Travel Guide Iceland
Oooh, I seriously missed making fun travel guides. Due to the C-word, we all could travel a lot less and I could give fewer people tips, which is exactly what I love to do. But last December it was finally a party again, because a long bucket list dream of mine came true: a trip to Iceland. And thank goodness (but I didn't expect anything else) it was everything I expected and more. What. A. Beautiful. Country. And something completely different than I have ever seen before. Believe me: you want to go to Iceland, and then you want to save the travel guide below, because I have gathered the best tips for you.
Do
1. The Golden Circle is the most famous route in Iceland.
This route is actually a loop (which the name already suggests a bit) and if you follow it, you will encounter many of the highlights, such as the Geysir and Strokkur, the crater lake Kerid, and various beautiful waterfalls like the Gulfoss waterfall. I personally deviated a bit from this Golden Circle route and went more south. There you have waterfalls like Selfjalandsfoss, the Yoda Cave, the black beach, and the Vatnajökull glacier. The latter covers 8 percent (!) of the total area of Iceland. Definitely book a tour here and set aside a whole day for it, otherwise, you won't make it and that would be a shame.
2. Do your research well.
I really underestimated how big Iceland is; everything is quite far apart and you can't just do a spontaneous day trip. Planning a good route is key.
3. A day (or two) in Reykjavik.
Well, vacation and travel for me is also just about good food (and drinks). When you're mainly in the interior, for example, to do the Golden Circle route, you won't encounter any hotspots. That's why I found two nights in Reykjavik very enjoyable.
4. Visit the hot springs. I went to the Blue Lagoon (half an hour's drive from Reykjavik); it's the most famous but also the most expensive. On the Golden Circle route, for example, there's the Secret Lagoon, which is freely accessible.
Waterfalls
Iceland is known for its beautiful waterfalls. I initially thought: how many waterfalls can you see before it gets boring? Well, quite a lot, because I'm not bored yet. Below are the most beautiful ones you can see in Iceland.
1. Gulfoss
A beautiful waterfall and gi-gantic, located on the Golden Circle route. I was there in winter and it was completely white and snow-covered, which looks really beautiful. In summer, it's at least just as beautiful, and then you can also walk a route that brings you even closer to the waterfall (which is closed in winter for safety reasons).
2. Seljalandsfoss
The only waterfall in the country that is also illuminated at night, and it looks particularly beautiful. What makes this waterfall special is that you can walk behind it. Yes, you get a little wet, but it's really a must-do and not a strenuous climb at all.
3. Skógafoss
A waterfall near Seljalandsfoss (a bit more towards the south), where you can get all the way to the foot of the waterfall. You can also walk up a staircase to view it from above.
4. Dettifoss
I haven't been here myself, because this waterfall is located in the northwest of Iceland. It's not very conveniently located on the route, which is a shame; it's really a beautiful area and a large waterfall. Definitely worth the detour, I think.
5. Selfoss
This waterfall is also located in the north of Iceland and can be combined with Dettifoss, which is a few hundred meters away. Again, a very special view. It's a wide waterfall of only eleven meters high, but it falls meters wide like a curtain down.
6. Morsárfoss
You can find this in the Vatnajökull glacier and it is the highest waterfall in the country. Under the ice, the water falls into the depths: in total, it drops about 240 meters. A must-see if you take a day trip to the glacier.
Staying
This is a point in the category of choice stress, because there are so many good options in Iceland, each one more beautiful than the other. I always book everything through Booking.com because I find it the most convenient and user-friendly site with the most options. Fun fact: for this trip, I also booked the flight and car rental through Booking.com so everything is in one place. Super handy.
Side note: Booking.com has recently added a Sustainable Travel badge on their site. This way, you can easily see which accommodations contribute to sustainability. For me, that was, for example, the deciding factor to choose the hotel in Reykjavik.
1. Seljalandsfoss Horizons
I stayed here for two nights and it was truly pure enjoyment. This accommodation is located near the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, in the middle of nature, and has very modern and clean lodges. With a bit of luck, you can also spot the Northern Lights here.
2. Aurora Cabins
Since my trip to Iceland, I've become completely hooked on lodges again. The view contributes to that, of course, because how beautiful is it to see the mountains when you wake up? You can find these lodges in the east of Iceland.
3. Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel
If you stay one or more nights in Reykjavik, this is my ultimate recommendation. Fun fact: it has received the Booking.com Sustainable Travel badge: a new feature on their site to make it easier to choose sustainable options. They have very nice rooms that are super clean and the bed was top-notch (which I always find more important). Additionally, it has a cozy bar and the food was very extensive.
4. Hvammsvík Ocean Estate
And we dream on... It's beautiful here. Just above Reykjavik and again a lodge. It's almost right by the water, so waking up here isn't bad either.
5. Fossatun Camping Pods & Cottages
I find this accommodation so cute: small cabins in West Iceland. A very unique overnight stay, I think, with yet again such a beautiful view that you can only find in Iceland.
6. Lava House on the Ocean
A large lodge with — yes — a hot tub. How fun is that? With a bit of luck, you might see the Northern Lights while you're chilling in your own jacuzzi. It can't get better than that.
Hotspots Reykjavik
Is Reykjavik a nice city? Absolutely. And you can also eat and/or drink incredibly well there. At the hotspots below, for example. Good to know: food and drinks are not cheap in Reykjavik, and tipping is not expected.
1. Matarkjallarinn – Foodcellar
Incredibly cozy and snug restaurant, where live piano is played.
2. Fiskmarkadurinn – The Fish Market
SUSHI. And how. Okay, they also have other dishes on the menu, but the sushi here was really delicious. And they also make good Espresso Martinis, by the way.
3. Kopar
Beautiful and good restaurant with a view over the harbor of Reykjavik. For fish and meat lovers, they have plenty of options.
4. Apotek Restaurant
The name says it all a bit: this hotspot indeed has the look and feel of a pharmacy, but then with fine dining. Recommended for a luxurious night out.
5. Dill Restaurant
The restaurant from Iceland with a Michelin star. A must-visit for foodies: dining here is truly a celebration.
6. Reykjavik Meat
For fresh fish, you are of course in the right place in Iceland, but when it comes to meat, they can do that too, you know. And you definitely need to come here.
7. Jungle Cocktail Bar
For when you want to have a drink after dinner: a beer or a cocktail. Completely jungle-themed and very cozy.
8. Hedinn Kitchen & Bar
Hedinn Kitchen & Bar has a sleek and modern interior with artworks as dishes. Not cheap, but really worth every cent.
