ICELAND

THE OTHERWORDLY ICELANDIC NATURE

The Nordic island of Iceland is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, unique natural wonders, and rich Viking heritage. Often called the "Land of Fire and Ice," it boasts an extraordinary mix of glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, and geothermal hot springs. Prepare to be captivated by stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the enchanting Northern Lights. With its welcoming culture, charming villages, and an abundance of outdoor adventures, Iceland offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and explorers alike. The Ring Road loops all the way around the island and is 1332km long, so renting a car and exploring all the different landscapes is an accessible option if you're there for at least a week.

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RING ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Once you've landed, it would be wise to pick up a rental car. You need a car to travel around Iceland, and rental prices for a Tesla model 3 are around 400 Euros for a week at LAVA car rental. There are charging points all around the island. There is also a bus that goes to the city from the airport, but it takes quite long. Taxis from the airport are crazy expensive, so book a rental car before you arrive. Start your day in Reykjavik with a visit to Hallgrímskirkja, an architectural masterpiece inspired by Iceland’s basalt landscapes. Take the elevator to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city. From there, wander down Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, lined with boutique stores, cozy cafes, and street art. Explore the city’s rich history and culture at the National Museum of Iceland or the quirky Icelandic Phallological Museum for something offbeat. You can admire the Northern Lights best from the Northern Lights Viewpoint at the coast.

Starting in Reykjavik

Head to Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit. Located less than an hour from Reykjavik, this breathtaking park is famous for its dramatic landscapes and historical significance as the site of the world's oldest parliament, the Alþingi. Here, visitors can witness the rare geological phenomenon of tectonic plate separation, as the North American and Eurasian plates slowly drift apart, creating rift valleys and unique rock formations. Walk along the Almannagjá Gorge, where you can literally stand between two continents. Don’t miss the stunning Öxarárfoss waterfall nestled within the park’s rugged terrain. You can also go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure.

The Geysir Hot Springs area, located just a 40-minute drive from Thingvellir National Park, is a geothermal wonderland and an essential stop on Iceland's famed Golden Circle route. This remarkable site is home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, sending jets of steaming water up to 20-30 meters into the air. While the original Geysir, from which all geysers worldwide take their name, is now mostly dormant, the surrounding geothermal landscape buzzes with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and vibrant mineral deposits. Entry is free, but the parking costs a few bucks. There is a roadside tourist center here as well with food and souvenirs.

Take a stroll around the geysir hot springs

Take a plunge into Icelands oldest pool: The Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is a geothermal pool that offers a more rustic and intimate experience compared to Iceland's larger spas. Located in the village of Flúðir, it’s about a 30-minute drive from the Geysir Hot Springs. The lagoon is fed by natural hot springs, maintaining a soothing temperature of around 38–40°C (100–104°F), perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring. Visitors can also see small geysers bubbling and occasionally erupting nearby, adding to the charming atmosphere. Entry costs approximately 3,000 ISK ($20 USD) for adults, with discounts for children. The facilities include clean changing rooms, showers, and a small café for refreshments. The Secret Lagoon is a hidden gem, offering a serene and authentic Icelandic bathing experience amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

The Kerid Crater is a stunning volcanic crater lake located about a 30-minute drive from the Secret Lagoon, making it a convenient addition to your Golden Circle itinerary. This striking natural wonder features a vivid turquoise lake surrounded by steep walls of red and black volcanic rock, creating a dramatic contrast that’s perfect for photos. The crater is approximately 3,000 years old, much younger than many of Iceland’s geological formations, giving it a unique appearance. Visitors can walk around the rim for panoramic views or descend a path to the water’s edge for a closer look. Entry to Kerid Crater is affordable, costing about 400 ISK (around $3 USD) per person. This is a quick but memorable stop.

Walk along the edge of the Kerid Crater

Stop by the LAVA center

The LAVA Centre, located in Hvolsvöllur, is an engaging interactive museum dedicated to Iceland’s volcanic activity, earthquakes, and tectonic forces. Situated about a 50-minute drive from the Kerid Crater, it’s a perfect stop to dive deeper into the country’s powerful geological history while charging an electric car next door. The centre features exhibits, including interactive displays, large-scale models, and real-time earthquake monitors, making it an educational experience for visitors of all ages. Highlights include a cinema showcasing stunning footage of eruptions and lava flows, and exhibits explaining the science behind Iceland’s dynamic landscapes. Tickets cost around 4,900 ISK (approximately $35 USD) for adults.

