Iceland is on many people’s bucket lists (probably yours too when you read this post), and the reasons are obvious. However, if, for any crazy reason, you still need a last push to choose Iceland as your next holiday destination, you can check our full Iceland itinerary here.
After this trip, we got even a bit obsessed with budgeting and planning because we realized that a well-planned trip could save us tons of money that we could use for our next trip.
Now, the goal of this post is to present you with a breakdown of our Iceland travel expenses for a week and a four-person trip. Of course, these prices can vary, but at least you can know how much other fellow travelers needed for a similar trip. If you have already made this trip, we would love to hear how much money you spent and the number of days so others can have more comparison points.
A quick comment is that we will not include flight tickets in this list. The flight prices depend strongly on the country you are flying from, the airline you choose, the amount of luggage you want to bring, and the season. For reference, we pay 110 € for two people (round trip), with only cabin bags flying directly with WIZZ from Dortmund, Germany, to Reykjavik and 270 € from Milan, Italy. A fun fact is that we have paid more for a trip to Spain than what we paid for this flight to Iceland. First, for this Iceland trip, we carefully chose the travel dates for a cheap flight from our respective countries. Second, we decided to fly from airports in other cities where the flights were more affordable than our local airport. Of course, when we do this, we always consider the extra we need to pay for moving to a different city. Therefore, the flight ticket from that city has to be cheaper than our local airport plus transportation. In this case, we also used some train coupons we had with DB (German national railway company), which made the trip to the airport almost free.
Some of the links on this post contain affiliate links. If you click through and purchase something, we may receive payment. Although all these recommendations are based on our personal experience.
7 nights throughout Iceland. You can find more details of each accommodation in our daily itinerary, which can be found here.
Food
180 €/187$
This was the point where we reduced most of our budget. Except for a few lunches, the rest of our meals were supermarket food and some other food we brought from home (upcoming post about this topic). You can find a bit more information about this in our post: “Money and currency in Iceland“.
Gas
107 €/111$
This was the price from August 2020, and for a total of around 2300 km.
If you are planning a trip to Iceland, there is a huge probability you want to visit the Blue Lagoon, or at least you are questioning if it is worth visiting. So in this post, we took a different approach; instead of just sharing our experience, we searched on Google, Facebook, and other platforms for the most asked question about the Blue Lagoon, and we compiled the answer to some of them in one post. At the end of the post, we also include some alternatives to the Blue Lagoon, including budget-friendly free hot springs in Iceland.
Taken from Google search
Twenty of the most asked questions about Blue Lagoon Iceland hot springs
*All the prices in this post are from September 2021
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through one of our links we can get a small commission to support our blog.
1. What is the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is the most popular spa in Iceland. It owes its name to the milky-blue water as a result of the way silica reflects the light. Silica is the most abundant element in the water.
The lagoon is formed due to the geothermal seawater pumped out from the geothermal plant Svartsengito to the nearby lava field after heating fresh water for domestic use. The silica from the water separated after the cooldown, forming a mud layer in the lava that stopped the water seeping through, creating the lagoon.
The lagoon was used for the first time for a man suffering from psoriasis to relieve his skin. After the positive effect on his skin, a public bathing facility was opened in 1987 for people with similar skin problems. It didn’t take long after that for locals to start going too to the hot spring.
The Blue Lagoon is ideally located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 40 minutes from downtown Reykjavík, with the usual traffic. Its closeness with KEF airport is why many people choose to visit the lagoon on the first day of arriving, coming directly from the airport or their last day in Iceland on their way to the airport.
Tip: Another top-rated stop near the Blue Lagoon is the bridge between continents, a wooden bridge over the fissure of the North American and European tectonic plates.
3. How to go to the Blue Lagoon from KEF Airport?
Taxi
A cab to Keflavik airport is an easy but expensive solution. You can either grab one directly at the airport or book it in advance. But you should know as most things in Iceland taxis are costly. A regular taxi can cost approximately 80 € (~$90) if you book it in advance; otherwise, the prices can double. If you want to use a taxi, you can check here for some options.
Car
Renting a car just to travel from KEF Airport to the Blue Lagoon is probably not the best option when you can use a shuttle bus for a much affordable cost. But suppose you are planning a road trip to Vík, the Golden Circle, the Ring Road, or any other of the many attraction Iceland has to offer. In that case, you can book the car directly from the airport and make this your first stop.
There are plenty of car companies at the airport to choose from. The myriad goes from well-known, like Sixt, Enterprise, and Hertz, to local car companies like Blue Car Rental. All of them offer a shuttle bus nearby the P2 parking, but if you prefer to walk, it’ll take you less than five minutes to their airport offices.
There is a free parking lot just outside the Blue Lagoon lava path entrance.
Bus
There is more than one service here, you can use:
Book a bus seat from KEF to the Blue Lagoon in one of their three departure times (8:45, 11:30, 16:30), with a transfer 4 hours later to one of the designated drop-offs stops in Reykjavik, from Guide to Iceland. Keep in mind that it only includes transportation; you will need to book also a Blue Lagoon ticket. The price starts at 37 €( $42).
Use the Blue Lagoon official transport partner, Destination Blue Lagoon. It offers two daily departures to the Blue Lagoon (08:30 & 16:30). The price starts at 3495 ISK (~ 23 €/$27). You can book the Blue Lagoon entrance directly from their website too.
You can book the Blue Lagoon experience with transfer included (can be private transfer) from Viator.
You should book in advance your transport to the Blue Lagoon, as well as the ticket to the Blue Lagoon itself. This is a trendy destination that tends to get fully booked.
As well as to travel from KEF Airport to the Blue Lagoon, you have more than one option if you choose to visit the Blue Lagoon on your last day, just before your return flight:
Taxi
You can pre-book your taxi in advance, or you can request it in the Blue Lagoon reception, which will order a taxi for you that generally arrive within 30 minutes of the call. You can use, for example, the BSR taxi service, which also counts with an app that allows you to order in seconds.
Car
You can travel comfortably for around 20 minutes from the Blue Lagoon to the airport if you have a rental car. One option, for example, is if you are coming from Reykjavik with a stop in the Blue Lagoon, you can rent a car for the day with airport return. One of the companies you can use is Blue Car Rental Iceland.
Bus
Use the Blue Lagoon official transport partner, Destination Blue Lagoon. It offers a daily departure from the Blue Lagoon to KEF airport (14:30). The price starts at 3495 ISK (~ 23 €/$27). You should book your transport in advance since it tends to get fully booked weeks in advance.
5. How to go to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik?
Taxi
You can pre-book your taxi in advance, or you can request help in your hotel/hostel/guest house reception. You can use, for example, the BSR taxi service, which also counts with an app that allows you to order in seconds. Remember that booking the taxi in advance can save you money and time.
Car
You can travel comfortably for around 40 minutes from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon if you have a rental car. One option, for example, if you are traveling after to KEF airport, is to rent a car for the day with airport return, or just rent it for the day with any companies that have an office in the city. One of the companies you can use is Blue Car Rental Iceland.
Bus
Book a bus seat from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon in one of their departure times (every two hours from 8:30 to 16:30), with a transfer 4 hours later to KEF or Reykjavik from Guide to Iceland. Keep in mind that only includedes transportation; you will need to book the Blue Lagoon ticket. The price starts at 37 €( $42).
Use the Blue Lagoon official transport partner, Destination Blue Lagoon. It offers several daily departures to the Blue Lagoon from the Reykjavik terminal or at designated pick-up/drop-off locations. The price starts at 3495 ISK (~ 23 €/$27) and 6990 ISK (~ 46 €/$54) together with a return. You can book the Blue Lagoon entrance directly from their website too.
You can book the Blue Lagoon experience with transfer included (can be private transfer) from Viator.
