There’s something absolutely electric about arriving in Reykjavik for the very first time. You can already feel that you are in a different world as the plane touches down—this is no ordinary place. The moment you step into Keflavik Airport, Iceland’s quirky charm hits you in full force. Walking through the terminal I spotted some Bjork lyrics on the window, the words almost as hauntingly beautiful as the woman herself: "I feel emotional landscapes, they puzzle me.” Well, Bjork —me too.

As we made our way to baggage claim, I looked up and—there it is—a puffin. But, hold on… it’s upside down. I couldn’t just help but laugh. Iceland, it seems, has a sense of humor that’s as unpredictable as its weather.

After snagging your bags and a quick check of the puffin situation (yes, it’s still upside down), we rushed to the car rental desk. The open road is calling, and you know that some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes are just waiting to be discovered.

First stop? The supermarket. You’ve heard that Iceland has a very unique food scene, and you’re about to find out for yourself. The aisles are a curious mix of familiar and exotic—where else can you find skyr, herring, and an entire shelf dedicated to sauces and gravlax? Naturally, we were there to load up on goodies. You leave with a basket full of treats, already thinking about all the meals you’ll eat with that epic view of glaciers and waterfalls in the coming days.

I must say that when booking accommodations for this trip, the experience was a little bit different since it seemed to me you can only book through an OTA (Online Travel Agent). Well, that’s a plot twist in my books! But we ended up staying in pretty nice, nordic style hotels.

The Icelandic adventure has officially begun, and I can’t wait to see what this stunning country has in store—waterfalls, hikes, ice and out of this planet landscapes. Let’s hit the road!

Roadtrippin’

There’s nothing quite a road trip, especially when winding through Iceland's jaw-dropping landscapes. Picture this: cruising along the Ring Road, the scenic highway that hugs the coastline, with snow-capped mountains to one side and the wild ocean on the other.

The best part? You’re never alone on this journey. Fluffy sheep dot the fields, grazing lazily as you zoom past—head down, oblivious to the traffic but always curious about the mysterious humans in cars. Or maybe its Icelandic horses—those magnificent, sturdy creatures with their wind-swept manes. It’s like they belong to a different era, but somehow, they look right at home in the ever-changing landscape.

Every twist and turn of the road reveals something new. One moment you’re driving through rolling green hills, and the next, you’re passing through a volcanic field where the earth looks like it could explode at any moment. You might drive through a charming little village tucked between rugged cliffs, or find yourself alongside towering waterfalls, their mist drifting across the road like something out of a fairytale. The landscapes are really like scenes from a dream.

Golden Circle —An Iconic Loop

The Golden Circle —wow! It’s like nature’s most spectacular showcase of raw beauty, with every stop feeling like an exploration into the Earth’s very soul. If you’ve ever dreamed of standing in a place where volcanoes, waterfalls, and bubbling hot springs converge, this is your moment.

One of the most iconic stops along the way is Geysir, the geothermal wonderland that gave its name to geysers worldwide. As you stand there, waiting, the air carries a faint sulfur scent, and you can feel the energy in the ground beneath your feet. The Strokkur geyser is the main event, a dramatic display that erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, sending a jet of steaming water into the air.

We got there at sunset so, honestly it was magic. The sky becomes a painter’s palette, tinged with shades of gold, amber, and pink, casting a soft glow over the steaming hot springs and the shimmering water of the geyser. It’s almost like nature's grand finale to your day.

Pro-tip: stay at Hotel Geysir. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring and driving around. Rates are around $300 USD per night and they include breakfast. Not only is it right next to the geysers, but it also offers a front-row seat to the natural spectacle. The design of the hotel is sleek and modern, but still manages to blend beautifully with the rugged landscape around it.

Later that evening, we set off on a quest to chase the Northern Lights —like, this is why we came for! one of the world’s most enchanting spectacles, a natural symphony of color and light that dances across the Arctic sky. There’s something utterly surreal about witnessing this phenomenon; it’s like nature is putting on a private show just for you, a performance that humbles you and makes you feel impossibly small and incredibly lucky at the same time. It’s really like dancing lights.

What makes it even more special is how unpredictable it is. Sometimes the Northern Lights put on a quiet, gentle show, brushing across the sky with a soft glow. Other times, they explode into a wild, pulsing cascade of color, so vivid and bright it almost feels like the sky is alive, pulsating with energy. No two displays are ever the same, making each experience uniquely your own.

