Iceland: Your 6-Day Ultimate Destination Adventure Guide

There is SO much to do in Iceland. For instance, maybe you want to unleash your inner Viking, see where Game of Thrones was filmed, or just visit for the epic beauty. You can do all of those things while you’re there so, there really is something there for everyone.

For me, from the moment I arrived, I fell in love with the crisp air, fresh water, and the elusive Northern Lights. On my first trip, I really wasn’t sure what to expect so, I hope this travel guide will give you some great ideas and encourage you to book your ultimate Icelandic adventure.

This is a 6-day adventure destination guide based on staying in Reykjavik where you will be taking multiple day trips from a home base. However, you can pick and choose the items that interest you and make this much shorter or longer depending on your travel plans.

Read on for the Icelandic adventure of a lifetime!

Before You Arrive in Iceland

In the sections below, you will find several basic travel items you should address before any major trip.

Here is a link to my article that goes more in-depth. I’ll just cover the basics specific to Iceland here.

Passports/Visa

American and Canadian passports must be valid for greater than 90 days before and after your return date.

When you arrive in Iceland, you must have proof of return or travel onward. This can be as simple as hotel check-out date, return flight info, etc. In summary, they just want to make sure you’re not planning to stay there forever.

WARNING: You very well may want to stay forever after you get there because Iceland is awesome!

US and Canadian citizens can travel to Iceland for up to 90 days without a visa. So, if you live in another country, please check with Iceland’s Embassy for current information.

Insurance

Iceland can be an unforgiving place. It is very rugged and accidents do happen. So, I would strongly consider medical and travel insurance.

Vaccines

Regardless of how you feel about vaccines, it would be beneficial to double check with the CDC or WHO for recommended or required vaccines prior to arrival. That’ why I always travel with a small laminated vaccine card, just in case.

Medication / Dietary Needs / Allergies

Obviously bring your required daily medication and prescriptions or anything you may need before arrival (such as dramamine if you have airplane issues). I found that what I brought was unnecessary as everything can be purchased in Iceland, if needed. This will save space in your luggage but will be the more expensive option.

Luggage

I have several other posts relating to what the best luggage is, especially for minimalistic travel. I would recommend a backpack style or a small carry-on. It will make it easier getting through the airports, security, and will force you to pack less and focus on the trip 😉

This is what I used for my backpack/luggage. It fit well in all planes and transportation vehicles. It’s my go-to for all international travel.

My recommended day pack. It rolls up so small and can literally fit anywhere in your carry-on. Perfect for packing the necessities on your day trips.

Currency

The currency in Iceland is the Krona. Iceland is very expensive compared to the US so depending on your budget, plan accordingly with your daily cash allowance.

I ALWAYS recommend obtaining foreign currency PRIOR to arrival. My bank, for example, has decent exchange rates and they order the money I need and I just pick it up within a few business days. Easy peasy.

Getting There

Iceland’s main international airport is Keflavík Airport (KEF). I would recommend flying there from any destination as it is the largest airport and is just right outside of Reykjavík which is also Iceland’s capital city…more on Reykjavik later 🙂

As most of you know, I tend to fly with American Airlines but that’s for another post. However, for this trip I actually flew in on Iceland Air. I was beyond pleased with their entire travel experience and it really emphasizes how lacking US airlines have become in the customer service department.

There is plenty of transportation at the airport but depending on where you are staying I would recommend setting up a pickup beforehand.

Hotels and Accommodations

One of the benefits about this itinerary is that it is based out of Reykjavík. This allows you to find a hotel and stay there for the duration. There are many good options and really just depends on your preference. For longer trips, spending several days in the capital and then catching a flight to other parts of the island and having a hub there is another good option.

My top hotel recommendation is The Apotek.

This is where I stayed on my first visit and loved it. It’s more of a boutique type hotel that is very elegant and almost has a condo/apartment feel. It’s centrally located and easily within walking distance of tons of shops and restaurants but is on the other side of the block so it remains quiet. Obviously, free Wifi. 😉 Check out the link for more details. It’s modestly priced so definitely isn’t sketchy but isn’t the fanciest, break the bank, place in Reykjavík either.