6. How to go to Reykjavik from the Blue Lagoon?
Taxi
You can pre-book your taxi in advance, or you can request in the Blue Lagoon reception, which will order a taxi for you that generally arrive within 30 minutes of the call. You can use, for example, the BSR taxi service, which also counts with an app that allows you to order in seconds.
Car
You can travel comfortably for around 40 minutes to Reykjavik from the Blue Lagoon if you have a rental car. If you are traveling from KEF airport with a stop in the Blue Lagoon, one option is to rent a car for the day and return to one of the city offices. One of the companies you can use is Blue Car Rental Iceland.
Bus
Use the Blue Lagoon official transport partner, Destination Blue Lagoon. It offers a daily departure from the Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik airport (every hour from 12:15 – 22:15). The price starts at 3495 ISK (~ 23 €/$27). You should book your transport in advance since it tends to get fully booked weeks in advance.
1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant
The prices are not fixed, they can variate depending on availability, so if you are making your booking at the last minute, you can encounter a higher price.
The minimum age to enter the Blue Lagoon is two years, and entry is free for two to 13-year-olds. However, it is mandatory for children aged 2 to 8 to wear inflatable armbands in the lagoon, provided free of charge. Each guardian is only allowed to supervise two children under the age of 10.
A pregnant woman should consult with their doctor before visiting the lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon is accessible for guests with special needs or disabilities. Example: The lagoon can be accessed directly with specially designed wheelchairs which are available upon request.
8. How to book the Blue Lagoon?
You can book your ticket in the Blue Lagoon, but this is not recommended since it tends to get fully bucky even weeks in advance. If you are lucky, you might get last-minute one or two tickets, but better be cautious.
You can book the ticket directly on the Blue Lagoon website. You will need to print your ticket or bring the online confirmation on your cell phone since you will need to scan this at the reception to enter the facilities. You will also be provided with a hand band that will allow you to close the lockers, take your mask and drinks (to buy or take the ones included in the admission fee). You have to be careful because you will have to pay an extra fee if you lose this band.
You will have one hour from the time you book the Blue Lagoon to check-in. Suppose you know that your reserved time will not work and you book directly at the Blue Lagoon website. In that case, you should contact them as soon as possible. They might be able to accommodate your booking depending on availability (they can charge you extra for any change with less than 48 hours’ notice).
All individual bookings in 2021 to the Blue Lagoon are 100% refundable until 48 hours before arrival.
There is no time limit; your ticket will be valid for the entire day, so you can spend as much time as you like.
Another option is to book at Viator the entrance to the Blue Lagoon with transportation included, or a tour of the Golden Circle with a stop at Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon hall
9. When is the Blue Lagoon open?
According to their website:
For the rest of 2021, they will be open from 9:00-21:00. In addition, there are special Christmas holidays opening times: December 24th, 09:00-16:00 December 25th-30th 09:00-20:00 December 31st, 09:00-18:00.
The Blue Lagoon does not close for bad weather (like rain or wind); it will only close for extreme weather conditions, which have only happened 3 times in the last decade.
10. Does the Blue Lagoon have lockers?
It has, and once you check in the reception, you will get an electronic hand band that, between many things, also works to close your locker. Just choose any vacant locker and follow the instructions about how to lock it.
The locker area is together with the changing room, which is divided into men and women. From there are a few meters to the lagoon. If you need to take something or store something in the lockers after you are in the lagoon, you can just go and come back without any problem.
The locker in the changing area has an excellent size to store your clothes, shoes, and a medium bag and is included in the ticket price.
If you come directly or go directly to the airport, there are special lockers for large bags. The main locker service for big-size suitcases is in the parking area and costs around 550 ISK (3.70 €/$4.20).
11. What to wear in the Blue Lagoon?
Nudity is not allowed in the Blue Lagoon; you need to wear always swimwear. If required, swimwear can be rented for 800 ISK (5.30 €/$6.20), or you can buy one at the Blue Lagoon shop.
The Blue Lagoon’s official website report that:
The Blue Lagoon’s geothermal seawater will not ruin your swimsuit or cause permanent stains. However, we recommend rinsing your swimsuit with cold water and soap after using the lagoon.
It is recommended that you remove any jewelry before entering the lagoon to avoid losing your items and that they don’t get damaged by the high levels of silica, algae, and minerals in the water.
12. What to bring to the Blue Lagoon?
Basically, you can come empty hand just with your pre-booked ticket. But if you don’t want to spend money buying or renting a swimsuit, this is the peace that you can not forget.
As mentioned before, you will have access to a locker where you can let all your belongings. That can be locked with an electronic bracelet that is included in the ticket price. If you want to access the lagoon with your phone, we recommend bringing a waterproof phone case.
After the locker, you will have access to the shower room where shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner are provided for free; here is recommended to use some conditioner in your hair during all your time in the lagoon, since the silica from the water might dry your hair. Some people prefer to bring and wear a swim cap.
You can also wear sunglasses in the lagoon. However, it is recommended to do so on sunny days for the water’s reflective properties.
After you finish in the lagoon, you have access to clean towels, but if you prefer, you can bring yours. If you have the premium tariff, you also will have access to some ropes and slippers. Honestly, we didn’t need this since we spend all the time inside the lagoon, but if you would like, you can bring yours or rent one for 1500 ISK (10 €/$11.50) each.
For your wet swimwear, they provide little plastic bags next to the towel rack so you can store wet swimsuits in your bag.
You can find hair dryers and moisturizers in the changing room, but you are welcome to bring your own too. You should also not forget to bring your own hairbrush.
Swimwear (optional, since you can ren it or buy it)
Swimincap (optional, you can tight your hair in a bump with some conditioner)
Towel (optional, provided by the Blue Lagoon)
Shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner (optional, provided by the Blue Lagoon)
Slipper and robbers (optional, provided with premium tariff and can also be rented)
Waterproof phone case (optional, just if you plan to ring your phone inside of the lagoon)
Sunglasses (optional)
Hairbrush
Moisturizer (optional, provided)
Hairdryer (optional, provider)
Other complementaries for hairstyling and face protection, and moisturizing.
Bag to store wet clothes (optional, provided)
13. What to do at the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is not just about the geothermal lagoon (even though this is the most visited area and was the only facility we visited during our day there). Inside the lagoon, you can just enjoy and relax in the geothermal seawater, but you can also enjoy some drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), the 1st one is already included in the entrance fee, but using your electric hand band you can buy more, which you can later pay at the checkout. There is also the mask bar inside the lagoon, where you can take your silica mud mask included in the price and the second mask of your choice for those with premium tickets. Silica enhances the skin’s barrier function, bringing strength, protection, and radiance.
You can also take an in-water massage in private are of the lagoon for an extra fee. Appointments for this massage can be sold out, so book your calling or send an email days before your visit. Check in this link for the contact information and prices.
Other activities of the lagoon area are the sauna/steam room, the lagoon waterfall, and the viewing deck.
Other facilities and activities:
The Blue lagoon store is the perfect place to dose skincare lovers to discover the benefits of silica and buy some of the products they offer.
The Retreat Spa, for those looking for a luxury experience in the Blue Lagoon. This includes 5 hours of access to the Blue Lagoon, the retreat Lagoon, and many other advantages.
Dining area, from cafes and snacks to a magnificent dinner in one of the gourmet restaurants.
14. What is the temperature of the Blue Lagoon?
The water temperature reported for the official blue lagoon website is generally between 37°C and 40°C (98-104°F), with some fluctuation beyond this range depending on the weather conditions and the season.
15. Is it natural the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is not natural. It is formed for the wastewater from the Svartsengi power plant. The water is a mix of dissolved minerals and seawater. Direct use for warm-up houses might damage the pipes due to the minerals. So instead, it is used to heat fresh water that is then pumped to nearby urban areas. After this, the water is released into the lagoon.
