If you go on a European trip, and plan on visiting or returning to North America, visit Iceland! It’s a great way to break up a long flight and see this island’s beauty. You see how unique Iceland is when a giant iceberg appears out the plane window as you descend into Reykjavik airport. Iceland is one of the most beautiful, kind, and adventure-filled countries I’ve ever visited. Below, you will find things I did and would do differently, and how to plan your visit to Iceland.
What to do before you visit Iceland
- Book an all-wheel-drive car: When driving in Iceland, you must have a car that can withstand the bumpy terrain and the curvy, sometimes slick roads.
- Book hotels in advance: Hotels are sparse in some parts of Iceland. Outside of Reykjavik, housing is miles apart, and to get a great place to stay, you must book a place 3-6 months in advance.
- Book a tour with experts: There are many options for traveling in Iceland. You can take self-driving tours, guided tours, or, like I did, wing it.
- Know what credit cards are accepted. The only credit card that worked for me was Visa®, which is common when traveling abroad, so make sure you have different credit cards before you visit Iceland.
- Plan for all weather: When I tell you nothing prepares you for the unpredictable weather of Iceland–I’m dead serious. In a 30-minute drive, it rained, sleeted, snowed, and had 50 mph winds, and the weather app said it would be sunny.
- Bring layers: In an hour, you can change from a T-shirt to a sweatshirt to a winter jacket. I’ve never seen anyone in flip-flops unless they go to the Blue Lagoon, but we’ll get to that later. Before visiting Iceland, some items to pack are fingerless Gloves, ear covers, and a portable sound machine.
How to get around Iceland
One of Iceland’s best features is that it has only one main highway, Ring Road or Route 1. Renting a car at the airport and driving around the Golden Circle is ideal.
Experience the Golden Circle when you Visit Iceland
- Reykjavik: Iceland’s gorgeous capital is the most popular tourist destination. It is known for its great atmosphere, famous landmarks, museums, and restaurants.
- Akureyri: The second largest city in Iceland, Akureyri, is home to many Icelanders in the North. Commonly referred to as the “capital of the North,” you can visit the city botanical garden, go whale-watching, or the surrounding Eyjafjörður Fjord.
- Húsavík: A whale-loving town, Húsavik is home to Geosea, a geothermal sea bath, its very own whale museum, its famous church and the unbelievably beautiful Goðafoss waterfall.
- Höfn: Located in the Southeast corner of Iceland, Höfn is home to the largest ice cap in Europe, Vatnajökull, where you can view its beauty at sea and the incredible surrounding mountains.
- Vik: Famous for its spectacular black-sand beach, Reynisfjara, Vik í Mŷrdral is home to two of the country’s most famous waterfalls: Skógafoss and Skógafoss. I want to visit Reynisdrangar, the beach with the most basalt formation and dark sand. It makes you feel like you’re on Mars.
- Vestmannaeyjar: Home to rare wildlife, including beluga whales and puffins, this little archipelago on the south coast of Iceland is a must-visit for all nature lovers.
Where to Stay in Iceland
Silica Hotel
Home to the Blue Lagoon, I stayed at the famous Silica Hotel, the more private, quaint hotel on the Blue Lagoon’s property. It has its private lagoon and warm and cozy hotels with some of the kindest staff I’ve ever encountered. It’s a 1.5-minute drive to the bigger Blue Lagoon, within walking distance, unless you are in the middle of a 60 mph windstorm (like me!)
Highland Base
Highland Base reminds me of Duluth, Minnesota. Its natural beauty is perfect for the wilderness explorer, like looking for the northern lights, but also for people who want to stay in and watch Iceland’s picturesque beauty. Highland Base reminds me of the Minnesota northern city that this hotel has underground tunnels to keep humans out of the elements—just like the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
I didn’t get a chance to stay because it was booked, but next time I visit Iceland, I’ll stay at this majestic hotel.
Iceland’s Downtown Experience
The Reykjavik Edition is a contemporary hotel in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. Its stunning spa and gorgeous rooftop bar make it a perfect place to mingle with other travelers and be close to everything downtown.
Where to Eat in Iceland
Lava
The Lava Restaurant on the Blue Lagoon property is among the best restaurants I’ve ever visited. The Chicken liver parfait was so good that I dreamed about it and didn’t stop talking about it to friends. The other menu item is their Grilled Beef with the best sweet potatoes. Oh, and the bread and butter! SIGN ME UP! Get the “Ástarpungar” and Caramel – salty and sweet for dessert.
Sümac
Sümac is famous for its unique flavors and vegan-inspired vegan-inspired plates; this fresh, unique restaurant has a little something for everyone – including delicious seafood for me.
There are more restaurants, but many of them are temporarily closed. I’ll add more as they reopen.
How I’d plan my next trip to Iceland
- Instead of staying in one hotel for the entire trip, I would do both the Golden Circle and the Diamond Circle by visiting each stop for 2-3 days, depending on what’s available.
- Book a two-week tour. I love to learn the history and culture and be one with the locals on my trips, and Iceland is the perfect place to do just that.
- No matter what – prepare for cooler Iceland weather. I packed a denim jacket and windbreaker over it, it still was cold.
- Buy high-quality hiking boots. The uneven, porous ground on Iceland’s southern side requires great traction and ankle stability.
- Forget the cash; stick to credit cards. We never used cash anywhere.
I genuinely cannot wait to visit Iceland again. I hope this information is helpful and that you, too, can enjoy it!
To see more about my European travel adventures, visit my blogs about Madrid, Barcelona, or Córdoba.
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