Flúðir, Iceland

experience • outdoors

Secret Lagoon Hot Spring

This beautiful geothermal lagoon is located along the Golden Circle and is very easy to get too. It’s not nearly as crowded or expensive as the other more popular lagoons. It’s very nice to enjoy the natural hot water with a delicious Icelandic beer.

Iceland, IS

experience

Seljalandsfoss

Right off the main highway, this is a must see. You will have to pay for parking, but it’s not bad. There are two paths to take: one up to a platform on the left or to the right and hike back behind the fall. If you go behind, prepare to get wet. Especially on a windy day.

Reykjavík, Iceland

restaurants

Skál!

Located inside a rad little food hall, this place has a really awesome bar. They offer a number of Icelandic beers and cocktails. Plus, they have a classics Icelandic hot dog on the menu. It made a delicious quick lunch.

Vik, Iceland

experience • outdoors

Dyrhólaey

The views of the black sand beach from up here are spectacular. The lighthouse, while simple, looks amazing against the mountains. While we were up here, the wind was very strong. Take caution when opening car doors.

Iceland, IS

outdoors

Eldhraun

The worlds largest lava field. These crazy rounded rolling hills used to be molten lava, flowing across the land. Now they’re solid and covered in a cool spongy moss.

Djupivogur, Iceland

outdoors

Nykurhylsfoss (Sveinsstekksfoss)

Quick jaunt off the highway up a dirt road, this waterfall has an easily accessible walking path to a platform looking down on the falls.

Reykjavík, Iceland

cafe

Micro Roast - Te & Kaffi

Quick and easy coffee stop inside the local food hall. Only had a basic coffee and chocolate croissant, but it really hit the spot.

Iceland, IS

destination • outdoors

Gullfoss Falls

This major tourist destination sits at the end of the Golden Circle. And while it was a bit crowded, it’s still worth the visit. It’s breathtakingly large and the multiple levels flow with so much power.

Iceland, IS

experience

Skógafoss

A huge powerful waterfall you can hike right up to. Off to the right is about a billion steps up to a platform at the top of the falls for look down.

Iceland, IS

outdoors

Reynisfjara Beach

A very cool black sand beach. The coolest part for me are the basalt cliffs with their cool stair step geometric rectangular shapes. Also, Game of Thrones was filmed here at some point.

Seydisfjordur, Iceland

experience

Seydisfjordur

A very cute little town nestled between some very beautiful, large mountains. It also features this awesome rainbow road painted right down town.

Reykholt, Iceland

restaurants

Friðheimar

Not only is this greenhouse one of the largest producers of tomatoes in the country, but it is also home to a tomato themed restaurant. Every item on the menu is tomato based including a tomato beer and cocktails. The service was great, the good tasty, and yes it was a bit expensive, but you’re eating in a self sustaining greenhouse literally alongside the tomatoes. It’s worth it for the experience.

Laugarvatn, Iceland

cafe • lodging • restaurants

Efstidalur II

A cafe, ice cream shop, restaurant, hotel, and farm all in one, this place has it all. We stopped in to try the ice cream and damn were we happy we did. So thick and smooth. It was a tad awkward eating it in front of the cows though.

Reykjavík, Iceland

experience

Hallgrimskirkja

Towering over Reykjavik, this church is architecturally beautiful. The outside is uniform and grey, the inside elegant. The organ pipes are also a sight to see. Unfortunately the elevator to the top of the tower was being replaced so we couldn’t see the view.

Hella, Iceland

bar • lodging • restaurants

Hotel Rangá

Took a quick refreshment break on our drive from Reykjavik to Vik. The bar menu is very good with a number of Icelandic inspired cocktails. We came at an odd time so it was very empty but staff was still very friendly and attentive.

Iceland, IS

outdoors

Dettifoss

This is a bit of a drive off the main road and a 15 minute hike down a very clearly marked path. Also a nice parking lot at the start. We didn’t stay long but it’s very large and powerful.

Iceland, IS

experience

Urriðafoss

A quick drive down a dirt road right off highway 1, this beautiful spot is worth the stop.

Iceland, IS

outdoors

Goðafoss Waterfall

Another popular stop with a large paved parking lot. Several overlooks and trails plus steps down to the waters edge.

Iceland, IS

lodging

Cottage at Reynisfjara

A cute little grouping of thee cottages, this Airbnb is located right above the famed Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. The host, a native who has lived on this property his whole life, was extremely friendly. The cottage have everything you could want albeit they are a tab small. Comfortably sleeps 3 with a kitchen area to cook in and a pleasant shower. https://abnb.me/mZswRZlnTW

Iceland, IS

outdoors

Yoda Cave

Down a dirt road and onto the beach (4WD suggested), you’ll find this awesome cave shaped like everyone’s favorite Jedi master.

Iceland, IS

outdoors

Jökulsárlón

One of the coolest things I’ve ever seen (literally). A lagoon filled with floating chunks of ice that have broken off the glacier in the mountains nearby. It’s so cool seeing the giant blue icebergs floating lazily around and eventually out to the beach. Highly recommend this stop.

Iceland, IS

outdoors

Gufu waterfall

Right off the side of the road on the way to Seydisfjordur, this is a quick hike down to the beautiful lagoon.