9 Day Iceland Road Trip

Our Icelandic adventure kicked off at Keflavik International Airport, where we picked up our rental car and headed straight to the famous Blue Lagoon. Trust me, booking tickets ahead of time is worth it. The lagoon was the perfect remedy after a long flight. Soaking in those warm, milky-blue geothermal waters surrounded by lava fields? Absolute bliss. Plus, the silica mud masks made my skin feel like butter. Soft and glowing! Even though it was a gray day, it was perfect. This costs about $57-$117 per person depending on the time of day and duration of your visit.

For accommodations, you can stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon for a luxurious start, or head into Reykjavik for options like the Reykjavik EDITION, ION Adventure Hotel or Alda Hotel.

After a great night's rest, we spent the morning exploring Reykjavik, a city full of charm and surprises. If you’re into quirky spots, check out Lebowski Bar, which is a fun nod to The Big Lebowski. Other must-visits include Hallgrimskirkja Church, where the views from the tower are breathtaking, and the Harpa Concert Hall, with its incredible glass design right on the waterfront.

In the afternoon, we headed to Thingvellir National Park for an unforgettable experience: swimming between two tectonic plates. This was hands-down one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. The water was icy, but the dry suits kept us comfortable as we floated through the clearest water imaginable. It felt like another planet. About $125 per person depending on the tour company you use.

For accommodations I recommend the Heradsskolinn Historic Guest House, but you could also try the cozy Torfhus Retreat or head south to stay at Hotel Selja or Bru Guesthouse to be closer to tomorrow’s adventures.

We made an early start to beat the crowds at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall, where we got a little wet! Next, we stopped at Skogafoss, a dramatic waterfall that’s even more stunning in person. The trail was technically closed, but we joined a small group of rebels and had the place almost to ourselves. Totally worth it!

We ended the day in Vik at the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. It was freezing, but the basalt columns and moody scenery were magical. That night, we stayed at Hotel Vik i Myrdal. The BERG Restaurant there? Incredible. I’m still dreaming about their sun-dried tomato-infused butter.

Day four was all about epic landscapes. We drove to Vatnajokull National Park and joined a glacier tour at Svinafellsjokull Glacier. As a Game of Thrones fan, walking across filming locations was surreal—so many iconic scenes happened here. This is about $115 per person depending on the tour you do.

Later, we drove to the fishing town of Hofn. It’s small but charming, and the seafood was insanely fresh. Hotel Hofn is a great accommodation option, but the Berjaya Iceland Hotel is another great choice.

The East Fjords were a feast for the eyes — towering mountains, winding roads and endless beauty. We spent the day in Seydisfjordur, a colorful town with a lot of character. Between the fresh seafood, the rainbow road leading to a picturesque church and the friendly locals, it was a perfect place to unwind. If you are interested in a little adventure, then take a short hike to Fjaroara Waterfall.

For accommodations, I recommend Snaefell Hotel by Aldan or the cozy Vio Lonio Guesthouse.

Riding Icelandic ponies was a highlight of the trip! These sturdy little horses are so unique and full of personality. My best friend, a horse-riding pro, was a natural, while I clung on for dear life when we started galloping. Balance isn’t my strong suit! Starting at $65 per person depending on the type of tour you’d like to do.

Afterward, we drove to Akureyri for a two-night stay. Hotel Kea or Centrum Hotel are both fantastic options in the city center.

Akureyri quickly became one of my favorite places. The people were so friendly, and I even picked up a few new drinking games with travelers from around the world! You can also visit the botanical gardens or try incredible food at Strikid or Rub 23. For those interested in history and culture, the Akureyri Museum offers a fascinating look into the region's past. If you’re more into the outdoors, take a walk along Akureyri’s Fjord for stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains.

If you’re up for a little adventure, Lake Myvatn is a great place to unwind. The scenery here is otherworldly, and a soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths was the perfect way to wind down.

This was a long driving day, but the scenery made it enjoyable. We didn’t detour to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, but if you have time, it’s a gorgeous addition. By evening, we were back in Reykjavik for one last night.

Before our flight out, we made time to visit one of the most unique museums I’ve ever encountered—the Icelandic Phallological Museum! This fascinating (and slightly quirky) institution showcases an extensive collection of male appendages from various species. Afterward, we grabbed a final meal at Lebowski Bar before bidding farewell to Iceland.