Day One
Blue Lagoon
Cure the jet-lag with an early morning soak in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Filled with skin nourishing minerals, there’s a variety of options to help you relax and feel rejuvenated–a great way to start off a vacation, in my opinion!
Breakfast at Sandholt
A bakery that has been family-run for four generations, this adorable breakfast spot was originally opened in the 1920s. The menu is often a revival of old recipes with innovative twists.
Gulfoss
After a relaxing morning of soaking and stuffing your face, a small road trip out of the city will lead you to the mesmerizing Gullfoss waterfall. A two-tiered waterfall along the Golden Circle, this is one of the most visited sites in Iceland.
Lunch at Geysir Glima
Located near the famous Geysir, settle in for lunch at this …interesting restaurant. With a theme based on Iceland’s national sport of trouser grip wrestling, there’s no shortage of references of the sport throughout the restaurant.
Laugarvatn
Finish off the night in the small lake village Laugarvatn. A perfect spot for chasing the Northern Lights, the Laugarvatn Lake is a beautiful backdrop for when the Aurora starts to dance in the sky. With a geothermal spa nearby, you can truly relax while waiting for the Northern Lights to make their appearance.
Day Two
Breakfast at Grái Kötturinn, “The Grey Cat”
Known for “The Truck”, this cozy little spot serves you booth style and surrounded by bookcases with their signature dish–a stack of pancakes made in-house with eggs, bacon, potatoes, tomatoes, toast, syrup, and butter.
Whale Watching in Snæfellsnes Peninsula
A huge bucket list item that I’ve been chasing from Norway to Alaska and now in Iceland is to see a wild killer whale. With residential and transient orcas in Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is one of the best places to spot these fascinating animals. While, of course, I’m keeping my fingers crossed to finally make this a reality, wildlife cruises are one of the only tours I’ll ever consistently book while on holiday.
Kirkjufell
After the two hour boat excursion, there will be plenty of time to make the twenty minute drive over to the gorgeous Mount Kirkjufell. Probably one of the most recognizable–and photographed–landmarks in Iceland, this scenic stop is also a great place to watch for the Northern Lights. The Kirkjufellsfoss next to “Church Mountain” is a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy the nature around you.
Grab a quick bite to eat at the nearby Harbour Cafe
Located near Kirkjufell, the Harbour Cafe offers everyday staples–making it a convenient choice for a quick bite to eat while keeping an eye on the Aurora tracker.
Day Three
Seljalandsfoss + Skogafoss
Located close to one another, the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are equally magnificent in size and beauty. Easy stops to add to your winter road trip, the Hotel Skogafoss is nearby for a cozy lunch spot after marveling at the falls.
Reynisfjara Beach
One of Iceland’s most famous attraction, this black sand beach is home to some magnificent basalt stacks and fast-moving Atlantic waves. Located nearby offshore is Reynisdrangar which, legend has it, were once trolls trying to lure ships to their demise but were caught in the dawn sunlight and turned to stone.
Dinner at Halldórskaffi
Located in the quaint village of Vik, this restaurant is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the area. Built around 1829, the cozy atmosphere and wide variety of food options lend to the restaurants casual ambiance.
Dyrhólaey
End the evening in Dyrhólaey where you can wait for the Northern Lights against the backdrop of the interesting geology of this South Coast village. With a beautiful lighthouse, black sand beach, and an arch with a hole along its cape, this place is a great setting with or without the Aurora in the sky.
Day Four
Breakfast at GK Bakari
This cozy bakery serves up delicious croissants, cinnamon rolls, and more, making it the perfect spot to start the final day in Iceland.
Diamond Beach + Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
One of the best places to experience icebergs as they detach from the glacier, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is home to Iceland’s diamond beach. With the opportunity to spot nearby wildlife, ice caves, and the Northern Lights, the lagoon provides a scenic backdrop that will literally dazzle.
Lunch at Gerdi Guesthouse
After admiring the glacial area, head to this cozy restaurant for a lunch made with local fresh produce. With an array of food options, this is a great spot to relax and warm up.
Vatnajokull Glacier Ice Caves Tour
Located near the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, book this tour to trek into the ice caves for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Only accessible during the winter months, this natural wonder is mesmerizing with its deep blues, light play, and unique formations.