Curator’s statement
Iceland is a bucket-list destination that is filled with landscapes like you've never seen before! From city life in Reykjavik, to glaciers and mountains inland, to black sand beaches on the coast, Iceland has it all. This is the perfect destination for adventurers and the best way to disconnect and unwind.
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Day 1: Arrive & head to the Blue Lagoon
Arrive at the Keflavik airport in the morning and take the short 20-minute drive to the famous Blue Lagoon. This was a great way to unwind from the flight and we spent about two hours here. Next, head to downtown Reykjavik to check into your hotel. There are plenty of great places to eat, I highly recommend Sjávargrillið for dinner and Omnom for dessert.
Day 2: Golden Circle
On your second day, wake up and grab a coffee/breakfast in Reykjavik at Braud and Co or Hygge. I highly recommend stopping by a gas station or grocery store to stock up on food and drinks for lunch!
Next, you will head on a road trip along the Golden Circle. We stopped to hike in Thingvellir National Park, Haukadular Geysir hot springs and Gullfoss falls, and it was perfect!
We ended the day at the Secret Lagoon in Fludir, and headed to our next hotel for the night (Heima Holiday homes, which is an A++.)
Day 3: Vik & waterfalls
Today you will start your tour of the beautiful southern coast of Iceland. Your first stop will be Seljalandsfoss, a beautiful and unique waterfall experience.
Then head to Skogafoss waterfall, where there is an incredible hike through the mountains. Again, I would recommend packing a lunch to eat on the way!
Finally, head towards Vik where you can enjoy the Reynisfjara black sand beach, and view the sunset from Dryholaey lighthouse. (This is also the perfect spot to find puffins during the season!) End your day at Black Crust Pizzeria.
Day 4: Jokulsarlon
Today is a long driving day, but well worth it! The first stop will be at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a must see destination with a short out and back. After this, head to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon next to Diamond Beach. Both of these are amazing to experience and even though it is far, I would highly recommend!
Jokulsarlon offers a lot of glacier tours such as kayaking, boat tours, etc., but we headed to Skaftafell and did a glacier hike through Troll Expeditions, which was one of a kind!
On your way back to Vik, stop at Kjarr for a fabulous Italian meal.
Day 5: Hike
Today you will spend the morning at Skool Beans cafe and then horseback riding on the black sand beach (I used Vik horse adventures).
One of our guides recommended the Reynisfjall hike, which was otherworldly!
After you grab some lunch, head to Reykjadalur for another beautiful hike to a thermal river where you can swim! This is a longer out-and-back hike, but definitely worth it.
Have dinner/drinks at the Greenhouse hotel.
Day 6: Depart
Your final day, grab some breakfast and coffee and head back towards Reykjavik for your flight. You could spend more time downtown or even visit the Sky Lagoon to relax before the long flight.
Travel Advisor
Phoebe Mularoni
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, How to Spend the Perfect 7 Days in Switzerland.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Iceland.