As a bonus, they have an amazing restaurant that serves breakfast for its guests. TIP: They have amazing mimosas.

The breakfast has a little bit of everything for everyone. It has your traditional American/Western style breakfast (think eggs, bacon, bagels) but also has Icelandic staples such as Lox. In addition, the have locally made jams and all sorts of fruits and spreads. Lunch and dinner is also great. You could eat there every day and have a wonderful time although there are so many great restaurants in Reykjavík, I wouldn’t recommended sticking to just one!

Other Accommodations

There are also many other great hotels, all of which are close by and are essentially in the center of everything.

Here’s a link to trip advisor for hotels that are at least 4 stars and are highly rated. Notice which one is close to the top 😉 Check it out!

INSIDER TIP: There is one other place I would recommend staying, especially if you have an extra night or two before you fly back. Check it out here! You’ll see why I recommend this hotel when we get to Day 6. 😉

Iceland Day 1

I would try to catch an overnight red-eye and get to Keflavík early in the morning. This will give you the entire day to explore. If your hotel room isn’t ready, they will store your luggage for you. Keflavík is just about an hour away from Reykjavík so, you could either have a day to explore in Reykjavík or hit the ground running with the itinerary below.

Best Iceland Day 1 Activity: Lava Tunnel

What an epic way to start your trip! This place is almost like a local secret. The tour is of the Reykjanes Peninsula Lava Tunnel! The Peninsula is in the “Southern Peninsula Region.” The Laval tube is this really neat tunnel that was formed by flowing lava from one of Iceland’s many volcanos and YOU GET TO GO IN IT.

Don’t worry, there’s no lava left but it has left a whole host of amazing sights once inside. You will not regret taking this guided tour. Did I mentioned it’s included in the UNESCO Global Geopark network? Check out this video!

Here are some of my own pictures from the experience.

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The great thing about this tour is that it’s only about a 15-20 minute drive from the airport and less than an hour from Reykjavík. On the way, you could also stop along the side of the road for views like these:

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Once you’re done exploring you can head on back to Reykjavík and to your hotel. Catch a bite to eat or explore any of the 100’s of shops. More on that in Day 6.

Day 1 Restaurant Recommendation: Grillmarkaðurinn

Translation: Grill Market. This place has an excellent ambience and amazing food.

Insider tip: Opt for the chef’s view or kitchen view. You get to watch the chef’s prepare everyone’s food right in front of you, through a big piece of glass of course. Occasionally, the chef will not like how a dish turned out visually and you can snag a few extra bites to eat, for free! I actually ended up eating here twice, it was that good.

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Day 1 Evening Activity: Hunt for the Aurora Borealis

The northern lights are an absolutely amazing force of nature. It’s prob the #1 reason why you wanted to go to Iceland to begin with. A few things I want you to know that are super important. I didn’t know some of these prior to going and I think it will help set your expectations.

Northern Light’s Expectations

• There is NO guarantee that you will see the lights.
• The best time to go is during October – April as that’s when the activity is highest but the middle of that range is even higher.
• Try to hunt every night, if possible.
• Hire a guide. The link above is a great company to use and they have DOZENS of other tours that are all very professional and well worth it.
• TIP: Look closely at the tour you book beforehand, some of them are actually greyhound style buses with 100’s of people all going to the same place, that’s not for me. I booked a smaller tour of < 15 people and it ended up just being me and the guide!
• Dress warm and in layers, not only is it frigidly cold in Iceland but the wind will feel like its actually getting down to your bones. BUT, it’s so worth it. Check out the video below and here is the link to book through Arctic Adventures.

One last thing about the lights…The lights themselves are quite often not as “vibrant” as these photos and movies make them seem. It can be difficult to see with the naked eye at times. The guides have special settings on their cameras to take these kinds of pictures. Here is a raw picture I took with my iPhone. There are ways to adjust your iPhone settings to see the lights better in your photos. Here

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Iceland Day 2

Best Iceland Day 2 Activity: Golden Circle Super Jeep Tour

I recommend a Golden Circle Super Jeep Tour on this day. You will start out from your hotel in Reykjavík and depart in a small group of no more than 15 people.