The Black Sand Beach near Vík, officially known as Reynisfjara, is one of Iceland’s most iconic and mesmerizing natural attractions. Located about a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavik, or just 20 minutes from the village of Vík, this otherworldly beach is famed for its jet-black volcanic sands, towering basalt columns, and dramatic sea stacks known as Reynisdrangar, which legend says are trolls turned to stone. The crashing Atlantic waves and the contrast of dark sands against the ocean create a striking and cinematic scene. Visitors can explore the nearby Hálsanefshellir cave, whose basalt formations resemble a cathedral. However, caution is essential as the waves, known as "sneaker waves," can be dangerous. Entrance is free, but remember to pay for parking as there are often cameras on the way out that can pick up if you don't.

Visit the black sand beach near Vik

Explore the Vatnajökull glacier & go ice caving

Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier, is a must-visit destination. Located about a 4-hour drive from Reykjavik, this vast park encompasses glacier tongues, volcanic peaks, waterfalls, and black sand plains. The crown jewel is the Vatnajökull Glacier, a massive ice cap that offers unforgettable experiences. Guided glacier and ice cave tours allow you to walk on the glacier’s icy surface and delve into ethereal blue ice caves sculpted by melting water. These tours are available seasonally, typically from November to March for the best ice cave conditions, and cost around 20,000–30,000 ISK ($140–$210 USD) per person, depending on the duration and difficulty. Popular starting points for tours include Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Skaftafell, a gateway to scenic hikes like the one to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by hexagonal basalt columns.

Diamond Beach, located just across the road from the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, is a natural wonder that captivates visitors with its unique beauty. About a 4.5-hour drive from Reykjavik, this black sand beach gets its name from the glistening chunks of ice that wash ashore from the lagoon, resembling sparkling diamonds scattered across the dark volcanic sand. These ice fragments are remnants of the Vatnajökull Glacier, broken off as icebergs before being polished by the ocean waves. A visit to Diamond Beach is a sensory experience; you can stroll along the shoreline, marvel at the glittering ice of all shapes and sizes, and take incredible photos of the stark contrast between the crystalline ice and the jet-black sand. The site is free to visit and pairs perfectly with a stop at Jökulsárlón, where you can enjoy boat tours among the icebergs or spot seals swimming in the lagoon.

Wander along Diamond Beach

Book a stay near Höfn to explore this icy region

Höfn, a charming fishing village in southeastern Iceland, is a gateway to the stunning Vatnajökull Glacier and a hub for exploring the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. Located about a 6-hour drive from Reykjavik, Höfn offers a relaxed atmosphere and picturesque views of glaciers, mountains, and the North Atlantic Ocean. Known as the "Lobster Capital of Iceland," the town is famous for its delicious langoustine dishes. Höfn serves as an excellent base for glacier tours, hiking, and exploring nearby attractions like the Stokksnes Peninsula, with its iconic black sand dunes and dramatic views of the Vestrahorn Mountain. Visitors can learn about the region’s geology and glacial history at the Vatnajökull Glacier Exhibition in the town.

The East Fjords of Iceland, a less-traveled yet beautiful region, offer dramatic landscapes, charming fishing villages, and abundant wildlife. Located about a 7-hour drive from Reykjavik, this area is known for its rugged coastline, steep fjords, and quiet serenity. It is also the only place in Iceland where you can find wild reindeer, often seen grazing in the meadows or roaming the hillsides, especially during the winter months. Villages like Seyðisfjörður, with its colorful wooden houses, and Djúpivogur, known for its unique outdoor sculptures, provide interesting stops for exploring local culture. You can enjoy hikes in Stórurð, a boulder-filled valley with turquoise ponds, or visit Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls. The East Fjords are rich in wildlife, with puffins, seals, and occasionally whales spotted along the coast.