The natural minerals have been proven to be very good for people’s skin. Since the water is continually streaming into the lagoon, all of it is renewed in 40 hours, making sure it stays clean. Regular sampling of this natural resource shows that foreign bacteria do not thrive in the lagoon’s ecosystem. Thus, disinfectants such as chlorine are not needed. In essence, the lagoon is a self-cleaning ecosystem.
The bottom of the lagoon is smooth and soft. It is naturally uneven, but you don’t need to worry about encountering anything sharp or jagged.
16. How deep is the Blue Lagoon?
The depth at the lagoon’s edge is ~ 0.8m/2.6f. The further into the water you go, the deeper it gets, with the greatest depth of 1.4m/4.7ft.
You don’t need to know how to swim to visit the Blue Lagoon; you can stay in the areas where the water is shallow enough that it doesn’t pose a danger to non-swimmers. Children from 2 to 8 years old are required to wear floaties which are provided. To assure the safety of all guests, there are lifeguards on duty at all times.
17. How to protect your hair at the Blue Lagoon?
While geothermal seawater is beneficial for the scalp, it can leave the hair dry. For this reason, it is recommended to use a conditioner before and after the lagoon or to use a swim cap.
18. Where to stay to visit the Blue Lagoon?
The 3 more common options are two stays in the city of Keflavik if you are heading the next day to the airport, stay in Reykjavik (this was the option we used), or two stays in one of the two Blue Lagoon hotels:: The Retreat Hotel or Silica Hotel.
First among the country’s many simmering geothermal pools is the Blue Lagoon, a turquoise vision in a black basaltic moonscape.
National Geographic Wonders of the World
Personally, we will say YES! Is it overrated? Probably YES!
Let us explain: We really enjoyed the experience. We felt our bodies extremely relaxed after our time in the lagoon. So for us was the perfect end of the road trip. But if you are looking just to relax in a hot spring, if the hot water is what you want without considering the localization, the best option would be to enjoy one of the free ones or one of the other lagoons that are cheaper.
Would we repeat the experience? Probably YES! But honestly, mostly to take as many photos as possible with a proper camera, because the best of the Blue Lagoon is unique in the beauty of the blue water in contrast with the lava field (apart from its excellent location).
After five days of intense activities and a lot of driving (2300 km/ 1430 miles), the last day of our road trip arrives. We drove the night before to a guesthouse in the Snaefellsnes peninsula with the idea of visiting the Snæfellsjökull glacier first thing the morning. The afternoon plan was to drove for around two hours to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing end of the trip. So we were really excited about the day!
Snæfellsjökull it is a volcano of 1446 meters, covered with snow all year and visible from reykjavik in clear sky days. This imposing volcano was the inspiration for the novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth” from the famous French writer Jules Verne. The surrounding landscapes it is beautiful with lava fields and strange rocks formations.
Some of the links on this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase something we may receive payment. Although all these recommendations are based on our personal experience.
The Snæfellsnes is just around two hours drive from Reykjavik, so there are different tours that you can book at Viator to visit this national park.
The Búðakirkja is a black church located in the south of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It is one of 3 black churches in Iceland. In the last years, this church has become an icon for photographers, and Iceland photography.
The black-painted exterior walls have resisted over 100 years the harshness of the Icelandic clime. Moreover, the minimalist design makes it preferred by photographers.
Búðakirkja church with the Snæfellsjökull glacier at the horizon.
Búðakirkja church.
At this point we tried to access to the Snæfellsjökull glacier from the F570 south road. A big sign of danger road with a skull on it afraid us, and we though to access then from the north path. But, when we arrived there we found the same sign. So, we decided to skipped it and border Snæfellsjökull glacier using the road Útnesvegur.
Lóndrangar cliff
Free parking.
No food or WC.
Time spent there: 30 minutes.
Just 20 minutes driving from the Búðakirkja church, always in the Snæfellsnes peninsula, the Lóndrangar cliff is found. The curious thing about the cliff is that it once was a volcanic crater. The cliffs can be accessed from the Snæfellsjökull Park Visitor’s Centre, through fields of lava, but they can also be seen from the sea.
Saxhóll crater
Free parking.
No food or WC.
Time spent there: 30-60 minutes.
The third stop of the day was the western point of the Snæfellsnes peninsula: the Saxhóll crater, just 15 minutes from Lóndrangar cliff. Saxhóll is an easy hiking crater with approximately 100 m high, with a walking path and steps. It is an alternative to visiting the Eldborg crater, which requires 2.5 hours hike to visit. An incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean is seen from the crater, with a dried lava field before.
Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss
Free parking at Kirkjufellsfoss.
No food or WC.
Time spent there: 30-45 minutes.
In about 40 more minutes, we rach Kirkjufell, a shaped peak mountain found in the north of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It is one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. The peak is 463 m high and is an outstanding landmark. If you are a very experienced and confident mountain climber., you can hike to the top of Kirkjufell (preferably with an expert guide), where you will find a magnificent panorama. The hike will take an hour and a half to ascend and, the same time to descent.
Within walking distance from Kirkjufell is located the waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss. From a different perspective, photographers love to frame the mountain in the background. The mountain is impressive in all seasons; whatever time of the year you are visiting, you will love it.
If you watch the HBO series Game of Thrones, you will recognize Kirkjufell as a shooting location from Season 7.
Due to its vicinity with Reykjavik, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is one of the most visit places in Iceland. There are plenty of excursion you can book to visit these spectacular places.
After a 3 hours drive and a stop for lunch in one of the gas stations, we finally arrived in the Blue Lagoon. Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in a lava field in southwestern Iceland. This man-made lagoon is approximately 20 km from Keflavík International Airport and is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The water has a milky blue shade due to its high silica content, but it is also rich in salts and algae.
After relaxing in the Blue Lagoon and about 22:00 in the night, the last spot in our Ring Road Trip was this bridge (in Icelandic: Brù milli heimsàlfa).
Yeah! Iceland is a unique place: you can walk from Europe to North America within seconds. The Bridge between Europe and North America is a 15 m footbridge located in the Reykjanes peninsula. Built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America, the bridge provides clear evidence of diverging plates margin.
Where to stay in Reykjavik?
Unfortunately the apartment we choose for that night it is not longer available, but you can check Guesthouse Andrea, the one we choose for our first night at Reykjavik. More details about our thoughts of this accommodat in our post: What to see in Reykjavik iceland.
Day 5 was a day with a mix of feelings; we woke up early morning when we were already quite tired from the road, but for a very exciting reason, whales watching. The rest of the day was a 500 km trip to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, where we planned to spend our next morning.
One hour from our night accommodation, we had our whale-watching excursion booked. The whale watching was a last-minute decision when we already had our accommodation in Akureyri booked. That is why we didn’t sleep directly in the city the previous night. To reach Húsavík, we went one more time through the Vadlaheidargong Tunnel Toll.
After the lovely experience and before hitting the long route ahead, we had our packaged lunch at a table with a nice view behind the church.
Whale watching
Some of the links on this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase something we may receive payment. Although all these recommendations are based on our personal experience.
Where can you see whales in Iceland?
Most tours are offered in Húsavík, Akureyri, and Reykjavík. During our research before our trip, we read that Húsavík has the most excellent chance. Hence, we chose this localization for our tour. Still, many people have had good luck also in Reykjavik or Akureyri. Remember you need to be patient because it might take time to see one, or you can not spot one on all the tours. So, the best of lucks to you!
When can you see whales in Iceland?
The best months are between June and August, but in general between March and November.
Which kind of whales?
Humpback and minke are the most common seem in Iceland.
Which kind of tours are offered?
Traditional boats, kayaking, and speed boat tours.
Where can you book the tours?
You can head to the port depending on the city in which you decide to have the tour. You will find different whale watching companies with other packages to choose from. But since this is a top-rated attraction for tourists, we recommend doing your research in advance and book your favorite tour, so you don’t miss it due to already sold-out tours.
