Discovering Iceland: Ultimate Travel Guide

Iceland had been on my bucket list for the longest time, and finally, the dream became a reality! I went on this adventure with my sister and cousin—my ultimate travel buddies. When I think back on this trip, I remember endless laughter, breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, unpredictable weather, and, of course, the beauty of Iceland.

Getting Around & Accommodation

We rented a 4x4, which I highly recommend if you want to explore freely. It cost us €300 for four days, including two drivers and full insurance—not bad at all! We stayed in an apartment on Rainbow Street, right in the city centre, close to great restaurants. The only downside? It got a bit noisy on weekend nights—Reykjavik is more lively than I expected!

First Impressions & Exploring Reykjavik

We arrived during a small storm—crazy wind, rain, and freezing cold. If you're visiting in winter, thermals are a must! Trust me, they’ll be a lifesaver.

Our first stop was Hallgrímskirkja Church, the city's main attraction. Rainbow Street, which leads up to it, is another must-see. We also visited the lighthouse—one of the best spots to catch the Northern Lights if you're in the city. There's also the quirky Penis Museum (we skipped it, but a friend recommended it since it's unique in the world!).

Blue Lagoon: Worth the Hype?

We had pre-booked the Blue Lagoon for our arrival day. The drive there was easy, though the road near the entrance was rough, so be careful. It was incredibly windy, so by the time we reached the entrance, we were soaked. Despite the weather, the experience was magical—the milky blue water against the lava rocks is stunning. Just a heads-up: the lockers are small, so keep a dry change of clothes separate!

Day 2: Chasing Icebergs & Black Sand Beaches

We woke up early for a road trip to Diamond Beach—about a five-hour drive from Reykjavik. It actually took us six hours with stops. The black volcanic sand covered in ice chunks looked like scattered diamonds, absolutely breathtaking. Right across the road is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where we spotted seals floating on the icebergs. You can also take a boat trip here, though we skipped it.

Next, we visited Fjallsárlón, another glacier lagoon, before heading to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon—an incredible scenic spot. Due to short daylight hours, we could only stay for 15 minutes, but it was worth it!

Our final stop was the charming town of Vik í Mýrdal. We barely made it before dark, just enough time to snap a photo of its picturesque church with the sea and cliffs in the background. You could also visit Reynisfjara Beach, famous for its dramatic basalt columns and powerful waves. Be careful—the "sneaky waves" here can pull you in! It's even ranked among the top 10 most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world.

That night, we went hunting for the Northern Lights. The forecast was good, but clouds covered the sky. A waiter at Islenski Barinn tipped us off about the lighthouse being the best viewing spot, and luckily, we caught a glimpse of the magical green lights! Not the brightest display, but still an unforgettable moment.

Day 3: Waterfalls & Geysers

With better weather, we set off to explore Iceland’s famous waterfalls. First stop: Kvernufoss, a hidden gem just a 10-minute walk from the parking area. You can walk behind it for an epic view.

Next was Skogafoss, a massive waterfall where you can climb to the top for a different perspective. We skipped the hike but admired the view from below. We also passed by Seljalandsfoss, which looked stunning.

Then, we headed to Gullfoss—one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. It’s right next to Geysir, an area filled with bubbling hot springs. Only one geyser erupts, but it's still fascinating to watch.

Day 4: Scenic Drives & Farewell to Iceland

Since it was our departure day, we stayed close to Reykjavik. The morning started with a snowy drive to Thorufoss, a smaller but postcard-perfect waterfall. Then we drove past Þingvallavatn Lake, an unexpectedly beautiful stop that made us feel like we were inside a painting.

Our last visit was to Kerið, a crater lake that was frozen over in winter. It was the only attraction we had to pay for (£4 per person), but it was worth it. You can walk down to the water’s edge for a unique view.

What We Missed (But Will Return For!)

• Svartifoss – A waterfall with basalt columns. The hike was too long in bad weather.
• Kirkjufell – The famous mountain from Game of Thrones—didn't have enough time.
• Hengifoss – Looks like the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland, but it's an eight-hour drive from Reykjavik.
• Whale Watching – The weather didn’t allow it, but I’ve heard it's a must, especially in the north.

Food & Restaurants

• Loki Café – Nice spot near Hallgrímskirkja, but overpriced.
• Mat Bar – Tapas-style dining, cozy vibes.
• Islenski Barinn – Best place to try whale meat! Super busy on weekends—book in advance.
• Skál! – Another great tapas-style place with delicious cocktails.

Final Tips

• No need for cash—cards work everywhere.
• Book restaurants in advance on weekends.
• Renting a car was the best decision—it gave us so much flexibility.
• Icelandic weather is unpredictable—layer up!

Despite the crazy weather and short daylight hours, I’m so happy with what we managed to see. Iceland exceeded all my expectations. I’m already planning a summer trip to explore what we missed!

Would I recommend visiting Iceland? A thousand times YES!