Spot wild reindeer & explore mountains in the East Fjords

Chill with huskys & ride a snowmobile in the North

The North of Iceland is a haven for adventure seekers, offering unique experiences like visiting husky farms and exploring the snowy landscapes on snowmobiles. Husky farms, such as those near Akureyri or Lake Mývatn, provide visitors with the chance to meet these friendly sled dogs and learn about their training and care. Many farms offer exhilarating dog sledding tours, where you can glide through pristine snowfields powered by a team of eager huskies. Snowmobile rentals are available at several locations, including Tröllaskagi Peninsula and the area around Lake Mývatn. Guided snowmobile tours take you across Iceland’s vast snow-covered landscapes, offering incredible views of glaciers, mountains, and frozen valleys. Some tours even include stops at unique landmarks, such as volcanic craters or geothermal areas. Prices for snowmobile rentals range from 20,000–35,000 ISK ($140–$250 USD) per person.

Lake Mývatn, located in northern Iceland, is a captivating destination known for its unique geological features, diverse wildlife, and geothermal wonders. The lake itself, formed by a volcanic eruption over 2,000 years ago, is surrounded by lava formations, steaming vents, and craters, creating an otherworldly landscape. Highlights include the Hverir geothermal field, where you can witness bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, and the Dimmuborgir lava fields, often referred to as the "Dark Castles" for their eerie and towering rock formations. Nearby, the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters offer a fascinating geological spectacle, formed by gas explosions when lava flowed over wetlands. For relaxation, visit the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Visit Lake Myvatn

Go whale watching in Akureyri

Akureyri, often called the "Capital of the North," is a town nestled at the base of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. It is known for its charming streets, colorful architecture, and stunning mountain views. The town boasts a variety of attractions, including the Akureyri Botanical Gardens, home to a surprising variety of Arctic flora, and the striking Akureyrarkirkja, a Lutheran church. One of the most popular activities is the whale watching tours, as they offer the chance to see humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and even blue whales year-round. Tours typically last 2–3 hours and cost around 10,000–15,000 ISK ($70–$110 USD) per person. This was my personal highlight of the trip.

Cave Víðgelmir, located in the Hallmundarhraun lava field in western Iceland, is one of the country’s largest and most impressive lava caves. About a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik, this ancient cave offers visitors a fascinating journey into Iceland’s volcanic past. Stretching nearly 1,600 meters, Víðgelmir features vast chambers adorned with colorful rock formations, delicate stalactites, and stalagmites formed by millennia of geological activity. Standard tours last about 1.5 hours and cost approximately 7,500 ISK ($55 USD) for adults, with discounts for children. The cave is also very close to the Barnafoss waterfalls, so it makes for a great combo-trip.

Venture into the lava cave Vidgelmir

Walk around the waterfalls at Barnafoss

Barnafoss, also known as the "Children’s Falls," is a stunning and historically significant waterfall located in western Iceland, about a 1.5-hour drive from Reykjavik. Nestled in the Hvítá River, Barnafoss is renowned for its turquoise waters rushing through narrow, rocky channels carved into the volcanic landscape. The falls are just a short walk from the famous Hraunfossar, a series of delicate waterfalls streaming out of a lava field, making it an ideal dual destination. The falls are free to visit, with well-maintained walking paths and viewing platforms that offer excellent photo opportunities. I must add that this is the most beautiful waterfall I have ever seen.

Hvammsvík Hot Springs, located on the scenic shores of Hvalfjörður fjord, is a tranquil and luxurious geothermal retreat just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. This unique hot spring experience combines a beautiful view of moutains and ocean with modern amenities, offering eight geothermal pools of varying temperatures. While soaking in the warm water, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the fjord and the chance to spot local wildlife, such as seals and seabirds. Hvammsvík also offers a café serving light meals and drinks (which you can drink in the hot springs) making it a perfect spot to relax and unwind. Admission costs approximately 6,900 ISK ($50 USD) per person. Worth it, in my opinion.

Soak up the heat and the view at Hvammsvik hot springs

Explore a volcano close to Reykjavik

If you still have time (and money) left over, a volcano tour could be a unique way to end your Iceland trip. One of the most popular destinations is the Fagradalsfjall Volcano, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik. This volcano made global headlines with its spectacular eruptions in 2021 and 2022, creating a new lava field that is now safe to explore. For a more immersive experience, consider the "Inside the Volcano" tour at Þríhnúkagígur, a dormant volcano located about 30 minutes from Reykjavik. This adventure allows visitors to descend 120 meters into the volcano’s magma chamber, which is no longer active. The vibrant colors of the chamber’s walls and the scale of the space make it a memorable experience. The tour costs approximately 49,000 ISK ($350 USD) per person, including a guided hike to the volcano and all safety equipment.

Check out the ice cave tour!

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