This Iceland travel itinerary which focuses on the must-see attractions while enjoying exquisite amenities is courtesy of my sister Shreya!
Day 1 Itinerary:
- Blue Lagoon (deferred due to volcanic evacuation)
- Bonus Grocery Store
- Reykjavik Edition Hotel
First Stop: Grocery Stores Exploration!
One of the best ways to get a taste of local culture is through its food, and Iceland did not disappoint. We made a beeline for the grocery stores to stock up on snacks and treats. In addition to a signature bonus tote bag, here are some of my top picks:
- Papriku: Imagine the lovechild of a Cheez-It in a twisty shape with a kick of paprika.
- Icelandic Skyr Yogurt: This isn’t your regular yogurt – it’s thicker, creamier, and has a unique tang. I tried every flavor I could find from mango to salted caramel to creme brûlée. Let me tell you, anything dairy in Iceland is phenomenal! Thankfully, I’m not lactose intolerant because I indulged to my heart’s content throughout the trip. Rich in protein as well.
- Hraun Candy: This feels like a lovechild between a KitKat bar and maltesers. My two favorite!
Hotel Stay: Reykjavik Edition
Our home base in Reykjavik was the stunning Reykjavik Edition, the only 5-star accommodation in the city. This hotel is a dream come true for anyone who appreciates Scandinavian architecture. The sleek lines, minimalist design, and natural materials used throughout the hotel are simply breathtaking. I am dying to take this chair back home!
The Reykjavik Edition has only been open for a few months, but it already has an impressive array of amenities:
- Full Spa: Includes a hammam, steam room, and sauna. Perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
- Rooftop Bar: Offering panoramic views of the city and beyond. A great spot for evening cocktails.
- Upcoming club and speakeasy: Set to open soon, with the speakeasy being a Friday-only secret gem.
Day 2 Itinerary:
- Brau & Co. Bakery
- Ingolfskali Viking Restaurant
- Aegofoss
- Sejalfoss
- Horsie Break off the highway
- Black Sands Beach
- Canyon
Morning Delights at Brau & Co.
We began our day with a delicious pretzel croissant from Brau & Co. This little bakery is a must-visit, and the pretzel croissant was a perfect blend of flaky and savory. With our coffee and pastries in hand, we strolled over to the iconic Rainbow Street. The vibrant colors and lively atmosphere made for a fantastic start to our morning.
Viking Feast at Ingolfskaali
Next, we drove about an hour to have lunch at the Ingolfskaali Viking Restaurant. To our delight, we were the only ones there, which meant we got to enjoy a feast-style selection of goodies all to ourselves. The restaurant offered plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, making it perfect for any dietary preference. The ambiance transported us back to Viking days, with walls adorned with Viking paraphernalia. The exterior featured traditional turf houses, known for their distinctive grass-covered roofs that provide excellent insulation against Iceland’s harsh weather.
3 Back-to-Back Waterfalls!
We then made a quick stop at Ægissíðufoss waterfall. It was just a five-minute walk from the parking area, and we had the place to ourselves. The waterfall was a pretty and peaceful sight, offering a nice, serene break in our day.
The highlight of my day was certainly Seljalandsfoss. This unique waterfall allows you to walk behind it, offering an incredible and immersive experience. It was the coldest and wettest part of my day, leaving me drenched but feeling small in this world. The view from behind the waterfall was absolutely worth it.
Nearby, we stumbled upon Gljúfrabúi Falls. This hidden gem was out of sight and required a walk through a ridge to find it. Guided by the sound of rushing water and a kind lady’s tip, we discovered this secluded and magical waterfall, which made for an unforgettable experience.
Friendly Encounters: Icelandic Horses
Continuing our journey, we encountered some friendly Icelandic horses by the roadside. They loved getting scratches and were very affectionate. We spent some time with them, looking forward to more horse interactions when we visit the Berg Horse Farm.
Caution at Black Sands Beach
Our next destination was the famous Black Sands Beach. The beauty of this beach is tempered by its dangerous waves. I made sure to warn my companions not to turn their backs on the waves. Millie had a close call with an unexpected wave but stayed safe by facing it. The beach’s dramatic landscape was both beautiful and a reminder of nature’s power.
