Travel Guide: Iceland
Posted on 12 April 2018
Our guide to Iceland - what to see, experience and eat.
If the land of fire and ice isn't already on your bucket list, put it on there now! Iceland has such an incredibly diverse and otherworldly landscape, there is no place quite like it. Hiring a car is the best way to explore the island, where the scenery is the main attraction and roadside diversions include waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers and adorable Icelandic horses.
VISIT
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
One of Iceland's most popular attractions and it's not hard to see why. Observe the sheer beauty of the icebergs floating in the lagoon against a backdrop of mountain glaciers, where scenes from James Bond and Lara Croft Tomb Raider were filmed. Just adjacent to the lagoon is a black sand beach known as Diamond beach, where icebergs meet the Atlantic Ocean, a must see!
Gullfoss Waterfall
Along the Golden Circle route is an impressive two-tiered waterfall where you can witness natures power. Warm up at the cafe nearby with their lamb goulash soup (note: the price of food and drinks in Iceland is expensive compared to other countries).
EXPERIENCE
Ice Cave Tour
For those looking for an adventure, you can strap on some crampons to hike up a glacier and descend into a magnificent ice cave. The experience is quite something!
Tip: Tours usually only run during the winter season
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
An hour hike up the mountain will take you to a valley where you can find hot springs, mud pools and bathe in the natural hot river.
Kerid Crater
A volcanic crater lake formed around 3000 years ago, this spectacle resembles an ancient amphitheatre where concerts have been held on a floating raft in Summer. In Winter, the lake is frozen over so you can walk right across it!
Blue Lagoon
One of those bucket list items that you need to tick off. You can't visit Iceland without taking a dip in this geothermal spa in the midst of a lava field. Your ticket entry comes with a free drink, so sip on some bubbles while you soak.
Tip: You must pre-book a time to enter the lagoon, booking in advance is advised as it fills up weeks ahead. Book tickets here.
EAT
Braud & Co
Known for having the best cinnamon rolls in town!
Sægreifinn
The freshest made-to-order fish kebabs located in the harbour.
Bergsson Mathús
'The' brunch spot with Icelandic breakfast items to your everyday regulars. Great for coffee and fresh juice!
Fish Markadurrin
Housed in one of Rekyavík's oldest buildings, offering a Japanese inspired menu using the freshest produce of the season.
SHOP
66°North
An Icelandic clothing brand creating functional contemporary outdoor gear since 1926.
Kraum
Local high-end Icelandic design store selling home decor to jewellery, the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs.
TIPS
- The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable, you can experience four seasons in the span of ten minutes.
- Be extra careful if hiring a car, road closures are not uncommon, so check the weather before departing.
- With the unpredictable weather, tours/activities can be cancelled last minute, so have a backup plan.
- Appropriate footwear such as hiking boots is important and waterproof clothing is necessary during winter.
Article by our Marketing Manager, Camilla @camillamount
Food & shop recommendations from our Product Designer, Crystal @crystal_iky