Iceland, a magical and almost surreal land, a place where Mother Nature is still the hostess, where you feel really small. It is that destination where you pass from a black sand beach to lava fields, from an ice lagoon to still active volcanoes: not surprisingly, it is called the land of ice and fire. One of those destinations to visit at least once in a lifetime, to be overwhelmed and bewitched.
Here are all our tips for organizing a trip to Iceland!
What to see in Iceland: cities and points of interest
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, the gateway to this beautiful country. It is in fact the first stop of every Icelandic trip, as it is less than 1 hour drive from the international airport (also connected by the shuttle to / from Keflavik).
Generally he dedicates one or two days to the city, and then leaves for an on the road along the Ring Road, which is the main and longest Icelandic road, which runs through the whole island in a circular form.
If you are short of time in the city, we recommend that you follow this one-day itinerary. Surely you cannot miss a visit to the Hallgrimskirkja Church, the most impressive building in the city. Then move on to the particular and unique Harpa Concert Hall, one of the symbols of the city (guided tours from 1,750.00 ISK / € 11.20), overlooking the harbor. Finally, it is impossible not to admire the sunset (provided the sky is not cloudy) from the Sun Voyager, or Sólfar in Icelandic, one of the most photographed places in Reykjavik!
The best hot dog in Iceland: for a typical lunch break, stop by the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand, known for being the most famous and best in Iceland! A typical and, above all, cheap lunch (a factor not to be underestimated in Iceland). Then you will let us know if they really are the best!
Golden Circle
The Golden Circle, is one of the most popular excursions to do from Reykjavik. It is a circular itinerary with some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country! Given the complexity of the route, we recommend a guided excursion from Reykjavik, and in any case, budget at least a full day for the visit.
The first stop, about 50 km from Reykjavík (45 min by car) is Thingvellir National Park, the most important site for Icelandic history and culture. Here is also the Silfra Fault, the rift between the continental faults of Europe and America: book a snorkeling session, it’s too worth it! The second stop is the geothermal area of Haukadalur, a 50-minute drive from Thingvellir, where Geysir, the most famous geyser in Iceland, is located. Finally, just 10 minutes from the geothermal area, there are the spectacular Gullfoss waterfalls, the last stop on the Golden Circle.
Among the most beautiful in the country, these wonderful waterfalls have a total height of 32 m and its waters come from the Langjökull glacier. Finally, another stop that is added to the Golden Circle is the one at the Kerid Crater. It is a 6,500-year-old volcanic crater which now houses a lake (being on private land the cost is ISK 400.00 / € 2.60). You can follow either the path to the top of the crater or go down to the lake to touch the water.
Reykjanes Peninslula
Reykjanes is known mainly for two reasons: hosting the Keflavik International Airport and the world-famous Blue Lagoon. The latter is one of the best known attractions in all of Iceland and is a geothermal area with a thermal pool!
From Reykjavik you can reach it by car in about 40 minutes or by booking round-trip transfers. But the Reykjanes Peninsula is much more: it has spectacular landscapes and unique attractions! Don’t miss a quick stop at the Brúin milli heimsálfa, or the “Bridge of the two continents“, located between the Eurasian and the American plates! From the Reykjanes Lighthouse you can admire a spectacular panorama. But another great natural attraction has recently been added: in March 2021, after 800 years of inactivity, the Fagradalsfjall Volcano erupted. Parking lots have already been built and paths have been prepared to reach the area and admire this spectacle of nature.
How to organize the excursion to the volcano: it can be done independently or with a guided excursion from Reykjavik. On your own, just park in the designated areas and follow the path, well marked and marked. It takes just 25 minutes on foot to get to the lava fields.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
If in the south of Reykjavik we find the Reykjanes Peninsula, in the north we find the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a real Icelandic pearl! If you are always staying in Reykjavik, again we recommend a guided day tour including transport. Here, in fact, there is one of the symbols of all Iceland: the unmistakable and iconic Mount Kirkjufell. The best place to admire it, and to take the classic postcard photo, is from the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls.
But in the peninsula there are many other activities to do and magical places, more or less known, to see. Coming from Reykjavik, here are the stops we recommend! First of all, stop at Ytri Tunga beach: it is a still little known place, where an entire colony of seals lives, which you can admire from very close. Then continue on the road and reach Búðakirkja, the spectacular black church, whose color contrasts with the whole landscape. Returning to the road you certainly cannot miss Lóndrangar, known as the “Castle of Iceland“. But this is not a castle built by humans: it is lava matter, an undisputed spectacle! Last stop in Saxhóll, the crater of a volcano that has been inactive for centuries, and then arrive at the town of Olafsvik, from which boat trips to spot whales also depart. You can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Snæfellsjökull glacier all the way!
Vik & Reynisfjara beach
After visiting the Golden Circle, another very popular area of southern Iceland is Vík. Again, your best bet is to get around with a rental car or opt for a guided day tour from Reykjavik. Vík is actually a very small town, but it is known for its spectacular black beach, Reynisfjara beach!
Here is a spectacular basalt cave, the Hálsanefshellir Cave, and the famous stacks. But that’s not all: this is one of the best places to admire Puffins in the summer. To admire the beach from above, instead, you can go to the nearby Dyrhólaey viewpoint. From here you can see the whole black beach, the small Kirkjufjara beach and the particular arch-shaped rock formation. But not only that: if you are lucky you can also catch a glimpse of seals in the ocean.
