Reykjavik, Iceland
From steaming lagoons and tectonic rifts to roaring waterfalls and icy glaciers, Iceland is where nature writes the rules—and we dove in headfirst. Over three exhilarating days, we road-tripped across volcanic landscapes, soaked in surreal geothermal pools, chased the elusive Northern Lights, and stood in awe beneath some of the planet’s most breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or craving a once-in-a-lifetime escape, this Iceland fi-tinerary is packed with unforgettable experiences, expert tips, and practical guidance to help you explore this land of extremes.
Day 1
🚗 Drive Time: Keflavík Airport → Reykjavík: 45 minutes
Landing in mid-November, the crisp Arctic air hit us immediately, and the moss-covered lava fields stretching endlessly in every direction made it feel like stepping onto another planet. The ride from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík is just 45 minutes by bus, which runs frequently. Tickets are available at the airport kiosk after customs. The smooth ride was the perfect introduction to Iceland’s wild terrain, giving us a first glimpse of mountains dusted with snow and black lava fields that seemed to stretch forever.
We checked into Hotel Island - Spa and Wellness, a peaceful retreat tucked away in the heart of Reykjavík. Its spa facilities and modern amenities offered a calm space to decompress, but the pull of the iconic Blue Lagoon was too strong to resist.
Booking in advance is essential, and choosing the Premium Package elevated the experience with:
🧖 Three masks from the in-water Mask Bar
🍹 Two drinks of your choice
🛁 Plush robe and towel
🔒 Access to showers and secure lockers
As we sank into the milky-blue, mineral-rich waters, steam rose around us, the black lava rocks framing the lagoon under an open sky. Floating with a drink in hand, feeling the warmth seep into every muscle, it felt almost surreal—like the world had paused just for us. The atmosphere was serene, cinematic, and unforgettable.
💡 Pro Tip: Plan your visit for late afternoon. On a clear night, the Northern Lights may shimmer above, turning the lagoon into a truly magical spectacle.
After a soak, we wandered back to Reykjavík for dinner, exploring cozy streets lined with colorful houses and stopping for a hearty Icelandic meal.
Day 2
🚗 Drive Time: Reykjavík → Þingvellir → Laugarvatn → Geysir → Gullfoss → Kerið → Reykjavík
The day started with a sweet boost from Brauð & Co., a Reykjavík bakery famous for its flaky cinnamon buns and fresh pastries. With caffeine in hand and sugar-fueled energy, we were ready to tackle the Golden Circle.
Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is literally where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are in the process of drifting apart. Walking through the dramatic rift valleys, gazing into the sapphire waters of Silfra, and imagining Viking assemblies held centuries ago created an almost otherworldly sense of history. With earbuds in, we listened to an Icelandic history podcast while exploring—an immersive way to gain a deeper understanding of why this place holds such significance.
Steam spiraled from the lake as we sank into the natural hot springs. Compared to the Blue Lagoon, Laugarvatn Fontana offers a quieter, more intimate experience. If you aren’t interested in taking a dip, you can still stop to grab a coffee and a slice of cake at the small lakeside café to enjoy a quick pit stop while surrounded by snowy hills.
Next, we drove a short distance to the Geysir Geothermal Area, home to Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water 30 meters into the sky. It’s a spectacle not to miss. Paid parking and restrooms make the visit convenient, and the small souvenir shop offers classic Icelandic keepsakes. Watching the eruptions repeatedly was mesmerizing—no wonder it’s one of Iceland’s most famous attractions.
Nothing prepares you for the roar and power of Gullfoss. The waterfall plunges in two tiers into a canyon, sending icy mist into the air. We wrapped up in waterproof layers, bracing ourselves against the spray, and took in the sheer scale of the falls. It’s nature at its most dramatic, powerful, raw, and unforgettable.
A short drive brought us to Kerið, a volcanic crater with striking red rocks contrasting against a vivid aquamarine lake. We walked around the rim and descended to the lake edge, where the contrast of colors made for some of the most surreal photography of the trip.
For those up for a hike, Reykjadalur Valley rewards trekkers with a warm river nestled in a steam-filled valley. Surrounded by mountains and mossy lava fields, soaking in the naturally heated waters feels like entering a secret world.
By evening, we returned to Reykjavík, enjoying dinner at a cozy seafood restaurant and recounting the day’s dramatic landscapes over local fare.
Day 3
🚗 Drive Time: Reykjavík → Skógafoss → Sólheimajökull → Dyrhólaey → Reynisfjara → Reykjavík
On our third day, we ventured south for a day of waterfalls, glaciers, black-sand beaches, and possibly the Northern Lights. The South Coast is pure Icelandic cinema: every stop is postcard-perfect.
The iconic Skógafoss waterfall crashes 60 meters down a cliff, often adorned with double rainbows. You can climb the staircase to the top for sweeping views or stand at the base, where mist soaked our jackets and filled the air with rainbows. The power and sound of the falls make it a truly humbling experience.
Next, we arrived at Sólheimajökull Glacier, a massive ice formation nestled between the volcanoes Katla and Eyjafjallajökull. Glacier hiking tours and ice-climbing excursions are available, offering a thrilling opportunity to witness Iceland’s dramatic fire-and-ice landscape up close.
The headland of Dyrhólaey features towering cliffs, a historic lighthouse, and a massive natural sea arch. In summer, puffins nest here, but even in winter, the panoramic views over black sand beaches and the Atlantic are breathtaking.
A short drive brought us to Reynisfjara, a black-sand beach lined with hexagonal basalt columns. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore, said to be trolls turned to stone, rise dramatically from the Atlantic. Walking along the shore with waves crashing at our feet, we felt completely immersed in Iceland’s raw natural beauty.
After a brief rest, we joined a small-group Northern Lights minibus tour. Far from city lights, under a blanket of stars, the aurora appeared—green and purple ribbons dancing across the sky like liquid silk. Cameras clicked furiously, but nothing beats standing there in awe.
💡 Pro Tip: Check the Aurora Forecast and cloud coverage, dress in layers, and bring a thermos of something warm to sip while you wait for the show.
Iceland Travel Tips: Know Before You Go
🚗 Rent a Car: Essential for exploring beyond Reykjavík and tourist-heavy routes.
🧣 Dress in Layers: Weather changes quickly; pack thermals, waterproof jackets, and sturdy boots.
🍽️ Food Budget: Groceries are cheaper than dining out—stock up for picnics.
📅 Book Key Experiences Early: Blue Lagoon, glacier tours, and Northern Lights excursions sell out quickly.
🌌 Track the Lights: Use Vedur—the My Aurora Forecast app for nightly predictions.
🏨 Hotels: Reykjavík and the South Coast offer cozy, well-located options like Hotel Island for spa comforts and nearby dining.
Iceland is a land of extremes, and each one feels like a personal invitation to explore deeper, feel more wild, and dream bigger. This 3-day fi-tinerary takes you from geothermal lagoons and dramatic waterfalls to glaciers and black-sand beaches, culminating in the magical Northern Lights. Every moment feels cinematic, every stop leaves a lasting impression, and every adventure invites you to immerse fully in this raw, unspoiled landscape. Bookmark this guide, pack your sense of wonder, and prepare for memories that feel almost otherworldly.