Viator offers a selection of tours, choose the one you like the most, book it and fit it into your schedule. Below this line are a few direct links to some companies:
Our reservation was for 9:45, so we arrived like 45 minutes before. As indicated in our confirmation email, we had some time for parking, photos, and collecting our tickets at the ticket center 30 minutes before the tour. After collecting the key, we head down to the marine to start the boarding of the boat. During the boarding, we were offered some extra suits (in different sizes), which we didn’t plan to take at the beginning. Still, during the tour, we found that it keeps us warm and protected from the wind.
We chose the GG1 whale watching tour for 9441 ISK (63€/ $75, the price for August 2020, we used a discount code) for each one, a 3 hours traditional tour with an English speaker specialized guide, warm overalls, and raincoats if needed. Also, if not whales are seen (dolphins included) on tour, you are welcome to join free of charge another GG1 tour depending on availability.
The first hour of the tour passed without much activity, apart of a couple of dolphins.
But anyway the landscape and the ocean made us feel relaxing and enjoy.
During the last hour, we were lucky and spotted a few whales. The guide was also very nice to explain everything about the process and how they are not allowed to stay too long around the same whales, so they are not disturbed. So remember to keep yourself safe and good luck in your tour!
Akureyri
Free parking.
WC and food available.
To be honest, the city requires at least a full day to visit and relax in it from the road and is our recommendation if you have more time. But since we were shorted of time and chose to have a half-day at Snæfellsnes peninsula, we just did a quick stop for ice cream. But here are some helpful links about what can be done in Akureyri:
Tired of a full day of driving, we reach the Snæfellsnes peninsula just in time to see the sunset on this beautiful beach, which is home to many seals and with a great view of Snæfellsjökull. The seals can seem very close to the shore, so please enjoy this magnificent moment to see them in their natural habitat without going too close and disturb them.
We got a perfect location for the night, less than 5 minutes from Ytri Tunga, and next to the see at Traðir guesthouse. During aurora season, it is a perfect spot to enjoy the magic.
Free parking
Free WiFi
Shared bathroom and kitchen.
Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, and Coffee shop/Café
Our experience: We paid 94 euros for one night in a small room for four people. The bathroom and kitchen were shared with another room. Still, they also offer a kitchen and bathroom to a camping site that was possible to use too, bigger and more comfortable. Even though it was not the most modern room and was tiny, just the feeling of sleeping next to the sea adds excellent value to the place. The lounge area was very friendly and well equipped to have a perfect end of the day in a cozy room.
It was not the early wake-up we initially plan, but even though it was beautiful. We get ready without losing any time since 400 km and a few stops were expecting us during the day. So, we had breakfast, pack our lunch, have a look at the beautiful horse from the farm, and head our way to north Iceland.
Some of the links on this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase something we may receive payment. Although all these recommendations are based on our personal experience.
Two hours after we departed from the cozy cabin where we spend the night, we arrived at our first destination of the day: the most powerful (by-volume) waterfall in Europe. This magnificent waterfall flows from the Vatnajökull glacier.
Dettifoss can be seen from the East or West; we recommend choosing one side since it’s a long path, around one hour from one side to the other. For any specific reason, we choose o visit the east side, which has a bumpy, non-paved road to reach the waterfall. Later we found that the west side has a paved road with much easy access. So if you have a 2W car, the easier and most convenient option is to take the west route, and if you have extra time, do a quick stop at Selfoss.
At the end, we stayed 30 minutes more to have lunch in a table nearby the parking lot.
Road to Detifoss from the East side
Detifoss from East side
Detifoss (you can see some people in the viewpoint from West side)
Detifoss, Iceland
Krafla
Free parking.
Not WC or food.
Time spend there:30 minutes-2 hours.
We arrived at our next destination one hour from Dettifoss and a 10 minutes detour from the Ring Road.
Our plan was to visit the volcanic crater with the intense blue water. Still, once we were there, we realized it was also possible to see the lava fields. So if you are up just for the crater, 30 minutes should be enough to visit it (you should double the time if you want to walk around).
However, if you’re going to see the lava fields, you will need to add one more hour since you will need to walk to access the lava field area.
One crucial detail is that the area has many bugs, so consider bringing a head net for a more comfortable visit.
Krafla crater
Krafla lava fields
Hverir Mývatn
Free parking.
Not WC or food.
Time spend there:30 minutes.
On our path back to the Ring Road, we immediately reach Hverir, a geothermal area with mud pots near Mývatn. This was an area we were looking forward to visiting since all the images we saw looks like they were from another planet.
The smell from the pots is not the best due to the sulfur, but walk around this area is an exciting experience, full of different colors.
Hverir Mývatn
Hverir Mývatn
Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit Mývatn Nature Baths. We decided last minute, and it was already fully booked. So if you really want to relax in the spring, remember to book in advance.
Grjótagjá cave
Free parking.
Not WC or food available.
Time spend there: 15 minutes-30 minutes.
With another 10 minutes detour, you can reach this ground cave. It is a geothermal pot, but bathing it is forbidden, and the water temperature can reach 50° C/120°F. So this would be a quit stop that we would recommend only if you have time to spare.
There are two small entrances to the cave that can be pretty crowded. It has become a popular destination in the last few years due to a famous scene in the Game of Thrones TV show, between Jon Snow and Ygritte.
Grjótagjá cave
Grjótagjá fissure
Goðafoss
Free Parking.
Fast food on the other side of the street.
Souvenir shop with WC.
Time spend there: 1 hour.
After 45 minutes more driving, we were in one of our favourite waterfalls in Iceland.
Goðafoss is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, with a width of 30 metres, falling from a height of 12 metres .
We visited it from the westside, but it is also possible to go down to the river on the east side.
From Goðafoss to Akureyri, one of the roads includes a tunnel toll (Vadlaheidargong Tunnel Toll). If you took the route as we did, you could save up to 16 km (9 miles) of travel. The toll price starts at 1500 ISK* (~ 10€/ $12) for vehicles under 3.5 tons and can pay it online with your car’s plate number and a credit card. You can do it before crossing the tunnel or 24 hours after driving through it via tunnel.is. If a trip has not been paid 24 hours after traveling through the tunnel, you can’t pay on veggjald.is and a toll bill with an added collection fee will be sent to the bank of the registered owner of the vehicle.
For the night, we chose AK Apartments at Akureyri since it was 30 minutes from our last location of the day (Goðafoss).
Street parking
Free WiFi
Private bathroom and kitchen.
Our experience: We paid 88 euros for one night in a studio apartment for four people. The apartment was comfortable, modern, and in excellent condition. Small for four people, but just for one night was ok for us. The kitchen was well equipped. The only thing we were disappointed about was that they say they include a Hot tub as a room amenities, but this is shared with the other apartments and was already closed for the time we arrive.
*All the prices shown in this post are from August 2020.
Our Ring Road Trip to East Iceland continues with another sunny day. Unfortunately, since the long-distance traveled and the number of places we visited during Day 2, we didn’t have time to see a couple of places. However, since our accommodation for Day 2 was close to these missed places, we decided to start Day 3 by visiting them after early morning breakfast.
*All the prices shown in this post are from August 2020.
Diamond Beach
Free parking.
WC at Jökulsárlón.
Food is available at Jökulsárlón.
Time spend there: 30-45 minutes.
Diamond Beach is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, and for excellent reasons.
The name derives from a large number of icebergs of various sizes that are scattered on the beach. The black sand (of volcanic origin) helps to accentuate the contrast with the ice blocks. On the shore, the ice blocks come from the icebergs of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
This spot is perfect for photographers and nature lovers. So, don’t forget your camera! It is frequent to see seals from the shore since the beach it’s their home.
If you are lucky during winter, it’s possible to see the northern lights from the beach. The forecast can be checked at vedur.is, or you could ask at your accommodation.
Time spend there: 1 hour (2 hours if you go for one of the tours).
