There is so much to see in Iceland that you can easily spend multiple weeks traveling the island and discovering its beauty. Our guide will focus on visiting the Golden Circle and spending time on the southern side. This will provide a focus for your visit and allow you to see some unbelievable natural sites in just four days.
Iceland is an island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. In recent years it has captured the interest and imagination of many and has slowly started to develop its tourism industry. The beauty and mystery of the island are hard to explain and must be seen. The majority of the population lives in and around the capital of Reykjavik. The main language is Icelandic, but you will find plenty of people who also speak English.
Iceland is a great place to visit any time of the year and, if you decide to go see it, it will definitely charm you in many ways! Magical is how we will describe our visit to Iceland, and we know yours will be too! 💙
Of note…
Consider the weather!
Iceland is just outside the Arctic Circle and has a polar climate which makes the temperatures low throughout the year. From October to April average temperatures vary between the mid 20s and mid 30s (F). During the summer months the temperature varies between the mid 30s and the mid 50s (F). There is a little bit of variation between the northern and the southern parts of the island, with the southern parts being a bit warmer. You need to plan to bring warm clothes and plenty of layers to adjust to the weather.
Car rental
It is a must to rent a car when visiting Iceland. There just isn’t public transportation outside of the capital Reykjavik. Be sure to make a reservation before leaving on your trip as options are somewhat limited.
Portable Wi-Fi
Coverage in Reykjavik is quite good. However, since you are most likely going to travel the countryside, you will need a portable/pocket Wi-Fi. You do not want to be stuck without a connection, especially if you need emergency assistance. When booking a car rental most often you can add a pocket Wi-Fi to the rental. You can also use a Wi-Fi rental service like Trawire to reserve a device and pick it up at the airport upon arrival. Or, if you would like to invest for all of your travel trips, you can purchase a portable Wi-Fi on amazon. We like this one, but many options are available.
Where to stay in Iceland
Iceland has plenty of different types of accommodations. Speaking to local people, it seems that Aribnbs have overtaken the central part of Reykjavik and local people have moved away. We didn’t like this and preferred to stay at a hotel. There are plenty of options at all different price points. Here are some recommendations from us:
In Reykjavik
- 101 Hotel – a favorite option of ours, centrally located within walking distance to many points of interest, restaurants, and the ocean. The rooms are super comfortable and stylish, and the views of the city are also great.
- Center Hotels Arnarhvoll – comfortable rooms and great views of the ocean. The SKÝ Bar is a must see; even if you don’t stay at the hotel, you should plan to visit the bar and enjoy the beautiful views. The Arnarhvoll Spa is also a great option to have – a workout area and secluded hot tub after a day of exploring can feel especially nice.
- Tower Suites Reykjavík – if money is not a concern, a stay at the Tower Suites will give you superbly designed accommodations, extra space and great views of the city’s skyline and the sea.
Outside of Reykjavik
- Silica Hotel – a visit to the Blue Lagoon is a must when in Iceland. We recommend that you plan at least a one day stay at the Silica Hotel. The surroundings are magical, the rooms very comfortable, a breakfast is included with every stay, and the hotel has its private silica lagoon which is absolutely great. You can experience the magic of the Blue Lagoon in a private setting, away from the crowds for as long as you want during your stay. We highly recommend it!
- ION Adventure Hotel – about a 50-minute drive from Reykjavik, this hotel has a unique architecture and is perfectly located for exploration of the Golden Circle. The rooms are nicely appointed, the Silfra Restaurant and the Northern Lights bar are excellent, and the Lava Spa makes for a great rest after a long day of adventure.
- Hotel Ranga – about 1.5 hours away from Reykjavik is another excellent hotel. Unique rooms and suites, excellent hospitality, and gourmet dining make for a perfect stay and exploration of Iceland. Additionally, the hotel is located away from light pollution and is a great place to see the northern lights.
Day 1 in Iceland
Spend a full day in Reykjavik. It is a very manageable city and you can walk to most of the points of interest. There is plenty to do, so you will have to be selective based on your personal interests.
In the morning
- Start your day by visiting the Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran church, located on a hill in Reykjavik. The church is among the tallest structures in Iceland and has become a symbol of the country. Its design is very unique and beautiful. You can take a lift up to the observational deck and, on a clear day, get a magnificent view of the city. Keep in mind that this is a working church, so you may have to plan around service times.
- Stroll through the center of Reykjavik and discover the many murals created by local artists.
- Make your way to the Sun Voyager sculpture by the ocean, unveiled in 1990 for the birthday of Reykjavik. The location is beautiful, allowing you to get close to the ocean. What’s more: when you turn away from the sculpture, you can appreciate the beauty of the city. You will also be on the Sculpture and Shore Walk. On a nice day, this is a fantastic walk by the ocean.
