plan your own seamless Icelandic adventure, here are some crucial travel tips we gathered from our experience:

• Pack Smart: Battle High Food Costs with Snacks: Iceland is notoriously expensive, and food, especially at tourist destinations, can quickly deplete your budget. Our top advice: pack as many non-perishable snacks as you can in your luggage. This will save you a significant amount of money and ensure you always have fuel for your adventures without overspending.
• Stay Connected: Embrace an International Cellular Plan: While it’s possible to navigate Iceland with offline maps, having access to GPS and data is incredibly convenient, if not essential. We were immensely grateful to partner with Verizon during our trip, gaining access to their Travel Pass. I highly recommend researching international cellular plans or local SIM card options before your trip to ensure you stay connected.
• Dress in Layers: Be Prepared for Unpredictable Weather: Iceland’s weather is famously capricious; you can experience all four seasons in a single day! Packing layers is paramount. Always include a waterproof and windproof rain jacket, sturdy waterproof shoes, and warm base layers, even in summer. Check out my packing list here for active travel style suggestions.
• Plan Ahead: Research is Your Best Friend: Honestly, we left much of our detailed planning for Iceland to the last minute, which added a bit of stress. To ensure a truly stress-free and enjoyable trip, take the time to thoroughly research where you want to go, how to get there, and what activities require advance booking (like the Blue Lagoon). A well-planned itinerary will allow you to maximize your limited time and fully immerse yourself in Iceland’s beauty.
• Cash vs. Card: Credit Cards Reign Supreme: We managed our entire trip using only credit cards, which was incredibly convenient. Most places in Iceland, from major attractions to small cafes, readily accept credit cards, making cash largely unnecessary.

Our brief but incredibly impactful journey to Iceland left an indelible mark on our hearts. Its raw, untamed beauty, combined with the warmth of its people and the sheer wonder of its natural phenomena, truly sets it apart as a premier travel destination. We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to plan your own adventure to this extraordinary land of fire and ice!

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