Adventure and nature best describe Iceland; it's a unique place unlike any we've visited before. We've always talked about going to Iceland, and this year, we finally had the chance. As you can see from our blog, we're not used to cold destinations, probably because we live in London and often seek warmer weather.
That being said, we were incredibly excited about this trip, and we planned every detail with care and enthusiasm.
Iceland is famous for its stunning nature and distinctive landscapes. It's a vast country with attractions all over.
With just four full days to explore, we focused on the southern part near Reykjavik.
There are different ways to explore Iceland: by bus, camping, or car.
By bus, you need to plan the tours you want to join, and there's a designated pick-up location for guided excursions.
On the other hand, choosing a camper or car offers more independence, but each option leads to a different type of adventure.
If you rent a camper, you must be ready for Iceland's challenging and occasionally extreme weather conditions, depending on the season.
The upside is you can keep exploring without returning to a hotel, as you'll sleep at campsites scattered across the island.
Exploring by car is a more comfortable option, but it does mean planning your itineraries with hotel stays in mind. That's why we limited our exploration to the south; other attractions were too far for us to reach without returning to Reykjavik.
We rented our car from and amazing company nearby the airport (5min) Go Car Rental and the experience was extremely smooth, they provide a great range of new car, which is definitely needed for the sometimes harsh road condition of the island.
They do rent for camper as well, in case you decided to travel all around the island, the camper is definitely a great idea.
They provided an airport transfer, and the paperwork took just around 10 minutes. The car they gave us was new, in excellent condition, perfect for the snowy and icy roads, and super comfortable.
No matter which option you choose, here's a handy tip: pack your food. Sometimes, you'll be driving for long hours without any restaurants or places to buy food.
So, be prepared and bring your lunches. In the cities, you'll find plenty of markets to buy groceries and essentials, especially crucial when the weather gets challenging.
We visited Iceland in October, a time when the weather can change rapidly, offering different conditions depending on your location.
In any case, be prepared for cold, windy weather and ensure you have the right thermal clothing to stay comfortable.
Sky Lagoon & Aurora
We landed in the afternoon, and after reaching our Airbnb and dropping our bags, it was already 4:30 pm. Our first adventure was at the Sky Lagoon at 5 pm, and it turned out to be a fantastic way to kick off our Icelandic journey. The Sky Lagoon is an absolute must-visit. Once you've got your ticket, there's no time limit, and we ended up spending a whopping 4 hours there! Imagine the cold and the wind outside while you're soaking in hot water—it's truly an extraordinary feeling.
After our relaxation session, it was time for an Aurora Borealis hunt.
We booked a tour and had an incredibly well-organized tour guide who was not only well-prepared but also a charming character.
Our adventure began with the 9:30 pm bus right outside our Airbnb.
We made stops at various locations to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, but luck wasn't on our side that night and we were only able to see a faint Northern Light. Nonetheless, the tour was fantastic. We stopped in some beautiful locations, surrounded by nothing but nature and the mesmerizing starry sky – an experience to cherish.
Golden Circle
Day 2 was a whirlwind of adventures and probably one of our favorites. It was jam-packed, but it also led us to some of the most breathtaking places witht the most famous Golden Circle.
We kicked off early in the morning, leaving the city behind for our first destination, Porufoss.
The waterfall was undeniably beautiful, but what made it even more magical was the fact that we had it all to ourselves.
We were the only ones there, and it was a surreal experience.
Next up was Thingvellir National Park.
We didn't explore the entire park as it is very huge, but we did make a stop at Faxafoss, a lovely and quite powerfull waterfall that we truly enjoyed.
Though it was beautiful, it was slightly less scenic than our previous stop, and there were more people around, given its proximity to the national park.
After a 30-minute drive, we arrived at Geysir area.
We were excited because we had always heard about Geysers but weren't quite sure what to expect.
The park was easy to reach, with a path adorned with small geysers leading us to the main attraction—a considerably large geyser that "exploded" frequently.
It was not only interesting but also a lot of fun.
Furthermore, in the same area, you'll find a restaurant and other facilities, which come in handy since there are no services along the way to other attractions.
