Icelandic Retreat: Serenity in the Land of Fire and Ice

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Advisor - Savannah Dempsey
Curated By

Savannah Dempsey

  • Iceland

  • Adventure Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Wellness Travel

  • Winter

  • Hiking

  • Foodie

  • Sightseeing

Northern lights shining in a very starry sky.
Curator’s statement

Reykjavik and Hveragerði offer the perfect mix of relaxation and gentle adventure. By day, explore Reykjavik's cultural landmarks, unwind in geothermal spas, embark on nature hikes, and savor the culinary delights of Icelandic cuisine. As night falls, the hunt for the aurora borealis begins. Winter months provide optimal conditions and minimal light pollution for a truly magical experience under the dancing lights of the Arctic sky.

The Fora Difference

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Where to stay in Iceland

The Reykjavik EDITION

The Reykjavik EDITION brings the first five-star modern luxury experience to one of the world's most sustainable capitals.

Fora Perks
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    $100 food / beverage credit.

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    Breakfast daily.

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    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection By Hilt

Modern property in the heart of Reykjavík with chic rooms and suites.

Hotel Borg by Keahotels

This elegant art deco hotel in Reykjavik is ideal for romantic getaways, offering luxurious accommodations for couples and a prime location near key attractions.

Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel

In the midst of Icelands's geothermal wonderland, Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel combines Nordic design with comfort and is surrounded by majestic views.

The Greenhouse Hotel Bournemouth

Boutique property outside of Reykjavik that is also home to seven restaurants, a bar, Icelandic designer stores and a local food market.

Unlock perks by contacting Savannah to book your trip.

Things to do in Iceland

The turquoise thermal waters of Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in Reykjavik.

Reykjavik (two to three nights)

  • May-August: Embark on an exhilarating whale watching adventure.

  • October-February: Hunt for Northern Lights. Ask your travel advisor to pick a tour that allows flexibility to return if the activity is low or there’s too much cloud coverage.

  • Blue Lagoon: The tourist trap that is actually worth it. This thermal spa offers a unique and rejuvenating experience amidst geothermal waters, silica mud masks, and stunning volcanic surroundings.

  • Helicopter tour to see active volcanic activity from the recent Sundhnúkur 2023/24 eruptions

  • Snorkel between continents - UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park allows the opportunity to snorkel between the North American and European tectonic plates

  • Sightsee: Hallgrimskirkja church. Sun Voyager sculpture. Visit the immersive museum, Aurora Reykjavík.

  • Relax in the luxurious hotel spas, many offer day passes if your hotel does not have one.

Hveragerði (two to three nights)

Less than one hour from Reykjavik, Hveragerði is a quaint town where you can balance relaxation with adventure.

  • Visit Geothermal Park to learn about the wonders of geothermal energy. Buy an egg to boil in the springs. Try their geothermal rye bread. Give your feet a therapeutic mud bath.

  • Hike two hours to Reykjadalur springs, heated by the Grensdalur volcano

  • Take a day-trip drive of the Golden Circle: Gullfoss Falls, Strokkur Geyser

  • Helicopter tour from above. See more of Iceland’s steaming geysers, vents, craters and hot springs fueled by their volcanic history.

  • If you didn’t see the Northern Lights during the beginning of your trip, you have the option of driving to Reykjavik for additional tours if the weather is promising.

  • End your day with a view of the Northern Lights either from your hotel or your hotel’s hot tub.

Places to eat & drink in Iceland

The inside of a restaurant dining area

Reykjavik

  • Dill: First Michelin star in Iceland, Chef Gunnar Gíslason put Reykjavík’s food scene on the map. Hidden above the main shopping street, the restaurant features small producers (seaweed foragers, organic barley farmers) and seasonal ingredients (lumpfish roe, crowberries).

  • Fiskmarkaðurinn/Fish Market: Iconic to Reykjavik’s unique culinary scene, Fish Market offers fresh Icelandic ingredients with an upscale modern twist. Choose from a tasting menu or a la carte.

  • Íslenski Barinn: Popular among locals and tourists, a casual dining experience with unique seafood and meat dishes including shark, reindeer and whale.

  • Matur og Drykkur: Located in an old saltfish factory, modern spins on classic Icelandic recipes.

  • Baka Baka: Icelandic stone-milled flours used for pastries and sourdough breads. The menu is a mix of brunch, lunch, and wood-fired pizzas paired with natural wines.

  • The Laundromat Cafe: Eclectic atmosphere, a quirky hotspot where you can enjoy delicious comfort food.


Hveragerði

From traditional Icelandic cuisine to farm-to-table dining and cosy cafes

  • Almar: Bread and pastries using traditional Icelandic methods and ingredients.

  • Ölverk Pizza & Brewery: Need I say more? Delicious pizza, small bites, and an on-site brewery powered by geothermal energy.

  • The Greenhouse Food Hall: Eight options to keep you fully satisfied inside the aesthetic backdrop of the Greenhouse Hotel.

Need to know

The best time for Northern Lights is October-February and sticking to southeast Iceland (near Reykjavik). There is no guarantee to see the Northern Lights because we cannot predict weather, but this itinerary gives you the most flexibility for the best chances.

Advisor - Savannah Dempsey

Travel Advisor

Savannah Dempsey

Get in touch with Savannah

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Lauren Martin’s guide, An Adventurous Road-Trip Around Iceland. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Iceland.