I went to Iceland the first week into August 2021, during covid, but you would have never known the difference. We went for a week and did it all independently, with no tours, which was very doable and high recommended.
We stayed in Reykjavik, the capital city and the only “large” city. It is not even that big and not much to see or do in the city. If you are going to Iceland on a budget, stay in one hotel and rent a car for a couple of days. However, if you have more cash to spare and are more adventurous, I recommend the following.
*Please note I have no tips for catching the Northern Lights since I went in summer*
Rent a car for your entire trip, pick up and drop it off at the Airport. This is a must; it will save you time and stress in the long run. Parking is straightforward. Driving in Iceland is a breeze; it is mostly one way in and one way out highway system.
Day 1 & 2 – Arrive & Blue Lagoon & Golden Circle
Day 1 – Golden Circle
This morning, you’ll start early from Reykjavik to visit Gullfoss and Geysir before the crowds and buses arrive when you have these magnificent places all to yourself.
On your drive, consider a short detour Kerid Crater where you can walk around the rim of the volcano or down to the bottom to see the blue lake below; Nina and I loved this!
At Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”), you can walk along a few different paths to see the tremendous falls from different angles and perspectives. You’ll want to spend some time here admiring the incredible amount of water that flows over the edge every second.
Next, continue to the Geysir geothermal area where the Strokkur geyser shoots into the sky like clockwork every 5-10 minutes. In between eruptions, walk around the hot pools, steam vents, or climb the small hill above it for a great view.
End your tour of the Golden Circle Route at Thingvellir National Park and learn about the traditions of the old Icelandic Parliament that met each summer at Law Rock. Then, walk between the giant rock fissure where the tectonic plates meet. In the visitor center, you can learn more about the history and geology of the area.
Extra Stops:
– Fridheimar – Tomato Farm – Soup & Bread lunch; so good! I recommend a reservation
– Secret Lagoon – Oldest thermal natural pool in Iceland
Day 2 – Blue Lagoon, MUST DO! & Rejekiak
-When purchasing your tickets, buy the premium package. It is around $10 more but so worth it!
– There are several restaurants to eat at when you are there; I recommend the cafe spa, it is away from everyone it is pleasant and relaxing and less pretentious.
The spa packages looked amazing since you got extra pool access and services, but I was not willing to spend the money since I was in Europe for an extended time. However, I do recommend that as well. Next time I visit Iceland, it will be a must-do.
After you have visited the blue lagoon, you can head back to the city center and see all that the city offers.
Day 3 & 4 – South Iceland
South Iceland is a MUST!! We did the must-dos and drove back to the capital the same day. It is double able, but I recommend spending the one or two nights.
You can mix & match your own south Iceland itinerary; these are my must-sees!! It is one highway in and one way out. My recommendation is to do everything on the way to Glacier Bay, then the following day, you explore the glacier and drive back to Reykjavik.
Best things to see along the South Coast:
Day 1
Seljaladsfoss Waterfall is one of the first touring the South Coast from Reykjavik. It’s one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, best known for that you can walk behind it. The waterfall is extremely popular South Coast, so I recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Pro tip: when you exit down the stairs, turn to your right and keep walking, and a few hundred feet down, you will see a cave walkway walkthrough, and you will see a stunning hidden waterfall.
Skogafoss Waterfall: is another must-see! It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Iceland. Also one of the backdrops for Games of Thrones.
Reynisfjara – Vik Black Sand Beach: a stunning black sand beach with incredible rock formations.
Day 2
Diamond Beach: At the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, you’ll get the chance to see one of the unique sights in Iceland: icebergs floating out to sea and beach on the black sand. Climb the hill to better view the entire area or follow the river under the bridge to the ocean for smaller icebergs along the black sandy shores of “diamond beach,” where waves crash against them. It’s quite the sight! In addition, you may be fortunate to see seals, porpoises, or small whales that sometimes hang out in the lagoon or near the shore.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: The rock formations in Fjadrargljufur Canyon look like they’re from another world. There is a trail less than a mile from the parking lot along the canyon ridge, where you will find some fantastic viewpoints where the river curves around these strange rock cliffs. You can admire the views the entire time and go as far as you like.
Skaftafell & Svartifoss (optional ice-caving & glacier walks): You could spend several days hiking all the trails around Skaftafell. If you’re short on time, the most popular hike leads to Svartifoss, a thin waterfall surrounded by columns of basalt. The walk is around three miles long (weather dependent) and offers excellent views alongside the river and towards the ocean in the distance. You can join an ice cave/climbing tour or glacier walking tour based here if you like.
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon: A few minutes before Jokulsarlon, you will find another Glacier Lagoon about 10 minutes from the parking lot. Here you are much closer to the glacier than at Jokulsarlon, and you’ll have better views of all the cracks and crevices.
Hof: A quick trip off the main road will bring you to Hof’s turf church. The practice of covering the roof with turf dates back to medieval times throughout Europe to protect from the harsh weather.
Day 5 – Iceland Snæfellsjökull Peninsula
I did not have time to do Snæfellsjökull; next time!! There are some fantastic itineraries you can follow from other bloggers!
Day 6 – Sky Lagoon
Brand new; opened in 2021! A must-see, similar to the Blue Lagoon but with better views and natural surroundings.
Day 7 – Leave
When you leave; arrive at the airport hours in advance!! It took me four hours just to check-in.
For extra days – you can fly to Greenland or the Arctic Circle.
The Life of Sarah 