Jökulsárlón is an enormous lagoon filled with giant ice blocks that have broken free from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. With the floating icebergs, this place is a magnificent scenario to take pictures. Because of its beauty, this lagoon is one of the most famed and visited attractions in Iceland.
If you like, you can take a boat tour (for adults 5900 ISK/40 EUR/46 USD*) on the lagoon and sail among the massive icebergs!
Egilsstaðir
Free parking.
WC.
Food is available.
Time spend there: 1-2 hours.
Around 4 hours drive from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, you can find Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland and the main center for service, transportation, and administration. It is, therefore, an ideal place to refresh and rest for those who are traveling around Ring Road.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to walk the town, but we stopped in Egilsstaðir to stretch our legs, fill the car tank, and have lunch at Skálinn Diner. In fact, this was the only restaurant we had planned to stop and eat in.
You can found more information about Egilsstaðir at this link.
They are two main routes to reach Egilsstaðir. The shortest one requires a 4x4W car and can be a bit challenging for new drivers.
Hengifoss is one of the most known landmarks in East Iceland. It is a beautiful waterfall with a high of 128.5 meters.
The hike to Hengifoss starts from the parking lot, where you enter directly into the trail. The walk is a gradual climb uphill, approximately 2.5 km long (each way) and about one hour (if you are well-trained). Because it is a bit difficult some benches have been put up to rest and enjoy the view.
After about 1.2 km along the trail, you will reach Litlanesfoss waterfall. Unfortunately, Litlanesfoss is not visible from the road like Hengifoss is.
From Egilsstaðir town, two roads lead to the parking lot (approximately 35 km long on both). We took route 931 towards Hallormsstaður Forest. Continuing in the same direction, after crossing the bridge, the parking lot for Hengifoss will be on your left by the T-junction.
At Hengifoss, we were surprised when we saw a small box with a notebook and a pen inside. We wrote that we were there and left our mark inside that notebook.
Some of the links on this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase something we may receive payment. Although all these recommendations are based on our personal experience.
For the night, we chose a guesthouse not so far from the Hengifoss waterfall (one hour driving). This accommodation is located at Hrafnabjorg, and includes:
Parking included.
Shared: kitchen, tables, chairs, bar, refrigerator, microwave, heat boiler, freezer and dishwasher.
Shared garden and BBQ facilities.
Free wifi connection.
Two shared showers and bathrooms.
Our experience: We paid 79 euros for a room for 4 people, which we found comfortable and with everything we needed for the night. We also had a private terrace (in the picture below, the one on the right). The guest house has 5 rooms, and all of them were full that night, but this wasn’t a problem for us. We didn’t feel cramped at all there.
We had an excellent breakfast in the barn, we cook some food for the road, and around 10:00 am, we hit the road one more.
Our plan for this day was the most relaxed in terms of travel time (~ 4 hours) and driving distance (~250 km/150 miles) planned from our Airbnb nearby Vík to Höfn. From the first moment, we prepare ourselves for detours or cut some destination depending on how much time we have left. If you check our post Day 1: Ring Road Itinerary, via the Golden Circle, you will see our last stop was Skógafoss waterfall, that we arrive there already late at night, that we were tired and soaking wet. But thankfully, this magnificent waterfall was just a 20 minutes detour, so we decide to come back and enjoy it one more.
*All the prices shown in this post are from August 2020.
Half an hour from Skogafoss, you can find Dyrhólaey lighthouse. A beautiful view over the sea is not the only thing this destination has to offer. You will be able to see a black sand beach, white peaks from Mýrdalsjökull glacier, volcanic rock formations, and if you have good luck, even Puffins.
It can be very windy, so might your steps when you are closer to the border of the cliffs.
Twenty minutes ride, we found the most famous black sand beach in Iceland. This might not be a destination to go swimming, but it has many to offer. From the moment you enter, you will be captivated by the number of puffins flying over the basalt columns. This beach is also home to Reynisdrangar, the basalt stacks that stick out of the sea. And one of the most pictured spots in Iceland.
Reynisfjara beach, Iceland
Reynisfjara beach, Iceland
Enjoying the Reynisfjara beach, Iceland
The waves from Reynisfjara can be very high and dangerous, so be alert during your visit.
Vík
Free parking.
WC and restaurant.
Time spend there:1 hour.
In the area nearby Vík, you have not only Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara, but the central city, ten minutes from the last destination, has many beauty to offer. From the most classic picture from the back of the church to cozy restaurants and exhibitions.
Honestly, we didn’t spend as much in the city as we would like, but we took the time to stop, refill the car, take some pictures, and have lunch with a perfect view of the classic red roof Vík í Mýrdal church.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
Free parking.
WC.
Not food available.
Time spend there: 30 minutes-1 hour.
From what we read, this was one of the hidden gems of Iceland. But in recent years, after the popular music video, I’ll Show You, from Canadian musician Justin Bieber, was filmed in this location, many people discovered this hidden spot one hour from Vík.
One more hour on the road, and we reach our next destination. Skaftafell National Park was even better we were expecting. With a 30 minutes hike, you can reach Svartifoss waterfall. On the way there, you will also find Hundafoss, another beautiful waterfall that you can admire while you rest from the first part of the hike. While you walk to the top, you will be able to catch a magnificent sunset or sunrise if you visit it during the right time window. This National Park has many other trails to offer if you are looking for a more challenging hike.
Skaftafell, Iceland
Skaftafell, Iceland
Svínafellsjökull
Free parking.
Not WC or food available.
4×4 recommended.
Time spend there: 30 minutes.
Getting already late night and on the way to our guesthouse, we decided to do one more stop, just 15 minutes from the national park. Thus, Svínafellsjökull glacier tongue was the perfect close to the day. Moreover, it offers us a preview of what we expect the next day while we border the main glacier Vatnajökull in our way to Egilsstaðir.
Please be careful, this area has claim lives, and you will need to climb up around some slippery rocks.
Some of the links on this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase something we may receive payment. Although all these recommendations are based on our personal experience.
For the night, we choose a guest house one hour from Svínafellsjökull and passing by Jökulsárlón, which was our first destination from day 3 in the ring road. Reynivellir was even better we were expecting. We arrive in the middle of the night, so at first, we couldn’t really appreciate what we had around. Immediately after arrival, we refresh and enjoy some light dinner with some hot cocoa in a very cozy living room, sharing with other people. Still, we arrive such late at night that everyone else was already in bed.
To our surprise, the following day, we found this beautiful view from our balcony.
If we had a regret was not to take our breakfast seating in the terrace by the morning sun with the perfect view.
Parking included.
Shared: kitchen, tables, chairs, bar, refrigerator, microwave, heat boiler, freezer, baking oven, free coffee machine, and wifi connection.
Two shared showers and bathrooms.
Our experience: We paid 96 euros for a room for 4 people, which we find comfortable and with everything we needed for the night. Because we arrive out of reception time, we had to come to the other property a few meters after the house to pick up the keys. All this is also indicated in the confirmation email and the indication to find the property.
Tours
Two of the most exciting experience you can have in Iceland is an ice cave tour or a glacier hiking. In the area between Vik and Höfn, you have two glaciers perfect for this experience, Solheimajokull and Vatnajökull. Check a few of these tours at Viator.
A road trip around Iceland will not be a disappointment if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure travel experience. Our plan for the first day was to visit part of the Golden Circle and spend the night in the south of Iceland nearby Vík. If you have read about Iceland, you know that the weather can be challenging there, even during the summer. Well, Iceland welcomed our road trip with a rainy day and, despite our waterproof outfits, we were completely wet by the end of the night. In any case, the rainy day didn’t stop us. We continue with the planned itinerary, covering 300 km for 4 hours driving.
Day 1 itinerary:
(09:30) Pick up the car and buy the food for the following days
These days (2021), it is also trendy to visit Geldingadalir eruption, an active volcano since 19 March 2021 valley at the Fagradalsfjall mountain on the Reykjanes peninsula. So please be very careful if you choose to visit while active, mind your steps and be alert.
