An Adventurer's Guide to Exploring Iceland's South Coast

You’ll land early in Keflavik which is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. Grab your rental car and head towards the city, grabbing a coffee at Pallett on the way. Many are quick to rush off beyond the city but Reykjavik, the country's vibrant capital, is not to be missed when traveling to Iceland. Here you’ll get a touch of this beautiful city's culture- with brightly colored buildings, unique architecture and lively downtown streets.

Check into your hotel early, thanks to the perks added through Fora. You’re staying at the ultra chic and luxurious Reykjavik EDITION hotel. Situated perfectly along the harbor, next to the Harpa Concert Hall, and super walkable.

Head to your reservation at the Sky Lagoon to immerse yourself in traditional Icelandic bathing culture through their seven-step ritual. Not only is this place incredibly beautiful with views of the ocean throughout but starting your trip here is a pro tip that will absolutely help fight jet lag.

Grab lunch and freshen up at the hotel, before heading out into the city to explore on e-scooter. Let your guide give you a crash course and take you off the beaten path to explore local secrets, history and landmarks like the iconic church Hallgrímskirkja.

Stop into somewhere that looks tasty for dinner, or grab a famous Icelandic hotdog at Bæjarins beztu, a tiny spot that has been around since 1937. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, so prepare for a line (but I promise they’re fast). Finish the evening with a cocktail on the rooftop lounge back at the EDITION.

Today starts early for a bucket list adventure. Walk across the street to Deig to grab a hearty bagel sandwich and fuel up for the day. What’s ahead is a self guided tour of the Golden Circle with many stops along the way.

First stop, Þingvellir National Park where you’ll snorkel or scuba dive between tectonic plates at the Silfra Fissure. You’ll gear up in dry suits to keep you warm from the frigid temps (35°F/2°C) and float through some of the cleanest, clearest water on the planet.

Now, time to warm up! Head to Laugarvatn Fontana to enjoy their naturally heated geothermal pools. For an invigorating challenge, take a dip in the ice cold lake and straight into the sauna.

Continue along the route for a late lunch and dine in a giant greenhouse at Friðheimar where the tomato is king. Head back to the hotel to relax or keep along the Golden Circle route to hit other famous stops like Gullfoss or the Kerid Crater.

Your final night in the capital invites you to explore Icelandic cuisine at the spot that put it on the map, Michelin-starred restaurant Dill. Let the surprise menu guide you through Iceland’s unique culinary style accompanied by a wine or local kombucha pairing.

Grab breakfast at the hotel before saying goodbye to the city and head out into the stunning landscapes of Iceland’s South Coast. Stop at Reykjadalur Hot Spring, to soak in a naturally flowing thermal river on the way.

Around lunch pull up to your next accommodation, the cozy family run farm turned boutique hotel, Skalakot Manor. With on site stables, your afternoon will be filled exploring the countryside on Icelandic horses. A unique breed of horse that will completely capture your heart with their friendly personalities and thick, fluffy coats.

Enjoy the fine dining menu at Skalakot’s restaurant and wind down the day at the onsite sauna and spa. You can reserve a time or rent out the whole place for yourself.

Start with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head out for the day. Today you’ll explore the black sand beaches on ATVs but on the way to your meeting point make time to stop at the powerful waterfalls Skogafoss and Kvernufoss.

Once you arrive at your ATV base camp its time to suit up in provided coveralls, boots and helmets for a surreal morning riding along the powerful crashing waves of the Atlantic.

Head on to the town of Vik for a burger and beer at Smiðjan Brugghús. After, you’ll of course want to see the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the basalt columns and views are beyond stunning. But don’t miss Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach on the other side of the hill and just south of the town of Vik. You might even have this one almost all to yourself.

Up to continue the road trip? Continue east to Fjaðrárgljúfur, a deep winding canyon that will absolutely take your breath away. At this point the sun is probably setting. Head back to your hotel to cozy up by the fire with a warm drink.

Enjoy one more tasty breakfast at Skalakot before making your way back towards the airport. Break up the drive by stopping at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, before you continue to your last geothermal spa of the trip, The Blue Lagoon.

Now some say Blue Lagoon is touristy, and it definitely is more of a production than others mentioned but it’s still incredibly unique and worth visiting the silica rich waters that glow a milky blue.

It’s also the perfect last stop on your trip as it’s only about 30 minutes from the airport. This is a great way to board a flight completely relaxed and ready for a long nap on the journey home.