TIP: There are countless “Golden Circle Tours” so, if some of this doesn’t seem to be for you just find another one. There’s even snorkeling tours during some of the year!

This tour starts with a tour of Thingvellir National Park, then on to Gullfoss Falls, then Strokkur geyser, and finally to Langjökull Glacier and Ice Cap. I have specifics below but would still recommend Arctic Adventures. I mean take a look at this “Super Jeep.”

Thingvellir National Park

Starting off the day exploring this national park is truly an amazing experience. Getting to see the sunrise over this historic park where the Viking Parliament was located for over 8 centuries. Here you will see ruins of old shelters. The park actually sits between two tectonic plates which is what caused the surrounding mountains. The huge Almannagjá fault line is actually visible as a dark line on the side of the mountains.

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Gullfoss Waterfall

A tour of the Golden Circle wouldn’t be complete with a trip to the Gullfoss waterfall. Very well known and a popular destination, it’s sure to impress. I spent some time here just sitting on a bench taking in the sounds and you could actually feel the power of the water.

Strokkur Geyser

Basically Iceland’s version of “Old Faithful.” It erupts about every 10 minutes at up to 65 feet (20m)! From the parking area back to the Geyser is about a 5-10 minute walk. There are plenty of other things to see along the way and there are also restrooms, a restaurant for lunch, and a quite nice gift shop.

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Langjökull Glacier and Ice Cap

This is the 2nd largest glacier in Iceland second only to the mighty Vatnajökull! As part of the Golden Circle Tour, you will get to go on a snowmobile expedition on the glacier. The guides are so knowledgeable and will make you feel very safe. There is a set track to follow which leads down to a magnificent ice cave that you get to explore. This really is a one-of-a-kind experience you don’t want to miss. Traveling solo? it’s a small up-charge for riding solo.

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Day 2 Restaurant: 101 Reykjavik Street Food

I would highly recommend the fish and chips but there are also several soups if it is exceptionally cold out and many vegetarian options.

Iceland Day 3

Best Iceland Day 3 Activity: Wonders of Snaefellsnes Peninsula

This tour, operated by Iceland Unlimited was probably one of the most beautiful days of the trip. The vast diversity of scenery on this tour is unmatched. You will start by being picked up from your hotel in Reykjavík and will drive along Iceland’s western mystical coastline until you reach the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Eldborg Volcano

The first stop is nothing less than amazing because you will get to climb to the top of the Eldborg Volcanic Crater with the surrounding lava field. It last erupted in the 10th or 11th century.

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On the way to your next stop you will also pass a quite famous lake although not for a good reason as it was the location for the mass death of Herring (fish) in December of 2012 located in Kolgrafafjörður.

Kirkjufell Mountain

Next up, will be what is known as the most photographed mountain in all of Iceland. Yep, and it is know as Kirkjufell mountain or “Church Mountain” just outside of the small town of Grundarfjörður. I’ve included a few pictures and I’m sure you’ll recognize it. It sits just perfectly on the coastline so can be photographed from multiple sides. There is also a large waterfall nearby.

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Snæfellsjökull Glacier

The last stop before dinner is the Snæfellsjökull Glacier. Jules Verne used this glacier as the starting point for the Journey Into the Center of the Earth. Legend has it that it is also one of the seven most powerful energy centers of the earth. Fun fact: The glacier sits on top of an active volcano known as stratovolcano.

This area is scattered with small communities and is well known due to it’s black stone beach. We had lunch in Hellnar and then had some time to explore the coastline. There is legend here about “trolls” who protect the glacier and the peninsula and their power can be seen through the landscape.

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This tour is unique because the guide is local and you do not have a set schedule so the day is very flexible and you can just go with the flow. The company also operates private tours, if interested.