If you’re lucky enough to catch them, it’s the kind of moment that leaves you breathless, standing there in pure awe, wondering how something so beautiful can exist. A perfect reminder that the world is full of wonder, and sometimes, the most extraordinary things happen when you least expect them.

Seljalandsfoss —Waterfall Magic Begins

This majestic cascade is more than just a beautiful sight; it’s an experience that pulls you into nature’s wild embrace. As you approach, the roar of the water fills the air, growing louder with every step. And then, there it is, tumbling 60 meters (about 200 feet) from the cliffs above, its crystal-clear waters plunging into the river below.

What makes Seljalandsfoss truly enchanting, though, isn’t just its size or power—it’s the perspective. Unlike most waterfalls, you can actually walk behind it. Yes, behind the waterfall! As you make your way along the narrow path, water droplets spray in the air, and create a shimmering mist around you. The landscape, with its endless stretches of moss-covered rocks, green fields, and the distant horizon, feels both distant and incredibly intimate all at once. It's like peeking through a secret window to another world, where the forces of nature are both gentle and powerful in equal measure.

Gljúfrabúi —A Hidden Gem

Now here’s a hidden gem that feels like nature’s best-kept secret. Tucked just a short walk away from Seljalandsfoss, this waterfall is like a mystical little treasure waiting to be discovered. If you weren’t paying attention, you might miss it entirely. But once you step through the narrow canyon that hides it, you’re transported into a world that feels almost magical.

The path leading to Gljúfrabúi is a bit more adventurous, winding through a gorge. As you approach, the first thing you’ll notice is the water, spilling down a rugged cliff face, hidden behind a veil of moss and stone. The entrance to the waterfall is narrow, almost secretive, as if nature has intentionally kept this one to itself, and when you step inside, it’s like entering a hidden sanctuary.

Gljúfrabúi might not be as famous as some of Iceland’s other waterfalls, but that’s exactly what makes it so unforgettable. It’s a quiet, hidden wonder that stays with you long after you’ve left, a reminder of the untouched beauty waiting just beyond the beaten path.

Skógafoss —The Mighty Waterfall

The mighty, unstoppable force of nature that stands as one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. As you approach, you can hear it long before you see it, the sound of thousands of gallons of water crashing down from the sky. This waterfall smashes into the ground, creating a plume of mist that rises high into the air, almost like a smoke signal from the earth itself.

At 60 meters tall and 25 meters wide, Skógafoss commands your attention the moment you lay eyes on it. But it’s not just the waterfall’s immense size that makes it unforgettable—it’s the beauty of it, too.

On a sunny day, the mist created by the falling water catches the light, and—if you’re lucky—a rainbow appears, arching vibrantly across the base of the falls. The colors are so vivid, it almost feels like they’re painting the sky just for you.

For those who want to experience Skógafoss from a different perspective, there’s a lookout point that offers a stunning panoramic view of the falls—and the surrounding landscape. A set of stairs takes you up to the top of the waterfall, where you can stand on the edge, looking out over the vast, lush plains below, the river winding its way through the countryside. From up here, you get a completely new appreciation for the power of Skógafoss, watching as the water falls in a perfect, steady curtain from above, surrounded by mist and lush greenery.

Reynisfjara —a Black Sand Beach.

A black sand beach where the forces of nature converge in dramatic ways. It’s the kind of place that instantly captivates you, with its striking contrast of jet-black sand, the roiling Atlantic waves, and towering basalt columns rising from the earth.

As you walk onto the beach, the dark sand shifts beneath your feet, giving the whole landscape an almost mystical quality. The beach itself is framed by powerful sea stacks—the Reynisdrangar—rock formations that rise majestically out of the ocean like eerie, jagged fingers pointing toward the sky. According to Icelandic legend, they are said to be trolls turned to stone, frozen in time forever after trying to drag a ship ashore under the cover of night. Whether you believe the story or not, these sea stacks add to the beach’s wild, otherworldly charm.

And then, of course, there’s the relentless power of the Atlantic. The waves at Reynisfjara are no joke—crashing in with a fury and sending up plumes of white foam that contrast sharply with the black sand. It’s a place where the raw energy of the ocean is palpable, and you can’t help but feel humbled by its strength. The sound of the waves breaking against the shore is like nature’s heartbeat, steady and strong. It’s mesmerizing, almost hypnotic, as you stand there, just watching the endless tide.

