Unsplash Iceland
“Better to live one day as a lion than a hundred years as a sheep.”— Icelandic Proverb
Planning notes — I haven't been here yet. This page is my personal research for a future trip.
A volcanic island of extremes — glaciers next to volcanoes, geysers erupting from frozen ground, waterfalls at the edge of the world, and black sand beaches battered by the North Atlantic.
Why I Want to Visit
Iceland challenges everything about landscapes. Walk between tectonic plates, soak in geothermal springs, drive behind waterfalls, and watch icebergs calve from glaciers — all in one week. The Ring Road is one of the world’s greatest road trips, plus reliable northern lights viewing.
Draft itinerary
Ten days for a full Ring Road circuit:
- Reykjavik (2 days) - Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa, Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss)
- South Coast (2 days) - Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Vik black sand beach, Reynisfjara sea stacks
- Vatnajokull and Jokulsarlon (2 days) - Europe’s largest glacier, Diamond Beach, glacier hiking
- East Fjords and North (2 days) - Fishing villages, Dettifoss, Myvatn geothermal area
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula (2 days) - Kirkjufell mountain, coastal hikes, lava tube caves
What I’m Most Excited About
- South Coast waterfalls appearing one after another
- Walking on Vatnajokull glacier to see ancient blue ice
- Natural hot spring under the northern lights
- Crystal-clear glacier ice washing up on Diamond Beach
Food spots on my radar
- Grillid (Reykjavik) — Top-floor fine dining with panoramic city views. 📍 Maps
- Messinn (Reykjavik) — Beloved seafood spot on Laugavegur. 📍 Maps
- Saegreifinn (The Sea Baron) (Reykjavik) — Legendary tiny harbour shack. 📍 Maps
- Tjoruhusid (Isafjordur) — Rustic Westfjords fish house in a timber warehouse. 📍 Maps
- Pakkhus (Hofn) — Waterfront restaurant in Iceland’s lobster capital. 📍 Maps
Hotels I’ve shortlisted
- Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik ★★★★ (Reykjavik) — Stylish hotel on Laugavegur shopping street with Icelandic-inspired design. View →
- Kex Hostel ★★★ (Reykjavik) — Trendy former biscuit factory with lounge. View →
- Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon ★★★★ (Hnappavellir) — Modern hotel between Skaftafell. View →
- Hotel Ranga ★★★★ (Hella) — Countryside luxury lodge with own observatory for northern lights. View →
Experiences I’m considering
- Golden Circle Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik — Thingvellir tectonic plates. 8h. View →
- Northern Lights Hunt by Bus from Reykjavik — Aurora chase into the countryside with expert guides. 4h. View →
- Glacier Hiking on Solheimajokull — Crampon hike across ice formations. 3h. View →
- Blue Lagoon Comfort Entry with Transfer — Geothermal soak with silica mud masks. 4h. View →
- Husavik Whale Watching Tour — Humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins in Skjalfandi Bay. 3h. View →
Getting Around & Where to Stay
Airports, transport, taxis, hotels & useful apps for Iceland
Places on my radar
Some links on this page are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Glacier walks, volcano tours & Blue Lagoon
Ice cave explorations, whale watching, and the legendary Golden Circle route.
You might also like