- Go towards the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. You will be able to see the more modern side of Reykjavik. The glass building is an architectural masterpiece worth visiting. Before your travel, check to see the exhibits and performances scheduled at the center. Oftentimes, there are great digital art exhibitions worth seeing, as well as various performances.
- Visit the Beach stone pyramids Galicany. Located right next to the Harpa Concert Hall, this small beach is a great place to participate in a historic tradition. You can use the ocean rocks to make sculptures and leave a piece of you in Iceland. ❤️
In the afternoon
- Stop at the Alþingishúsið – the historic house is the home of the Icelandic Parliament. You might even see some members of Parliament making their way in or out of the building.
- Make your way to the National Museum of Iceland – a great museum to learn about the history and cultural heritage of the nation. You can get your tickets here.
Additional activities if you have extra time
- Take a free or guided walking tour of Reykjavik. It is a great way to meet local people and ask questions about Iceland, its people and culture. You can find some great options here.
- Take a whale-watching tour. You can pick from a number of tour operators, including Sea Trips Reykjavík, Elding Whale Watching, and Whale Safari (to name a few).
- Visit the Safnahúsið (The House of Collections) – a museum showcasing various Icelandic visual art pieces.
- Visit the Hið Íslenzka Reðasafn (Icelandic Phallological Museum) – a very weird museum dedicated to penises. Locals laugh about it, but we do recommend you stop by!
- Visit the Vesturbæjarlaug (Hofsvallagata, 107 Reykjavík) – an outdoor geothermal pool open to the public.
Day 2 in Iceland
Days 2 and 3 will focus on exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle. The area is referred to as a circle because it loops between beautiful natural destinations. The name Golden is related to one of the waterfalls on this route called Gullfoss, which in Icelandic translates to Golden Falls. You will witness unique and dramatic landscapes, wonder how the natural formations were made, feel alone with nature, and – ultimately – love the experience.
You can join a tour and visit the Golden Circle, but we recommend that you rent a car and explore at your own pace.
Barnafoss
This relatively small waterfall was by far our favorite. It is considered the bluest waterfall in Iceland, and it is just magical. Getting to it is not very straightforward because there are not many signs and you need to find a place to park (no public parking areas), but it is 100% worth going. Depending on where you chose to park you will need to hike to the waterfall, but the hike is easy and relatively flat, and the vegetation is beautiful. You can find directions on how to get to this waterfall here. 💙
Geysir
Make your way to Geysir – a geothermal area in the Golden Circle with active geysers and boiling mud pits. Admission to the area is free and you can see amazing earth activity as there are multiple geysers that ‘come alive’ at great frequency.
Efstidalur
For a special treat, stop at the Efstidalur farm. You will get a glimpse of farm life in Iceland. Be sure to sample their great ice cream made on the farm. You can also buy farm products such as skyr (Icelandic yogurt) and feta cheese. Peek inside the barn, see the animals and appreciate how well they are cared for.
If you like horses, you can schedule a horse-riding tour right at the farm. Icelandic horses are smaller and truly beautiful. When you see some along the road, you can pull near them and oftentimes they will just come to you. Definitely a fun experience!
Laugarvatn Fontana
Stay on the north side of the Golden Circle and head back towards Laugarvatn Fontana – a geothermal spring spa. Spend time soaking in the natural pool, enjoy the steam rooms, or, if you feel adventurous, dip in the cold lake for a refreshing experience. Tickets for the spa can be purchased online or onsite. This spa is very popular with tourists and locals alike, but it does not feel crowded. You can also rent a bathing suit if you forget to bring one😊. We highly recommend spending a few hours to relax and enjoy the beauty of the island here.
Day 3 in Iceland
Snowmobiling on Langjökull
We highly recommend that you try what could be a once in a lifetime experience – snowmobiling on top of a glacier. Make your way to the Langjökull glacier – the second largest in Iceland. Langjökull is vast and so beautiful! You will need to book a special tour, as you are only allowed to go with a guide. We really liked our experience with the Mountaineers of Iceland company and highly recommend them. You can book different types of tours on their website and should generally reserve half a day for the experience.
Gullfoss Waterfall
A magical site, the Gullfoss Waterfall (35, 846, Iceland) is large, loud and very, very beautiful! The waterfall is located where the Hvitá River makes a 90° turn. It is a very popular tourist stop on the Golden Circle, but it is totally worth seeing. There is a bit of a walk from the parking area to the heart of the waterfall, but you will be able to see different sides of the waterfall and enjoy nature’s magic! Expect to get some water on you if you plan to get close to the waterfall.
Kerid Crater Lake
If you have time in the day, make a quick stop to see the Kerid Crater Lake. It occupies a volcanic crater which dates back to 4,000 BC. You can walk all the way around the edge and marvel at the blue waters and the surrounding landscape and then climb down to the water and touch it. A really unique experience.
