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.
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Things to do in Iceland
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
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.
Travel Advisor
Savannah Dempsey
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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.