Curator’s statement
Iceland is a stunning country known for its dramatic landscapes with magnificent, waterfalls, black sand beaches, lava fields, glaciers and thermal vents. My husband and I explored the South Coast, the Highlands and the Blue Lagoon for a beat-the-Arkansas-heat trip in August 2023. We hiked on glaciers and through stark landscapes with thermal vents and enjoyed a few days of relaxation and bliss at the steamy waters of the Blue Lagoon.
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Day 1: Reykjavik
You arrive at Keflavik International Airport, pick up a rental car and drive to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Explore the vibrant streets of Reykjavik, visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, take a walk along the Old Harbour, visit the National Museum of Iceland to learn about the country's history and culture. Enjoy a meal in one of the many fantastic Reykavick restaurants.
Day 2: Vik, Black Basalt beach, Puffins and Canyon hikes
Visit the Reynisfjara, the basalt black lava beach near Vik. If you venture slightly further along the beach from the crowds, you will have the sea stacks and beach all to yourself. Puffins light in the area at dusk.
Visit the picturesque Vik church and stop for lunch.
Hike the Visit Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a stunning canyon with a river running through (made famous by Justin Bieber’s 2015 music video of I’ll Show You.)
On your way back to the hotel, stop at Skógafoss, another stunning waterfall, with the option to hike to the top for breathtaking views of the coast.
Stay three nights at the Hotel Ranga on the banks of the Ranga River, enjoy the river views from their fine dining restaurant.
Day 3: Þórsmörk
Enjoy a day in Þórsmörk (Thor's Valley) and the unparalleled beauty of Icelandic nature with a guided 4WD adventure in a SuperJeep, crossing glacier streams and hiking. Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall on the way back to the Ranga Hotel.
Day 4: Solheimajokull Glacier
Take a guided hike on Solheimajokull Glacier with crampons and ice-axes.
Day 5: Kelingarfjoll Highland Base
The Highlands are a magnificent, vast, and wild area that remains relatively untouched. Due to their remote location, they are less visited than other parts of Iceland, making them perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and unspoiled nature.
Drive through the Golden Circle en route to the Highlands. Visit the Geysir geothermal area, where you can witness the famous Strokkur geyser erupt, and walk to see bubbling mud pots. Stop at Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls before taking the bumpy road to the Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base.
Stay in the newly opened hotel. Enjoy the chef’s breakfasts, hiker waffle bar and dinner at the restaurant.
After dinner, put on your hiking boots, grab your trekking poles, bring a towel, wear swimsuit and hike to a geothermal pool on the banks a little over a mile from the base.
Day 6: Hveradalir Hike
Drive to the Hveradalir trailhead and hike through the Valley formed by a series of steaming hot springs, bubbling mudpools, vibrant geothermal vents and glaciers. Don’t miss the Highland Base Hiker’s waffle bar and a beer following your hike!
Day 7: Golden Circle
Don’t miss the natural wondera of Bruarfoss Waterfall (the bluest in Iceland), Faxi Waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once at the Blue Lagoon, dine at Moss, a Michelin-starred gourmet gem, available only to Retreat guests.
Day 8: The Retreat & Spa at the Blue Lagoon
Enjoy the Blue Lagoon and a private pool for Retreat Guests. Allow at least an hour to enjoy the Blue Lagoon Ritual, saunas, steam room and cold plunge before your massage or water treatment. Relax away the afternoon in the spa with lunch, the steaming lagoon and subterranean spaces.
Day 9: Departure
On your way to the airport to depart for home, stop at the Bridge Between Continents to see the North American and European tectonic plates divide.
Need to know
Cell service is very good except in the most remote areas. Using navigation apps on the ring road and south coast is very easy.
Download the PARKA app to pay for parking, camping and national park areas before you leave the states.
The SafeTravel app is helpful for changing weather conditions in Iceland…storms, earthquakes, snow, rain. Conditions can change at anytime!
The Northern Lights are most likely to be seen October through February, but it is possible to see them anytime of year.
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Travel Advisor
Audra Thomas
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Lake Louise: Mountain Luxury, Adventure and Respite.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Iceland.