And let’s not forget the cave at the base of the cliffs—a natural cathedral formed by the same volcanic forces that shaped the rest of the beach. Standing inside it, surrounded by the sharp, honeycomb-like formations of basalt, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered another realm, where time and tide are the only forces that matter.

Pro-tip: visit Dyrhólaey for almost aerial views of the beach and rock formations.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – A Stunning Gorge

A gorge so stunning, it looks like it was carved by the hand of a giant sculptor with an artist’s eye for perfection. Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Iceland, this canyon is a hidden gem that feels almost otherworldly, like something straight out of a fantasy novel.

As you approach the canyon, the first thing you notice is the scale of it. The canyon stretches about 2 kilometers long, and in places, it’s up to 100 meters deep. The sides are steep and craggy, dotted with moss and vibrant green vegetation, creating a lush contrast to the dark, jagged rock. Below, the Fjaðrá River winds its way through the bottom of the gorge, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the sky above. The river carves its way through the canyon floor, weaving between the cliffs and creating delicate ripples that catch the light in the most mesmerizing way.

Pro-tip: there’s a charming little store that perfectly complements the majestic beauty of the landscape. Think of it as a delightful pit stop where you can warm up, grab a snack, and pick up a little piece of Icelandic magic to take home—I bought here a precious item that I still keep in my collection of magnets. It’s cozy, welcoming, and has that rustic, down-to-earth vibe that makes you feel instantly at ease after wandering through the stunning canyon.

For the second part of this roadtrip we stayed at Umi Hotel located just outside the village of Vík—which is a great campground to visit all famous landmarks in the South Coast— is like immersing yourself in the very soul of Iceland’s wild beauty while enjoying the comforts of a modern, luxury retreat. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by panoramic views that are nothing short of breathtaking. The hotel’s design is sleek and minimalist, perfectly blending with the dramatic Icelandic landscape. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, it feels like the hotel has been carefully placed right in the middle of nature, bringing the outdoors in. Rates go from $400 USD per night.

Vatnajökull National Park – Glacier Adventure

This is one of Iceland’s true crown jewels, a place where nature’s power is on full display. As the largest national park in Europe, Vatnajökull is a mesmerizing playground for anyone who loves the thrill of the great outdoors. Covering roughly 14% of Iceland’s total landmass, the park is home to Vatnajökull Glacier, a towering, sprawling ice cap that dominates the landscape like a frozen titan. The glacier itself is a thing of wonder, stretching across miles and miles of land, with ce cliffs, blue crevasses, and the kind of serenity that only the icy world can offer.

Now, the real magic of Vatnajökull lies in the hidden treasures tucked inside its icy depths. Ice cave tours are a bucket-list experience, and they are nothing short of otherworldly. Imagine stepping into a shimmering blue world where the ice forms incredible shapes and patterns, like something from a dream. The caves are like nature’s own art galleries—every surface glows with hues of crystal-clear blue and frosty white, and the light that filters through the ice creates a glow that’s soft yet surreal, almost as if you’ve entered a secret, frozen cathedral.

As you venture deeper into the caves, the air feels crisp and cool, and the sound of your footsteps echoes off the icy walls, adding to the otherworldly ambiance. The walls of the caves are alive with movement, shifting with the seasons, so no two visits are ever the same. Some caves are delicate and translucent, while others have deep, rich blue tones that appear almost as though they’re glowing from within. You’ll find intricate patterns in the ice that look like frozen waterfalls or translucent layers of blue and white that tell the story of the glacier’s slow, steady transformation over time.

The adventure doesn’t stop there. In addition to the ice caves, the park is full of glacier hiking opportunities that allow you to trek across the icy surface of Vatnajökull itself. Armed with crampons and an expert guide, you’ll walk across vast expanses of ice, witnessing firsthand the power of this frozen landscape. You’ll feel the crunch of the ice beneath your feet and get a sense of the glacier’s size.

