Curator’s statement
Iceland is one of those places that you visit that is unlike any other. The pure beauty that surrounds you everywhere is something that is so special. The landscape is so unique that it makes you feel like you are on another planet! A road trip here is a must. You just can’t understand the beauty of Iceland if you never leave Reykjavik. I’m excited to share my journey with you.
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Day 1: Thingvellir National Park
If you take a red eye like we did, you are likely to arrive very early in the morning. Grab your rental car and get on the road! We went straight to Thingvellir National Park and drove the Golden Circle. It was amazing going so early in the morning because we beat the crowds. We had certain areas all to ourselves. Make sure you check out the Almannagja gorge walk to law rock, Gjabakkahellir Cave, Peningagjá and Öxarárfoss Waterfall. Gullfoss Falls is another can’t miss stop along the way. They have a visitor center that has great lamb soup.
Before you head to Reykjavic for the night be sure to stop at Friðheimar. It is an amazing tomato greenhouse and restaurant. It will be the best tomato soup you’ve ever tasted! Make sure you make a reservation just in case.
Day 2: Reykjavik
It will be spent exploring the capital of Reykjavik. Make sure you check out Hallgrimskirkja Chruch, Harpa Concert Hall and Bankastraeti Main Street.
For lunch, I recommend Baejarins Beztu Pylsur for hot dogs. I know it sounds odd, but they are amazing. Worth standing in line for. One of the most amazing meals we had was at Kol.
Day 3: Scenic Views
You will drive towards Vik. On the way stop at these breathtaking locations:
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljavallalaug Pool-Seljavellir
Skogafoss Waterfall
Black Beach
Sólheimasandur Plane Crash
Reynishverfi Rocks
Dyrhólaey Arch-very scenic and there are puffins
Reynisdrangar
Day 4: Glacier Tour
On Day four, take a Jokulsarlon Lagoon boat ride tour. We got to see glaciers up close and even saw a huge chunk fall into the water. There is also a beach nearby where you can see huge chunks of ice that have been washed up on the beach. It’s a can’t miss stop.
I also recommend stopping at Fjadrargljufur Canyon and Eldraun Lava Field nearby.
Day 5: The Blue Lagoon
You will wake up early and head back to Reykjavik and go to the Blue Lagoon. It’s best to tack this onto the beginning or the end of your trip, since it’s near the airport.
For us, it was a great ending to a wonderful trip. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time.
Need to know
Iceland is one of those places where you kind of have to wing it at times. If you drive past something that looks interesting, whether it be a waterfall or a hot spring or a geyser, stop and check it out!
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Emily Bennett
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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Iceland. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Sarah Muller's guide, Long Winter Weekend in Reykjavik