By this point, we had already covered a lot, and to top off our day, we booked a glacier tour with Sleipnir Tours The experience was truly unique, and the company is well-known for the type of track they use to reach the glacier.
The journey there seemed quite easy, even though we were driving on fresh snow and ice.
The one-hour journey to the Langjokull Glacier was comfortable, and our hosts shared some fascinating insights about Iceland and Icelandic mythology.
Once we reached the mountaintop, the view was simply spectacular.
As we reached the glacier's highest point, it became clear how incredible this adventure was.
We were surrounded by ice as far as the eye could see, and we had the freedom to wander and explore.
We spent about an hour there, and we were treated to hot chocolate and some delicious Icelandic pastries. It was an unforgettable experience.
At this point, exhaustion had set in, but on our way back, we made a stop at Kerid Crater. The wind there was unbelievably strong, making it a bit challenging to walk. Despite our fatigue and the harsh weather conditions, we absolutely loved the crater. The view was breathtaking, and we could walk all the way around it, enjoying a 360° panorama of the crater. It was unquestionably worth the visit!
Vik & Waterfalls
We set out early in the morning, and this time the capital was dusted in snow.
The overnight snowfall had transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland, making for an enchanting drive. Fortunately, the road conditions were manageable, and we didn't encounter any issues. Seeing the Icelandic scenery draped in snow was nothing short of a dream.
From the places mentioned, we decided to head to Dyrholaey first before making our way to Vik.
We planned to visit the other attractions on our journey back to the capital.
As we drove past the snowstorm, we reached where the weather and landscape underwent a dramatic change.
Dyrholaey was absolutely incredible, with unique views and natural beauty all around.
Upon arrival, the weather was rainy and windy, but by the time we stepped out of the car, we were treated to a breathtaking view from the cliff and even spotted a rainbow – it was an incredibly beautiful sight.
The drive from Dyrholaey to Vik took about 40 minutes.
Vik is a charming village by the ocean, though quite small.
Here, you can visit the renowned church situated on a hill, offering a fantastic view of the village and the famous black sand beach.
When we arrived, it was snowing, which added an even more picturesque element to the panorama.
We also ventured to see the famous black beach, but it was quite windy and cold, so we didn't linger for too long.
On our way back to the capital, we stopped at Seljalandsfoss
This waterfall turned out to be one of our favorite places.
It's massive and allows you to walk all around it and view the waterfall from inside, creating an exhilarating experience.
Right next to it, there's another waterfall hidden behind rocks, Gljufrabui which adds a sense of adventure and is absolutely worth exploring.
Along the route, you'll notice numerous charming landscapes and Icelandic horses.
If time allows, be sure to make a stop, as it provides an opportunity for beautiful photographs and a deeper connection with the natural beauty of Iceland.
South of Iceland
Our final day in Iceland was a promising conclusion to our journey.
Travelling to the south west of the island you still find some scenic landscape, with horses or shaped by the nearby volcano.
We embarked on an early drive to Kleifarvatn where we relished a hearty lunch amid the awe-inspiring surroundings.
Afterwards, we ventured to Gunnuhver hot springs known for its captivating geothermal activity.
This spot offered a mesmerizing display of erupting geysers that attracted a good number of visitors.
Our next destination was the Bridge between Continents, a significant geological site symbolizing the connection between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Here, we marveled at the gap between these two continents, a testament to the Earth's dynamic forces. Intersting to go downd the bridge a sit in the middle of it.
The final stop was the renowned Blue Lagoon, an iconic natural geothermal spa with striking azure waters heated by the nearby Svartsengi Geothermal Power Station.
The Blue Lagoon is celebrated not only for its beauty but also for potential health benefits. Visitors find relaxation and rejuvenation in its warm, mineral-rich waters, while enjoying the view of the surrounding lava fields.
The Blue Lagoon complex also offers a range of amenities, including a luxurious spa, a swim-up bar, and rejuvenating silica mud masks.
It's a place where modern luxury meets Iceland's natural geothermal wonders, earning a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
As we concluded our Icelandic adventure at the Blue Lagoon, we reflected on the unforgettable experiences and the indelible mark this land of natural wonders had left on us.
It was a journey to cherish for a lifetime and that we recommend to anyone to take once in a lifetime.
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