Day 4 in Iceland
Leave a full day for the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. It is a magical experience and we highly recommend that you do not plan anything else for that day. The Blue Lagoon is located in a lava field and the surrounding landscape looks out-of-this-world. The water is high on silica, which forms soft white mud on the bottom and contains algae. It is recommended for relaxation and its healing powers.
The Blue Lagoon spa is a very popular tourist destination, so be sure to plan ahead and get your tickets for the day and time of your choice.
For a very special experience make plans to stay at the Silica Hotel located near the lagoon. It has its own pool that you can enjoy away from the crowds; a stay at the hotel also gives you daily entry to the Blue Lagoon. We highly recommend staying at the Silica Hotel.
If you like hiking, you can add a moderate hike to your stay at the Blue Lagoon. The landscape is beautiful and, on a clear day, you can see the ocean. At the top of the mountain, you can read about the American soldiers who were stationed there during World War II. The hike is about 1.5 hours long at an easy pace. We highly recommend it.
Where to eat and drink in Iceland
In Reykjavik
There are a lot of different places to eat in Reykjavik and we enjoyed sampling different types of food. Here are some of the places we liked and recommend:
Breakfast
- Kaffitár – excellent coffees, croissants, muffins and more. You can also grab a table and plan ahead for your day. Wi-Fi is available.
- Te & Kaffi – excellent coffee and tea and pastries.
- The Hungry Chef Cafe – very tasty food served in a nice and cozy setting
Lunch and Dinner
- The Sushi Social for lunch or dinner – excellent sushi, drinks and desserts
- The Íslenski barinn – Icelandic food for lunch or dinner; a super unpretentious place where you can try unique dishes with whale or reindeer meat.
- Kopar restaurant – Icelandic food in a beautiful setting. On a warmer day, you can sit outsid. However, even inside you get excellent views in addition to the great food. We recommend that you make a reservation for Kopar to ensure you do not need to wait.
- The American Bar Reykjavik. We typically do not recommend an American style restaurant when traveling abroad, but this place is unique and a must see. If you like beer, this is the bar to visit. With over 50 different types to try, you will be sure to find one you like. Unique to this bar is that you can hear live music every evening and you can dance the night away on the weekend. The food is good and reliable – hamburgers, fries, chicken sandwiches and more, but you will be there for the atmosphere more than the food 😊.
For a special occasion
For an exceptional dining experience try Dill by chef Gunnar Karl Gíslasson. The Icelandic landscape is the inspiration for the restaurant. The chef uses fresh ingredients and reimagines Icelandic food through very creative dishes. The restaurant is intimate and perfect for a special occasion. Be sure to make a reservation online.
Outside of Reykjavik
Other places we enjoyed while traveling the countryside:
- Lindin restaurant near Laugarvatn Fontana
- Papas’ Restaurant in Grundavik – very unpretentious restaurant which serves great fish and chips. You might be the only tourists there, but the place is great!
- Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon – excellent food and service. You can be as casual or as upscale as you like.
What we loved about visiting Iceland
- Breathtaking nature and landscapes
- A certain calmness that is experienced while driving seemingly alone for hours, as there is not much traffic outside of Reykjavik.
- Super nice people who are proud of their country and don’t mind sharing their way of life and culture.
- Interesting food options we have not tried anywhere else (puffin, horse, whale dishes).
What to bring
Packing for your trip to Iceland generally means that you need to bring layers of clothing to adjust to the temperature changes and the warmer indoors. Additionally, Iceland felt very casual so no need to bring fancy clothes (unless you want to). That being said, you can still look well put together even though you will most likely wear heavier clothes.
- A pair of stylish sneakers that you can wear for long walks if the weather is a bit warmer
- A pair of water-resistant boots if there is rain or snow. We like these or these.
- A warm jacket. We like this one or this one.
- Warm base layers. We love the base layers by Rei.
- Warm snow pants. We like these or these.
- Some warm accessories – a hat, gloves, a scarf.
- Your favorite jeans.
- A pair of sunglasses. Right now, we love this and this pair.
Check out our list of travel essentials on what to take and how to maximize your packing.
In closing, we loved our trip to Iceland and hope to return a few more times during different times of the year. We can’t wait to come back for New Year’s and celebrate on the streets of Reykjavik (a tradition). Additionally, we would like to come and see the Northern Lights.
[All pictures taken by the Styled Traveler]
Additional resources and inspirations
Here are some links to additional resources you might find useful and inspirational for your trip to Iceland:
by Gaëtan Piolot
- Check out the Wake Up Reykjavik YouTube channel for tons of excellent tips by people from Iceland.
- Check out Icelandic Food: The Ultimate Guide to Iceland Food Culture by Svanhildur Sif Halldórsdóttir.
- Learn about Icelandic music and who are the most popular bands.
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