Iceland

This is one of my top 5 places I’ve ever been to. You will be in complete awe the moment you land. It’s so GREEN here. I felt like I was on set for Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. Everything, from the waterfalls, mountains, green landscape, national parks, free sheep and horses roaming around everywhere, hot springs, caves, forests, black sand beach, blue lagoon, to the lava tunnels, was pure magic. I kid you not when I say, you will never want to leave. I also highly encourage you to go to the countryside of Iceland.

Seljalandsfoss

Throughout my trip, I booked 3 different Airbnb’s depending on where I was going. I encourage you to do the same since Iceland is so vast, if you stay in 1 place, it will be a lot of back and forth driving depending on your itinerary.

Activities/Sightseeing:

  • Blue Lagoon. This famous geothermal spa is so great. It has an outdoor lagoon, too. We went here straight off the plane which was a good choice. After flying for 6+ hours, relaxing in a spa is the way to freshen yourself up. The weather is typically cold but the waters are so warm. It’s also extremely dry, though so make sure you wear lotion after. They provide hair masks since the minerals in the water will make your hair very stiff and tangled. Also, there are face masks you can enjoy while doggy paddling around :) They are complimentary. It does cost $54 for regular entry and some basic services. You can book online and get more information.

  • Thingvellir National Park. Ok, so this is a must. Not only is the car ride into this park unlike anything you’ve ever seen, but it’s also even more amazing the minute you step foot into it. The largest natural lake in Iceland is to the south of it. The waterfalls, forests, and trails makes you feel like you entered a different time zone. Please, just go.

  • Gullfoss Falls. One of the most amazing waterfalls I ever did see. It is located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland. 

  • Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall is located on the side of the road right by Route 1. You can’t miss it. It drops 60m and you can even walk/hike behind the waterfall and see it from a different perspective. Make sure to bring a raincoat and waterproof shoes as you are bound to get splashed from the falls.

  • Skógafoss. What I really liked about this waterfall was the fact that you could hike all the way up to the top of it and see it from 2 different angles. You also get an incredible view of the coastline. Again, very cold and you’re bound to get a little wet so pack/dress accordingly :)

  • Strokkur. This was SO COOL. It was a water fountain type geyser located in a geothermal area. Whenever it erupted, we all got soaked but it was so fun to witness.

Other things to do/see:

  • Black Sand Beach (an absolute MUST)

  • Lava Tunnel Tour (book online. SO GREAT)

  • The Sólheimasandur plane wreckage (be prepared to walk down a very long path on the beach to get to it)

  • Vatnajokull National Park

  • Budir Black Church

  • Snorralaug (Hot Spring)

  • Hallgrímskirkja (located in Reykjavík)

  • Mývatn

  • Skaftafell

  • Thórsmörk

  • Kirkjufell 

  • Aldeyjarfoss

  • Goðafoss

    Before you go:

1) Rent a car. Do not rely on public transportation as there really isn’t any that’ll satisfy your points of interest. Everything is spread out here so it’ll be difficult (and pricey) to rent a taxi and go.

2) Do not just stay in Reykjavik. It’s a great town so definitely check it out and stay for a night or two but Southern & Western is where it’s all at. The main waterfalls and black sand beach are a few hours from here so you’ll spend a lot of $ in gas if you commute back and forth every day. Also, be prepared to sit in a car for a few hours a day. Traveling around Iceland is beautiful though and there’s always something to gaze upon.

3) Pay attention to the time of year you’re going. I went in August so it was cold, a bit rainy & the sun didn’t set sometimes until 1 am. Plan properly and make sure you're going during a time that’s fitting with the activities you have planned.


Check out “Guide to Iceland”. This will really help you plan properly and give you more in depth details.

Danielle Giordano