Some of the links on this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase something we may receive payment. Although all these recommendations are based on our personal experience.
An Iceland road trip means to change landscapes in minutes: finding in your way incredible volcanoes, icebergs, waterfalls, and (if you are lucky) magical northern lights!
The day trip started at 09:30 when we went to pick up the car. In this post you can check the experience we had renting a car with the Blue Car company.
Our first stop was at the Bonus grocery store to buy the food for the next two days (this is the best option if you want to save money). After that, we come back to the Airbnb, prepared and packed the lunch, and started driving to the Kerið crater.
*All the prices shown in this post are from August 2020.
Approximately a 1-hour drive from Reykjavik, you will find Kerið, a volcanic crater lake located in the Western Volcanic Zone of south Iceland.
The caldera itself is approximately 55 m deep, 170 m wide, and 270 m across. Due to minerals from the soil, the water has a color of vivid aquamarine. Depending on rainfall and other factors, the profundity of the lake can be 7-14 m.
You can hike around the crater, take the stairs, and go down to the Kerið floor. Depending on this you will spend in this place from 15 minutes to one hour. Remember that swimming is not allowed.
Kerid crater
Kerid crater
We also planned to go to Brúarfoss, but we skipped this stop and had our packed lunch due to the bad weather condition.
Geysir
Free parking.
Free entrance.
WC and restaurant.
Souvenir store.
No drones allowed.
Time spend there: 1 hour.
Geysir is a geyser in southwestern Iceland and part of the famous Golden Circle route. It is less than two hours drive from Reykjavik, which makes it very accessible to many tourists. As the second place of the day, the Geysir was about 40 minutes driving from Kerið.
Geysir is rarely active these days, but the Strokkur geyser is and erupts every five to ten minutes. So get ready and prepare your camera to see this incredible spectacle. The area around the geysers can be slippery, but out of that is pretty safe.
Geysir, Iceland
Gullfoss
Free parking.
Free entrance.
No drones allowed.
Not food available.
Time spend there: 30 minutes.
Gullfoss is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river. Located at 10 km from Geysir, this incredible waterfall is also very visited as one of the stops of the Golden Circle route.
The water from the Hvítá river (coming from the Langjökull glacier) falls first into a smaller cascade (11 m), later having a second drop of 21 m. The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach up to 70 meters, descending into the grand Gullfossgjúfur canyon.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the best-known and must-visiting waterfalls in Iceland. You will not regret it! A path leads you behind the waterfall, and it is fantastic. Just bring a raincoat!
The waterfall is approximately 60 meters drop and it is breathtakingly beautiful. From Gullfoss is about one and half hours by car.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland
Skógafoss
Free parking.
Free entrance.
WC and restaurant.
Camping area.
No drones allowed.
Time spend there: 20 minutes.
The last stop of that day was in one of the biggest waterfalls of the country: Skógafoss. Just 30 kilometers away from Seljalandsfoss, this waterfall has a width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 m.
On sunny days, at least one rainbow is present due to the amount of spray the cascade produces. Make sure you protect your camera!
Skógafoss can also be viewed from the top. There is a steep staircase with approximately 520 steps that will take you to the top.
Shared Barn with kitchen, tables, chairs, bar, refrigerator, microwave, heat boiler, freezer, baking oven, free coffee machine, and wifi connection.
Two shared showers and a bathroom for men and women.
For every person, there is available a wool blanket with a heated bed.
Breakfast can be added for 12 €*.
We pay 90 € for a night for four persons*.
We had read on the internet that if there is a rainy day, you will get wet inside because of the canvas material of the tents. Unfortunately for us, the day was rainy, but we didn’t get wet during the night in our tent!
We arrive late in the night, after visiting the already mention places. First, we took a shower and ate in the Barn. Then, we put all the wet clothes inside the tent and some of the coats in the Barn. The night was cold, but with the heated bed, we slept comfortably.
The next day to our fortune was sunny, and we were ready for the second-day itinerary. But, unfortunately, due to the night’s humidity and the rain, some of our clothes didn’t dry. So we borrowed the hairdryer from the bathroom to at least dry the inside of some of the shoes: just to not continue with wet feet also the second day.
Usually, a summer packing list should be short, with shorts, dresses, and swimsuits at the top, but this is not the case when you travel to Iceland. The weather can go from wind to rain to “warm” (12°C-18°C/55°F-65°F on average) to cold, or any other combination, during the same day. So maybe the most crucial it is to dress in layers and be prepared for any change in the weather.
But there is not just cloth that you need to pack for Iceland; there are other essentials you should consider bringing with you. We will present you with a complete list of clothes and essentials based on our experience on a week road trip visiting Iceland during the summer. To be better prepared, you should check the weather forecast and the length of your trip and pack accordingly to your circumstances. Don’t forget to subscribe and get our free printable list for Iceland clothes and essentials for Summer. Now available in English, Spanish, and Italian.
Some of the links on this post contain affiliate links from Amazon. If you click through and purchase something, we may receive payment. Although all these recommendations are based on our personal experience.
Footwear
Reyfnisjara
Hiking/Waterproof shoes: If you want to pack just one pair of shoes for your trip, hiking/waterproof boots should be the ones to select. Most of the things to do in Iceland include long or medium hiking, so proper shoes should be your priority. Because of the high rain probability, it is in your best interest to use ones that are also waterproof. The best recommendation is to take your most comfortable hiking boots or try new ones a few days in advance. You will need to spend long hours in those shoes, so you better be sure you can handle it.
Trainers: If you don’t want to spend some money on boots, walking shoes can be a good option. There are even many brands out there that also offer waterproof walking shoes. But walking shoes can also be packed as the second pair of shoes for a more relaxed day or when you might like to rest from heavy boots. For example, to spend a day in Reykjavik, Vik, or to visit the Blue Lagoon.
Flip flops: Of course, you won’t use them to visit any city or go hiking, not even probably to visit any beach, but you will probably need them to visit the hot springs. There are a few springs in Iceland, not just the Blue Lagoon. There are even some small natural pools along the road which are free. Flip-flops are the easy option to get in and out of it. Also, if you spend the night in a guesthouse or camping with a shared or outside bathroom, having flip-flops to hand will be the most comfortable option. Definitely, you don’t need an expensive one, the ones from the 1 €/$/£… store will do the job. But remember, some of these places can be slippery, so walk carefully to avoid accidents.
Socks: As we mentioned before, there is no crazy cold weather in summer to need some merino wool socks or use two pairs of socks, but you would need some comfy socks for the boots. If you plan to hike a glacier or go into one of the caves, we recommend you pack one of your good winter socks. The most important is to take socks that are larger than the high of your boots, so they cover you for any friction. Try to get the ones for specific outdoor activities since this will help with the moisture if you don’t have good breathable shoes. If you are going for a few days, take one for each day, and if you plan to stay longer, you can take a few and wash them.
Bottom
Hiking pants: If you want to visit Hengifoss, Skatafell, or many other places in Iceland, you need to hike, and we all know the best way to do it: comfortable and appropriate clothes. Like in many other parts of this list, we have to repeat: you should arm for a waterproof one or water resistant. As you will see in writing on many souvenirs in Iceland: If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes. Most hiking pants will offer enough protection for the temperature of the summer. Still, if it is too much for you, you can always wear leggings or thermal pants underneath.
Waterproof pants: Ok, with this, we go a step further, and we know more of the time they are not pretty, but this trip is not to Paris or Rome, so keeping comfortable and prepared for the weather should be the priority when you are packing. Now is a good time for a history of our trip. When we were looking for accommodations, we found these super cute tends. In the comments, we read that it cannot be the best option on rainy days since it can get very humid inside, and the hitter is just on the bed. But anyway we give it a chance because it looks like a very cool idea. We guess you already know where the history is going. Yes, we were so unlucky that the day was the only day of rain during our entire Ring Road trip. So the night was not the most comfortable one. We were initially freezing since we were soaking wet from a non-stop rain day, but once we when to bed, the hitter did its job and warmed us even more than we expected. But if this doesn’t convince you that you need the best possible waterproof, let us give you one more reason. We were for days drying clothes all around the car while we were on the road since we made the mistake of not taking all the kinds of possible waterproof garments.