Over at Jökulsárlón, the famous glacier lagoon just on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park, the icebergs drift in serene silence —if you’re lucky enough, you might spot seals lounging on the icebergs, their sleek bodies resting on the chilly surfaces, occasionally popping their heads up to take a curious look at the visitors below. It’s a moment of natural wonder that feels like a perfect little surprise in the heart of a frozen world, as these playful creatures live among the ancient ice. Watching them in their icy domain adds a sense of life and joy to the stillness of the glacier, making the scene even more magical.

And if that wasn’t enough, the park itself is a land of contrasts—glaciers, volcanoes, and rugged landscapes blend seamlessly, creating a dynamic environment where nature constantly shifts and surprises. The rivers that carve through the valleys, the mossy fields, and the towering volcanic mountains all play their part in crafting a landscape so varied and breathtaking, you can’t help but be in awe of how wild and untamed this part of Iceland is.

Visiting this place has undoubtedly been one of the most profound and unforgettable experiences of my life. It’s not just a moment on a trip—it’s a memory that will stay with me forever in my soul. Every part of this journey felt like a personal gift. It’s one of those rare, life-changing experiences that makes you feel so deeply connected to the earth, as if you’re a part of something much bigger than yourself. This visit wasn’t just a highlight of my trip—it was a highlight of my life, and I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful to have witnessed it firsthand.

Jökulsárlón

Diamond Beach

Reykjavik

Iceland’s vibrant capital, where the energy of a modern city blends seamlessly with the country’s unique, laid-back charm. From the colorful streets to the buzzing cafés and the raw beauty of its natural surroundings, Reykjavik is the kind of place that invites you to explore, unwind, and soak in the creative spirit that pulses through its heart.

Start your day with a visit to one of the city’s many cozy cafés. The Icelandic coffee culture is strong, and you’ll find a warm, welcoming atmosphere wherever you go. Whether you're sipping a velvety cappuccino or indulging in a rich Icelandic hot chocolate, it's the perfect way to ease into the day.

Once you're fueled up, head to Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church that towers above the city. With its striking, modernist design, the church resembles the shape of volcanic lava flowing toward the sea—perfectly fitting for a city nestled between mountains and ocean. You can climb the tower for panoramic views of Reykjavik and beyond, where the colorful rooftops of the city meet the sparkling Atlantic Ocean and the snow-capped peaks of nearby mountains.

From there, take a leisurely stroll through the old town, where the colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and quirky shops give the city an intimate, almost cozy feel.

As you continue wandering, you’ll likely come across the Sun Voyager—a striking sculpture by the sea that looks like a Viking ship on its way to explore the unknown. It’s an ode to Iceland’s maritime heritage and the country’s spirit of adventure, and standing next to it with the wind in your hair, you’ll feel the call of the open sea.

For lunch, treat yourself to some Icelandic cuisine as the city has a thriving food scene.

Reykjavik is also a fantastic place to shop for unique, high-quality items that reflect Iceland's beauty and culture. Whether you’re after souvenirs, local fashion, or just something to remember your trip by, there’s plenty to explore!

Know before you go

The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and be prepared for rain, wind, or sun—sometimes all in one day, and all of it in a wild form! Also hiking shoes will be essential for this trip for all the wet and/or rocky terrain.
Be cautious on the roads, as they can be narrow and winding. Some areas may also require a 4x4 vehicle, especially if you're exploring beyond the main routes. Check road conditions, especially in winter, and be mindful of the changing weather patterns.
If you’re going in summer, the days are long, but in winter, daylight is much shorter, so plan your driving accordingly.
Sun protection even if it's cloudy—it can still be strong, especially with the reflection off the glaciers or black sand beaches.
Beaches are not swimmable. The South Coast is famous for its dramatic black sand beaches like Reynisfjara. But, these beaches also have incredibly strong and dangerous waves. Even if the weather seems calm, the waves can be very unpredictable. Always keep a safe distance from the water’s edge. The phenomenon of "sneaker waves"—waves that can suddenly surge up the beach—makes it particularly risky, sounds like a movie but it’s real.
Icelandic Króna (ISK) is the official currency in Iceland. Iceland is a very card/mobile-payment-friendly country. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted—almost everywhere you go. Iceland is generally expensive, especially when it comes to food, accommodations, and activities.
Icelandic is the official language, however, English is widely spoken.
While we didn’t explore it in this trip, two other places that I would advise looking into are the Blue Lagoon —which may or may not be a tourist trap —and Svartifoss a very Game of Thrones looking waterfall.