Iceland Solo Travel

Day 1: Northern Lights & Geothermal Spa

I arrived in Iceland late in the afternoon, so once I got settled into my hotel, I was ready to get exploring! On my first night in Iceland, I couldn't wait to try and hunt the Northern Lights and see the colors dance throughout the sky.

Hunting for the Northern Lights:

I joined the Reykavik Excursions group bus tour that includes free subsequent tours if the weather does not provide any views of Aurora Borealis in the sky. This was a great option because it meant that even if I didn't see the lights on the first night, I could continue going for free each night after that until I did. It was definitely worth the wait, and I was lucky enough to see the green flashes of light on night one. This was a particular highlight of my trip and truly an unforgettable experience.

Relaxing at a Geothermal Spa:

After chasing the Northern Lights, the tour included a visit and admission to Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. Iceland is known for its abundance of natural hot springs, and this smaller spa compared to the famous Blue Lagoon, was a peaceful and less tourist-filled experience that still offered the unique experience of soaking in warm geothermal waters while surrounded by stunning Icelandic landscapes.

Trying Local Cuisine:

During my visit to the geothermal spa, I also had the opportunity to try out some local Icelandic cuisine at the included buffet dinner. One stand-out dish was reindeer, which was not my favorite dish by any means but a true taste of Icelandic culture. Trying local cuisine is always a great way to immerse yourself in the destination you're visiting. Another popular food option includes hotdogs. They are famously known for their sheep hot dogs, which were a cheap option consistently available which helped in saving on costs.

Day 2: Golden Circle Tour & New Year's Eve Celebration

The second day of my Iceland solo travel adventure was filled with breathtaking natural wonders and a memorable New Year's Eve celebration.

Golden Circle Tour by Your Day Tours:

The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route that showcases some of Iceland's most iconic attractions. I embarked on a guided bus tour that took me to three main stops:

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: This stunning waterfall is famous for its unique feature in which you can actually walk behind it! The sight of water cascading down from a height of 60 meters was absolutely mesmerizing.

• Skógafoss Waterfall: Another magnificent waterfall awaited me at Skógafoss. With its powerful rush of water and a height of 60 meters, it was truly a sight to behold. I couldn't resist getting closer and feeling the mist on my face.

• Eyjafjallajökull Volcano: This volcano gained international fame in 2010 when its eruption disrupted air travel across Europe. Although I didn't witness any volcanic activity, the sheer size and grandeur of Eyjafjallajökull left me in awe.

New Year's Eve Celebration:

Icelanders have a unique way of celebrating New Year's Eve by lighting bonfires throughout the country. I joined locals and fellow travelers at one of these bonfires, where we gathered around the roaring flames, enjoying the warmth and camaraderie. At midnight, fireworks lit up the sky in every direction, creating a dazzling display of colors. It was an unforgettable experience in such a vibrant and festive atmosphere. If you are able to plan your winter trip over New Year's Eve, I recommend this as a great cultural experience.

Day 3: Blue Lagoon Luxury & Serenity with Round-Trip Transportation

After a jam-packed day exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland, I was in dire need of some relaxation and ventured to the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. When I purchased my admission ticket, I chose the roundtrip transportation option and utilized the hotel pickup. This pickup is available for any downtown Reykjavik hotel. I have to admit, I was hesitant at first, fearing the Blue Lagoon might just be another tourist trap. But boy, was I in for a surprise!

As soon as I arrived at the Blue Lagoon, I knew I had made the right decision. Surrounded by stunning geothermal waters and magnificent views, it felt like stepping into a little piece of heaven.

I recommend arriving early for less crowds as it is the same price even if you stay until they close at 8:30 pm. Bus transportation runs throughout the day, so you have the flexibility to choose how long you visit. If you're able to stay long enough, you might catch another glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights dancing across the sky. Can you imagine basking in the warmth of the water while witnessing this magical spectacle? It truly is a sight to behold.

And let's not forget about staying hydrated! With warm water enveloping your body, it's essential to keep sipping on some refreshing fluids. That's why I made sure to indulge in the in-water bar, where they served my favorite champagne on New Year's Day. Sipping bubbly while surrounded by natural beauty? It doesn't get much better than that.

But wait, there's more! After feeling like treating myself a little extra, I decided to upgrade my spa day and experience an in-water massage. Picture this: lying on a pool float while your body remains submerged in the soothing warmth of the water. Meanwhile, a skilled masseuse works their magic in a private section of the Blue Lagoon. It was pure bliss, a splurge that was worth every penny and one I did not regret.

Day 4: Sólheimajökull Glacier Adventures

When it comes to outdoor adventures, Iceland has plenty to offer. From thrilling activities like glacier hiking and snowmobiling to more leisurely pursuits like horseback riding or whale watching, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

I decided to lace up my boots, grab an ice pick, put my crampons on and embark on an unforgettable glacier hiking adventure. After my previous day of relaxation at Blue Lagoon, I joined Arctic Adventure’s small-group glacier hiking tour for a true bucket-list experience of Iceland's solo travel. Explore the stunning ice formations, ice caves and crevasses of the Sólheimajökull glacier, a part of the fourth largest glacier in the world. With the help of experienced guides, you can safely navigate these icy wonders and capture some incredible photos along the way. As a Florida girl with a fear of falling on the ice, I felt safe with the hiking gear provided to go on my one-and-a-half-hour glacier hiking expedition. I enjoyed learning more about Icelandic culture from our guide, an Icelandic local. And joining a small-group activity is a great way to meet other similar like-minded travelers on your Iceland solo trip! Overall, it was not an overly strenuous hike. I highly recommend this tour for any moderately active adventurer.

I recommend Iceland, known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences, as the perfect destination for solo travelers seeking adventure and solitude. Embark on a journey filled with thrilling outdoor activities, serene relaxation and finally check the Northern Lights off your bucket list! It's perfect for any solo traveler looking for a mix of adrenaline and serenity. There are both budget-friendly and luxury options available. Reach out and let me plan an Iceland solo trip itinerary that fits your travel style for an unforgettable solo travel experience!

Benefits of Joining Guided Tours

• Free hotel pickup: All of the tours I recommend in my trip report include free hotel pickup from any central Reykjavik hotel, allowing for ease of transportation and savings in overall cost. Let me pick out and book the best guided tours to make your Iceland solo travel dreams come true!

• Enhanced safety measures: Iceland's natural landscapes can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, especially during the winter. By joining guided tours, you can have peace of mind knowing that experienced guides will ensure your safety throughout the journey.

• Opportunities to meet like-minded individuals: Joining guided tours while you are traveling solo allows you to connect with fellow travelers who share similar interests. It's a great way to meet new people, make friends and create lasting memories together.

Stay in a central Reykjavik hotel

A central location will ensure easy exploration of the vibrant city of Reykjavik and convenient tour bus pickup.

Short Daylight Hours

One thing to note about the winter travel is the limited daylight hours. During my trip, the sun rose late and set early, which meant I needed to make the most of the daylight available. The winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights, so there is a huge perk of going then if the Northern Lights are on your bucket list! Fortunately, the bus tours I used were designed to optimize daylight hours, allowing me to fully appreciate the natural beauty around me.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Iceland. In need of further inspiration? Check out Jonna Robertson’s guide, Unconventional Adventures for Solo Travelers.