Majestic Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Our final stop was the breathtaking Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. This deep, winding river canyon is about 2 million years old and offers panoramic views and a scenic walking path. As we descended into the canyon, Karishma had a “live, laugh, love” moment, soaking in the icy, yet sunny breeze. The grandeur of the canyon was a perfect end to our adventurous day.
Day 3 Itinerary:
- Glacier Tour
- Abandoned Viking Home
- Hvammsvik Hot Springs/ Cold Plunge
Morning Adventure: Glacier Ice Tour
We kicked off our morning with a glacier ice tour. Right from the parking lot, we were taken aback by the stunning pastel blue ice structures prominently visible. They suited us up in full trekking gear, making us feel like true explorers on an ice expedition!
Amidst the breathtaking glaciers, we were lucky enough to spot three adorable, chubby seals lounging on a floating chunk of ice. Their playful antics added a charming touch to the serene ice landscape. We decided to skip Diamond Beach since it lacked the diamond-like ice fragments during this time of year, making it more of a winter hotspot.
Historical Stop: Abandoned Viking Home
Our next stop was an abandoned home, a cave-like structure with a sign indicating it was one of over 500 such structures from Viking times, used for winter habitation. Despite its historical significance, it still felt quite cold inside, though slightly better than the outside chill. Exploring this ancient shelter gave us a glimpse into the hardy lifestyle of the Vikings.
Relaxing Finale: Hvammsvik Hot Springs
We ended the day at Hvammsvik Hot Springs, which offered a natural hot spring experience with a twist. The site featured seven different temperature hot tubs, and an option to cold plunge in the open waters. I managed to last about 30 seconds in the icy plunge, but Karishma impressively stayed in for several minutes, even floating happily in the frigid water. The contrast between the warm hot springs and the cold plunge made for a rejuvenating and memorable experience.
Day 4 Itinerary:
- Geothermal Bread Baking
- Berg Horse Farm AirBnB
Lava Bread Experience
Karishma started off the day by doing a solo adventure in the Silfra snorkeling pond. Meanwhile, Millie and I checked out the lava bread experience. We got to see the process of making bread at the geothermal vents and got to try some at the end. It was so mid, so understandably this is not a common way to make bread.
Braids at Berg Horse Farm
We then had a longer trek ahead and headed 3 hours north to the Snaefellis Peninsula. We ended up at the Berg Horse Farm, a stay that I found via a TikTok. In the evening we played with two Pygmy horses, one of which we named Sven, who was very still. His hair kept getting in the way of his vision we braided it. The other we named Tickles since she loves scratches under the chin. After saying goodnight to Tickles and Sven we went to sleep watching the animated film Madagascar on a DVD player we found in our BnB.
Day 5 Itinerary:
- Lighthouse Hike at Berg Horse Farm
- Kirkjufell Falls
- Blue Lagoon (finally!)
Hike to the Lighthouse
We spent the morning making the trek to a lighthouse that was on the bnb property. It was a lengthy walk that took 20 mins but was well worth it, as there were plenty of horses and sheep hanging out around the lighthouse. The floor was adorned with millions of broken mini seashells. The horses on this side were a lot larger than sven and tickles and we practice extra caution around them.
The Iconic Kirkjufell Falls
We then checked out Kirkjufell, which boasts it is the most photographed spot in Iceland – no Iceland travel itinerary is complete without it! It definitely lives up to the hype, as we got great shots of the upper waterfall and Kirkjufell Mountain in the background.
Lucky at Blue Lagoon
We then decided to try our luck at blue lagoon, which had only reopened at noon that day. On our drive over, we saw fantastic spurts of lava from a distance. A little surprising, the area still let us in. The front desk explained that the eruption and gas is headed in the opposite direction so it was still safe to swim – we hit the Iceland travel itinerary jackpot! It felt chaotic, exhilarating, and like an absolute tourist trap as people were snapping photos at every corner screeching at each other to get the best shots. The highlight of our visit was seeing the volcanic eruption at the blue lagoon background. A rarity but a must for an Iceland travel itinerary.
We ended the night back at the Reykyavik Edition, where the trip all started. It felt cozy and familiar, as they left a note thanking us for coming back. I dearly missed the incredible smelling le labo toiletries in the bathroom.
This Iceland travel itinerary focuses on the must-see attractions while enjoying exquisite amenities. Check out our other Europe recommendations, from London to Greece!