Day 3 Restaurant – Lýsuhóll

This was something absolutely unique and once in a lifetime. We actually had dinner at a local home and horse farm. The Lýsuhóll farm is a family owned small business located on the South coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in Western Iceland. Most Icelandic experts consider is to be the most beautiful and spiritual part of Iceland because of the variety of landscapes and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. The meal was ALL home cooked and was absolutely delicious. Would strongly recommend.

Iceland Day 4

Best Iceland Day 4 Activity: Ice Caves and South Coast

I did not put a link here because there are several options and it will just depend on what you’re looking for.

On this tour, we drove from Reykjavík along “Ring Road” to the town of Vik which is famous for its basalt columns. We left very early in the morning so it was nice to be able to get a cup of coffee here before we went to the “secret area” on the glacier. We had a safety briefing, were given crampons, a headlamp and helmet and escorted another 15-30 minutes to a remote area of the glacier.

When we got out of the car, there was about a 5 minute walk and we saw this! Note: there is no filter or editing to these photos, this is really what it looked like, almost living in black and white.

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New Ice Cave

We spent about 1 hour exploring and then were told we had a little extra time so we got to go to a new part of the glacier where they had been exploring a new cave. The conditions were just right so we were the first group of customers to get to see the inside of this newly found ice cave!

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This is bitter sweet because the cave was newly discovered due to the rapid melting of the glacier and the icecaps in Iceland.

Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls

One the way back home we continued along ring road and came across these two iconic waterfalls. Had about 30 minutes at each stop which was actually kind of rushed and I felt we needed about an hour, each.

Seljalandsfoss

This one was really neat because you can actually walk behind it!

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Skogafoss

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Day 4 Restaurant: Old Iceland

Todays recommendation is a little more upscale. They are a family owned business and focus on fresh Icelandic fish. You don’t want to miss out trying this and it is located in the heart of Reykjavík.

Iceland Day 5

Best Iceland Day 5 Activity: Safari Tours ATV

This was a 2 hour ATV or quad-bike tour of the Reykjavik Peak & Wolf Mountain summits as well as Hafravatn Lake. Pick up and drop off from my hotel and luckily, I was the only person on the tour that morning so its was very personal and I got to experience some extras not normally included in the tour.

Day 5 Restaurant: Icelandic Deli

This is where I had breakfast almost every morning because it was right in front of the pick up stop for the tours. It is also right next to the Hardrock hotel. They had an amazing assortment of breakfast items, great coffee, and very friendly service but do not have a formal website. Luckily, the name is easy to remember and the location is on google. They also have a facebook page and are on trip advisor.

Afternoon Day 5 Option: Relax vs. Reykjavík on your own

I had a good bit of free time this day since the ATV ride was in the morning so, I went an explored Reykjavík on my own and found several very fun and beautiful places.

The Sun Voyager

I can just imagine my viking ancestors having a special connection to this figure.

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Harpa (Opera House or Concert Hall)

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Hallgrimskirkja (Lutheran Parish Church)

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Other spots in Reykjavík

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Lunch spot: Reykjavík Street Dog

Best hotdogs around and are a must-try according to the locals.

Iceland Day 6

This day you will transfer back to the airport or will continue on to another part of the Island to continue your amazing trip.

Best Day 6 Activity: The Blue Lagoon

I’ll let you check out the link above for the specifics and the history behind the lagoon but it’s something you can’t go to Iceland without experiencing. Here’s a few of my own pictures from my visit there.

TIP: Get the deluxe package so you can do more than 1 mud mask 🙂 and if you have longer hair, leave in conditioner from the shower you have to take before getting in the lagoon. It’ll help your hair not to dry out from the heat and silica in the waters.

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I’ve done enough talking and if you’ve stuck with me, THANK YOU. I saved this part for last because if you have a few extra days, staying in the hotel at the blue lagoon will be a special treat so, check out the video and it’ll explain itself, words not necessary. Best part, you get special access to a part of the lagoon only guests get, it’s not open to the public!

Iceland Adventure Summary

Thanks again for taking the time to read this guide. I hope you enjoyed it. Give me a like, share this page, sign up for new posts and HAPPY TRAVELS!