Travel
What to See and Do in Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is one of the best places to visit if you love beautiful things and a little bit of adventure. I spent three days in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Iceland’s terrain is just incredible and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. From natural wonders like hot springs and aurora borealis, to the Gullfoss waterfall and whale watching, getting to visit this beautiful place was a unique experience. There’s a reason it’s become a more popular spot to visit. Here’s a a complete guide to one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Iceland is one of those must-see places. From crystal blue water and black sand beaches to ice caves, humpback whales, here’s a look at what to see and do in Reykjavik, Iceland.
What to See and Do in Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital city, and visiting is one of the top things I’ve ever done. I’m not big on adventure when I travel. I like to explore, but you won’t find me off-roading. But then there’s Iceland – it’s such a great place to visit, and I had the best time exploring this place that seems like it’s straight out of a movie. Which it is! You can even check out Game Of Thrones filming locations. I will never get over the country’s unique terrain, and it’s such a safe, wonderful city. Sadly, I missed the northern lights which is a good reason to go back and visit again. Next time, I’ll take the golden circle route.
Day 1: Exploring Reykjavik
We flew into Reykjavik (home of Of Monsters and Men), with IcelandAir’s stopover flight. It’s just 6 hours direct from Chicago. The next time I plan a weeklong trip, I’m going to fly IcelandAir, stopover in Iceland for a few days (for free) and then head to another European country. After checking into the hotel, we went for a walk through the city. I purchased an Icelandic sweater and socks, and see the city from the top of the Luthern church.
Day 2: SuperJeep Tour, Gulfoss, and Geysir
The SuperJeep Tour
The SuperJeep tour was one of my favorite parts of the trip but would have been a lot better with some anti nausea medication. I don’t get carsick but was feeling pretty rough afterward. It was the best experience and I’d do it again, but I’d take some meds prior. A SuperJeep tour in Iceland is an unforgettable way to explore the country. These custom-built 4×4 vehicles are designed to handle Iceland’s terrain. They take you on the open road that most travelers can’t reach. Drive across glacial rivers, climbing steep mountain roads, or traversing snowy plains like we did. The SuperJeep experience is a unique opportunity that offers adventure and breathtaking views every step of the way. I’d compare it to the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland but five times bumpier for an hour straight. It is not for the carsick.
Gulfoss
One of the highlights of this tour is Gullfoss, often called the “Golden Falls.” Gulfoss was the coldest, windiest place I’ve ever been, so sadly, most of my photos didn’t turn out very well. My eyes are crazy sensitive and teared up a lot to the point that I couldn’t see anything. We also made a quick stop at efstidalur for lunch and ice cream, and saw some geysers, too.This powerful waterfall is a must-see. On sunny days, you can often spot rainbows dancing across the falls. Standing at the edge of the gorge, it’s easy to see why Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic natural landmarks. The roar of the water and the sheer scale of the falls are humbling and awe-inspiring.
Geothermic Pools
Iceland’s geothermal pools are basically nature’s version of a spa day. The country sits on top of all kinds of volcanic activity, which means there’s no shortage of naturally heated water bubbling up from deep underground. These geothermal pools are everywhere—some are fancy, like the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. Others are more low-key and tucked away in the middle of nowhere. Either way, soaking in geothermal waters is a must when you’re in Iceland. It’s warm, relaxing, and just what you need after a day of exploring waterfalls and glaciers.
One of the coolest things about Iceland’s geothermal pools is how different they are. You’ve got community pools in pretty much every town, where locals hang out year-round, and hidden gems like the Secret Lagoon, where the vibe is way more chill. There are even natural hot springs you have to hike to, like Reykjadalur, where you’ll be rewarded with a warm river to soak in after a short trek. So whether you go for the luxury experience or something totally wild, soaking in geothermal waters is pure magic. Trust me, you won’t want to leave.
Geysir
Not far from Gullfoss is Geysir, the geothermal area that gave all geysers their name. The star attraction here is Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters in the air. Watching Strokkur erupt is a thrilling experience—you feel the ground rumble beneath your feet, and then, in an instant, a powerful burst of water jets into the sky. The surrounding geothermal landscape, with its bubbling mud pots and steaming vents, makes it an unforgettable experience.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland totally depends on what kind of experience you want.
The summer months are perfect for road trips, endless daylight, and seeing the lush green landscape. It’s the most popular time for tourists.
If you’re into the northern lights, the winter months are the time to visit. I visited in late winter/early spring and missed the northern lights by a few days! It’s dark, cold, and magical with snowy landscapes and fewer crowds.
Spring and fall offer a quieter experience. You’ll get fewer tourists, decent weather, and a chance to see Iceland’s changing colors.
No matter when you visit, Iceland’s unpredictable weather keeps things interesting. And one of the best parts of Iceland you can experience throughout the year. The Icelandic horses.
The great divide: Thingvellir is the spot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
Day 3: The Blue Lagoon
Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is one of those experiences that feels almost too good to be true. The Blue Lagoon is the most incredible natural phenomenon, and we had such a great time there. Imagine soaking in warm, milky-blue water while surrounded by black lava fields—it’s kind of like being on another planet, but with a face mask and a drink in hand. The moment you step into the water, all your travel fatigue melts away, and you can just float around, feeling like you’ve discovered the secret to ultimate relaxation. Spoiler: You’ll never want to leave.
Most people visit either right after arriving in Iceland or on their way to the airport, and honestly, it’s the best way to bookend your trip. You can go big and treat yourself to a luxury experience at the Retreat Spa or just stick with the classic day pass. Either way, it’s worth it. Just don’t forget to condition your hair like crazy before and after because that silica will make it feel like straw if you’re not careful. Otherwise, sit back, soak, and enjoy every second.
Just be sure to schedule your visit in advance! We swam up to the face mask bar for algae masks that were so good we each bought some to take home, and had an incredible lunch at Lava.
