Majestic land of volcano and ice. Though timing is unpredictable as Iceland's been actively erupting on and off which directly affects what's open (ie Blue Lagoon was closed temporarily a few years ago).
Traveled with the family in the winter time with shorter daylight, kept activities to a low/minimum. Used a tour guide for most of the Day Trips via Viator!
For Auroras: late September-Feb, high chance of visibility with zero clouds.
Before booking your trip, I recommend asking yourself what you'd like to do:
June–August: midnight sun, all roads open, all sites accessible. Driving is easiest, but no northern lights.
September–October: sweet spot — northern lights start, fall colors, fewer crowds, most roads still passable. Sun sets in the afternoon.
November–March: northern lights, ice caves, but limited daylight (4–5 hrs in Dec) and weather can shut down day-trip routes.
WHAT
sightseeing, daytrips, hiking, guided tours
WHERE
South Coast, Reykjavik, Golden Circle
DURATION
5 days
Getting around: uber, bikes/scooters, bus
Day 1 Golden Circle
Þingvellir National Park Walk the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Short hike, friendly for beginners.
Drive to Geysir / Strokkur Strokkur erupts every 15 mins, 20–30m high. Stand upwind. Cafeteria across the road for lunch, I really enjoyed the Icelandic lamb soup.
Gullfoss Two-tier waterfall crashing into a canyon. Walk both upper and lower viewpoints. Bring waterproofs.
Kerið Crater Red volcanic crater with a turquoise lake, you can walk around the rim.
Day 2 — South Coast
Longer driving day, 2.5 hours each way. Consider overnighting in Vík if you want to slow down.
Seljalandsfoss 60m waterfall you can walk behind. You will get soaked — bring full waterproofs.
Skógafoss Wider, blockier. Steep climb but rainbows when it's sunny.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Basalt column cliffs, jet-black sand, Reynisdrangar sea stacks. CRITICAL SAFETY NOTE: stay 30+ meters back from the water. Sneaker waves have killed tourists here. Read the warning signs.
Vík í Mýrdal Tiny village under Reynisfjall cliffs. The church on the hill for the iconic photo.
Day 3 - Lagoons
Sky Lagoon Oceanfront infinity lagoon 15 min from Reykjavík. The 7-step ritual (sauna, cold plunge, body scrub, steam, mist) is the experience. Book the Sér package for private changing. 3–4 hours.
Blue Lagoon the iconic one, 50 min from Reykjavík. Open as of June 2026 but in the active volcanic zone, so check safetravel.is that morning. Has lockers and private changing rooms. Closer to KEF airport, people usually fly out after.
Optional: Bridge Between Continents. Small bridge spanning the rift between North American and Eurasian plates. Free, quick stop, decent photo.
Day 4 - City Centre and Arbaer Open Air Museum
Yellow Lighthouse (Höfði) nice crispy seaview, short walk to the Music Concert Hall. Quiet, photogenic at sunset.
Arbaer Open Air Museum really cute old houses, a farm & other displays tracing the history, culture & folklore of Reykjavik.
Hallgrimskirkja Church walk down the street, lots of cafes, boutiques, thrift stores, and restaurants along the way.
Dining / Eats
Disclaimer: did not really eat out much as we packed food for the day trips. Grocery stores were our friend, must try their Kokomjolk (chocolate milk) and Icelandic skyr
Coffee + pastry to-go from Reykjavík Roasters or Brauð & Co.
Sjávargrillið - icelandic restaurant, excellent food
Mokka Kaffei - waffles and hot drinks
Sandholt — $$. The best all-day bakery
Krua Thai - OK for the location, ask for spicy
(Updated November 2024)