CMP Rain Trousers Waterproof 10.000 Mm Women from:
Leggings: Well, we think we all agree there are few clothes more comfortable than leggings (maybe just PJ). You should pack one and alternate it with your hiking pants. If your stay is more than a week or you will not take any other kind of pants, you should consider bringing one more.
Shorts: At the beginning, we didn’t think we would need them, but the weather turns to be warmer than we were expecting, and some of us regret not packing comfy shorts for some days with no long hikes.
Sweat pants: We know this is not an option many people would include, but for us was a very comfy option. Also, for example, after the Blue Lagoon was a bit cold and we felt so relaxing, there was nothing better than getting in comfy clothes to end the day.
Jeans/trousers: We didn’t opt for this option, and honestly, we didn’t need it, but if you plan to have dinner at night in one of the restaurants in the city (Reykjavik or Akuyeri), some more presentable clothes might be a good idea. In most of the restaurants around the road, you will be presentable enough with your hiking clothes.
Thermal pants: This is another optional. It will depend on how much resistant you are to low temperatures. But for us, born in the Caribbean, we didn’t need to use one, but you can always pack one to be on the safe side. Also, if you plan to hike the glacier or go to one of the caves, wearing appropriate winter clothes, such as thermal pants, is always the best option.
Top
Shirt: This should be your base layer. One shirt for each day works for us for a week, but just take the usual amount you take for a trip. For example, a few days during our trip started a bit cold, but around midday/afternoon, we were already in our base layer. You can substitute it for a long sleeve.
Hoodie/sweater/fleece jacket …: This should be your second layer. We recommend whatever keeps you warm and comfy, which you can wear under your outwear jacket. In the picture below, you can see we didn’t take a specific case, just the ones that work better for each. Of course, fleece is the predominant one since we all know how comfy these are. Some days, it was not cold enough to use a layer on top of this one.
Waterproof jacket: Another essential to wear in Iceland. Should we go over how important this is again? … Maybe one last time … This should be the first thing to pack, next to your boots. It will cover you for the rain, for the wind, and combined with your hoodie/sweater/fleece… from the cold. Of course, we will always try to keep our expenses low for our trips, but for the rain jacket, you should expend a bit and try to buy a good one that is durable and will keep you warm and dry during the trip.
Jacket: So we should say this is totally optional since the hoodie/sweater/fleece … with the waterproof on top was more than enough to protect us from the low temperatures, but some of us also took an extra jacket, in spacial the downs one, since this is very easy to pack in a backpack.
Thermal long slaves shirt: As the thermal pants are optional, and we didn’t need them.
Accessories
Hat: Now, writing this post and looking at the trip pictures, we realize we use our beanies more than we remember. Some days were because it was a bit cold and others to help control the hair from the wind.
Gloves: If we don’t remember wrong, we pack our gloves, but honestly, we didn’t use them once. But since gloves don’t need too much space, we recommend packing them just in case, particularly if you plan to camp.
Sunglasses: A must that you should not forget.
Scarf: Better be cautious than have to expend a lot in one latter in Iceland. As for gloves, we didn’t need to use them. But it might be the case for you that you had a colder day or night. So we will especially recommend the ones that can be used as a headband. These 2 in 1 are very helpful when you don’t have too much space to pack a heavy scarf. They are also very comfortable for hiking or outdoor activities.
Swimwear: For sure, you should not forget this. Even if you are not planning to visit the Blue Lagoon or other geothermal baths that need to be paid for, there are some free hidden hot springs around the road that you probably wouldn’t want to miss. Unfortunately for us, we weren’t lucky enough to get an empty one, but we wish you the best of luck in the chase of a hidden spring in Iceland.
Don’t forget to subscribe and get our free printable list for Iceland clothes and essentials for Summer. Now available in English, Spanish, and Italian.
Other essentials
Waterproof backpack/Backpack rain cover: Like everything, this is your option, but since you will frequently need to pack camera gear, money, or other essentials while you are visiting the different attractions and because the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, it is better to be ready and avoid to end with something important cover in water.
Towel: Since we slept mostly in guesthouses, we didn’t really need one for our daily cleaning. Also, one for the Blue Lagoon is included in the entrance price. But if you will stay in a camp area, you better have your, and if you plan to relax in one of the free hidden hot springs on the road, you will need your personal one. We strongly recommend the quick drying towel since they will quickly occupy less space in your bag than a regular towel.
Waterproof phone case: If you want to bring your phone to the spring and relax inside, you will need to get a waterproof case with you. You will end with some blurry pictures and videos, but hey, at least it is something.
Water bottle: Iceland perfectly reflects how beautiful mother nature is, so let’s contribute a bit, and don’t forget to bring your reusable water bottle. You can drink tap water everywhere in Iceland. You will also want to take a bottle with you during hikes, so better bring the one you know will fit in your backpack. We bought a big bottle of water during our first grocery in Reykjavik before hitting the road to refill our individual bottles when we didn’t find where on the road.
Charging accessories: We are sure you will want to take photos of videos everywhere, so you can come back one day to the pictures and remember how beautiful this trip was. So be sure every day to have your phone on a full battery. It will be good to have too a fully charged external battery. If you are going on a road trip, you can get one USB car charger. Also, remember in Iceland, plugs use the standard European plug with two round prongs, so be sure to bring an adapter if necessary.
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Head net: It was just one place where we were missing not to bring one of this net, Krafla. What saves us from enjoying the place without finishing with our mouths covered in bugs was our masks (COVID times) and sunglasses.
Thermal bottle: If you are a coffee or tee lover, you don’t want to forget this. It will help to keep you warm and awake on the road.
Reusable folding cup: If you want to have the coffee or tee on the road, you better have some cups to do it. The reusable folding one helps you to save space in your luggage.
Lunch box, with reusable cutlery: Honestly, there was more weight in our backpacks from food than for clothes. This was the tip that most help us to save money in Iceland and afford this trip. So yes, we pack our lunch almost every day and have a perfect lunch each day in a beautiful location by the road.
Food: This will need a whole post about all the food we bring with us, but anything you can get to cook there will help keep your budget low.
First aid kit: Lucky for us, we didn’t need it. So we have a perfectly safe trip, but it is better to be prepared if you will be on the road, far away from the city, to have some first aid medicine and bands. You can also install the Döff app to contact the emergency service if you need help without making a phone call.
Photography or video gear: I think I don’t need to mention this, but whatever photography or video equipment you have will be essential in Iceland.
Refreshing kit: Most hotels and guesthouses will have the basics for cleaning, but best to bring a few extras, like suncream and moisturizer. One more tip we didn’t know before our trip: conditioner, shampoo, and shower gel are included in the Blue Lagoon entrance price.
How to plan a trip to Iceland and not visit its capital? Since our plan was to make a road trip around the island in just one week, we decided to spend just one day in Reykjavík Iceland.
Since we live in different countries, our flight times didn’t match. Because of that, we decided to visit Reykjavik separately. So, while one of us had a full day during the first day in Iceland, the other had a half day during the last day. But also, while one had a sunny day, the other had a rainy day, so whatever is the situation for you, we have you covered. So, before telling you about our experiences and our one-day and half-day itinerary, let’s talk about Reykjavik: the only western European capital without either Starbucks or McDonalds!
Souvenir shop
Souvenir shop
The town is home to more than 120 000 inhabitants. In the Capital Region of Iceland resides 60% of Icelanders. Reykjavik charms the rest of the world with a unique approach without skyscrapers, subways, or metros. The friendly size and vibe make Reykjavik a lovely destination in all seasons.
Hallgrímskirkja is a parish church and an ever-present feature of Reykjavík’s skyline. Its construction started in 1945, and it took 41 years to finish the whole church. Inside, a 15 meters tall and 25-tons weight large pipe organ was made by the German organ builder Johannes Klais.
As a significant landmark in Iceland’s capital city, this church is the highest building in downtown Reykjavik, dominating the skyline of the northernmost capital of the world. Ascending on top of the tower of 73 meters in height is a highlight of the tour. The entrance to the church is free. For 1000 ISK (~ 8$/7€) for adults and 100 ISK (~ 1$/0.7€) for children aged from seven to 16 (price from July 2021), you can buy a ticket in the church shop. A lift will take you up to the viewing deck, overlooking the city, the harbor, the white-capped mountains in the distance, and everything else Reykjavik has to offer. The panoramic view of Reykjavik downtown from Hallgrímskirkja’s tower has become iconic imagery on social media.
The church preserves the right to close without notice due to maintenance, social engagements, or other reasons. However, during an ongoing service or concert, the church welcomes visitors to stay; just keep in mind to avoid disturbance.
The sloped road connects the main shopping street of Reykjavik, Laugavegur, and other significant areas in the capital. It leads to the top of the hill named Skólavörðuhæð, where the Hallgrímskirkja church is located. As part of the Reykjavik Pride celebration in 2019, this street was painted with rainbow colors, representing Iceland’s friendliness and acceptance to its LGBTQ community. Airbnbs near this concurred street is the tourist’s preferred.
Tjornin Pond is a beautiful lake in the city center, next to the City Hall and Frikirkjan Church. Elegantly colored old houses and the City Hall building surround the lake. Geese, ducks, swans, and seagulls bring this colorful lake to life and one of the main attractions of this city.
You will probably be walking on this street even not knowing its name. Well, Laugavegur street is one of the oldest in Iceland’s capital. Renowned for its restaurants and bars, it is also the main shopping street in Reykjavik. The fantastic street art makes you lose track of time while walking and visiting the little cozy souvenir stores.
Harpa is one of Reykjavik’s most distinguished landmarks and one of the most visited attractions. It is a cultural center in the city’s heart with glass panels with the same hexagonal shape as Iceland’s basalt rocks. It is located next to the harbor and offers a terrace with views. Even though it was constructed in 2011, Harpa has already received numerous awards for its architecture and concert and conference center.
As a result of this vivid experience of my participation in this expedition while on the island of Bockholm in the Finnish archipelago, I carved a picture of a sun ship into a granite rock by the sea. The sun ship symbolizes the promise of new, undiscovered territory.
Perlan Museum is an impressive structure located near downtown Reykjavik. As one of Iceland’s most ambitious exhibition projects, Perlan presents a great perspective to see what Iceland offers. It’s a must-visit destination where you will find large-scale exhibitions.
The museum exhibits the world’s first indoor Ice Cave, built with over 350 tons of snow from the Icelandic Mountains. If you plan to go there remember to take with you an ice jacket. Inside the cave, you will be walking along 100 meters with -15°C temperature.
The museum also has the only planetarium of Iceland with an 8K state-of-the-art projection system. If you couldn’t see the Northern Lights (like our case :(), this is a must-experience. On its third floor there is a restaurant and a fabulous 360° view of Reykjavik and surrounding areas. From there, you will see the beautiful mount Esja, Reykjavik’s colorful houses, and rising churches. On clear days the view is complete with the sight of the ice-capped Snaefellsjokull glacier far in the distance. In winter, the observation deck is highly recommended for the view of the Northern Lights.
The price (from July 2021) for adults is 4490 ISK (~ 37$/31€). For children aged 6 to 17 years old, the price is 2290 ISK (~ 19$/16€). The ticket includes:
Access to the viewing deck
Perlan Planetarium
All exhibitions – including access to the ice cave
You can get the ticket for a lower price with student identification or not planning to visit the planetarium. For more updated information, you can check the museum website.
One day in Reykjavik Iceland itinerary
After a very early flight from Dusseldorf airport, Germany, Arturo and I (Annie) arrived in a very empty Iceland airport before 8:00 am, received by this huge promotion, tempting us to go stray to the Blue Lagoon, and the famous Exit to Iceland sign.
Our first stop: breakfasts! In Joe and the Juice, we had a perfect sandwich and energizing smoothie. Maybe good to notice that there are two Joe and the Juice in the airport. By mistake, we ended having breakfast in the one from people departing. Still, there is one after baggage claim for people arriving.
The next step was to get some alcohol in the Duty-Free (the cheaper way to get alcohol in Iceland). Remember never to drink and drive!!! After buying our six-pack, we headed to the bus stop to take Bus 55+1 to Reykjavik city. If you want to know more about public transportation to Reykjavik and other options, check our post: Best ways to get from Iceland International airport (Keflavík) to Reykjavík downtown.
After a 45 minutes trip, we were in Reykjavik. Unfortunately, our guesthouse didn’t have a check-in till 16:00, but they offer us a bag storage space.
For lunch, we decide to get our first Icelandic hot-dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. But, in total honesty, we were so obsessed with the Joe and the Juice from the airport that we come back for one more to finish our lunch.
After Perlan, we did a long walk back to our accommodation. We finally did the check-in, follow for some dinner before coming back to see the sunset in the harbor. Be aware we were in Iceland during summer, August, and the sunset during late hours. Around 22:00, we come back to the guesthouse where we met Ely and Rogelio and start to prepare for the next day to pick up the rental car (More about how to rent a car in Iceland in our post: Rental Cars in Iceland airport and Reykjavik: Blue Car rental, insurance, and more), and start our Ring Road Trip.
Half-day in Reykjavik Iceland itinerary
After saying goodbye to Annie and Arturo very early in the morning, Rogelio and I (Ely) slept until 10:00 am. A rainy day, really common in Reykjavik, didn’t stop us from knowing the city. We left the Airbnb after having breakfast, and with our backpacks, we started walking. Our first stop, after a walk of around 3 km under the rain, was Perlan. We spend two hours inside, visiting the different rooms, the ice cave, the planetarium, and admiring the roof view. Then we walked again like 2 km to downtown.
Tip 1: Be sure you have charged your smartphone and camera, or you have a backup battery charger. You will also need to check the space you have in both because you will want to take many pictures.
Some of the links on this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase something we may receive payment. Although all these recommendations are based on our personal experience.
Accommodation recommendations
This is the budget-friendly accommodation we choose at Reykjavik:
We choose this one since it includes breakfast. Because we planned our first grocery shopping for the next day of arrival to Reykjavik, accommodation with breakfast sound perfect. It is also very well localized, two minutes walk from Hallgrímskirkja church. We choose a four people room for 100 € (remember these are not fixed prices), it was a small room, but just to sleep a night was good enough for us. It counts with a shared kitchen, with all was necessary to cook the lunch for our first day on the road. It also has a shared bathroom with another room.
On our last day in Iceland, we sped the night at Reykjavik. We also choose a shared room for four people for 75 €, with nearby parking. Unfortunately, this property is no longer available.
Tours, experiences and one-day excursions
If you are looking for more excitement or staying in Reykjavik for more than one day, here are a few of the most popular activities, tours and one-day excursions you can take. Some of them you can do if you have a car (check our post about rental cars in Iceland), in which case you can plan everything for yourself or book a self-guided tour. If you don’t have a car, you can book too guided excursions.
Excursions:
If you want to plan everything for yourself, here are some examples:
Some of these you can drive for yourself as Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. For the northern lights, you can ask locals or at your accommodation for good spots and go for yourself or book one of the excursions.
For whale watching, you can read our post about our experience with Gentle Giant at Húsavík, where we also share links to this magnificent experience in Reykjavik.
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