The Petite Planners

Travel, life & more!

Iceland (5 day)

Iceland is one of my favorite trips I have gone on and one of the only places I’ve been too (so far) where I left feeling like there was so much more to see! If this is your first time going, this is what I would recommend.

*This itinerary is meant for the summer months, when the sun doesn’t set until ~10pm or later. You won’t be able to see some of these sites in colder months.

**Note that we chose to sleep in a van for the whole trip, which was a lot of fun for us, but might not be for everyone. The van’s are converted mini vans, not RVs, so it is very tight quarters. Read my tips and thoughts at the end for more about renting a van and alternative accommodations.

DAY 1 – Arrive 

When you arrive (presuming in the morning), purchase a bus ticket at the airport to transport you to REJ/the Port Authority (the ride is ~40 min). There are several kiosks to buy tickets once you exit the airport/around baggage claim. Once you get to the Port Authority, take a taxi to pick up for car/van rental.

Before you head out of REJ, stop a grocery store to get food (remember you are going to want mostly non-perishables (read below for some meals).

Time to start the adventure!

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River (~40 min drive from REJ)

  • This 5 mile round-trip hike, is a steady uphill climb, that will take approximately 1 hour (allot 3 hours total)
  • There is a free parking lot and cafe, with free bathrooms before you begin the trail
  • There are changing areas once you get to the river (but I would recommend putting your bathing suit on beforehand)
  • TIP: The water is warmer the further up the river you go

Kerio Crater for Sunset (20 min from Reykjadalur Hot Spring)

  • Very easy/flat 1 mile hike for small entrance fee

STAY:

DAY 2 – The Golden Circle

Selfoss Water Falls –

 

  • Silfra Fissure (~approx 1 hour from REJ)
    • Continental divide where Eurasia and North America meet
    • RECOMMENDED ACTIVITY – Snorkle the Divide
      • Approx $150 pp
      • Some of the clearest water on Earth & tour comes with photos that you will definitely laugh at afterwards
      • I suggest doing a 9am tour and it will probably take you to noon
      • You have to put on many layers of gear, if you aren’t able to wear tight clothes I would not suggest
    • This is a national park so even if you don’t do the tour I recommend walking around the park
      • There are a few waterfalls within the park 
      • There is also a small place to get coffee from
  • Laugarvatn Fontana [30min from Silfra]
    • Quick stop to try the Rye Bread
      • The Rye Bread is cooked in the ground by the hot spring water
    • They do tours here to show you how it cooks – I would recommend just walking around the beach
      • Many of the locals will bury food by here to cook as well
    • There is also a pool here (I believe its paid) that is heat by hot spring water
  • Geysir [Approx 30 min]
  • Gullfoss Waterfall [10 min]
    • This was my favorite waterfall 
  • Hrunalaug Hot Spring [30 min]
    • This was a lot less touristy and it had hobbit vibes – very cute and relaxing for a quick stop
  • Gljufrabui Waterfall [Approx 1 – 1.5 hrs]
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall [in same parking lot area as Gljufrabui]
    • MUST for Sunset
    • I would recommend wearing your rain jacket as you walk around the waterfall

Day 3

  • Skogafoss [approx. 25 min from Seljalandsfoss]
    • You can take stairs to the top of the waterfall
  • Kvernufoss Waterfall [5 min]
    • Park at the Skogar Musuem & walk 15 min to waterfall
  • Sólheimasandur Plane Crash [10 min]
    • You can walk to the plane [approx. 2 miles one way] or pay small fee for bus to take you
    • Its kind of anticlimactic but still have to see
  • Dyrhólaey rock formation & puffin nesting ground [10 min]
    • Puffins are so cute
    • Nice park to walk around
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach [20 min]
  • Myrdal Church [5 min]
    • I would go for sunset as it overlooks the small town of Vik

**Stay in VIK

Day 4

  • Optional
    • Hjörleifshöfði Cape & Gígjagjá (“Yoda Cave”) (20 min from Vik)
    • Mossy Lava Field (40 min^)
    • Hofskirkja (Grass covered church)
  • Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon Hike (11 min^)
    • 2 mile hike (1.5 hr total)
  • OR
  • Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike (15 min^)
  • Svínafellsjökull view point (20 min^)

Day 5

  • Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach (10 min)
  • Ice Adventures
  • **6 hours from REJ
  • Brurafoss waterfall on way back (nice way to break up ride)
    • Easy hike and very blue water
  • Volcano Hike (Need to check if its still erupting)
  • Blue Lagoon

TIPS

  • You will need a debit card to fill up your car at gas stations or you can purchase prepaid cards
  • Van rentla
    • Give free coffee coupons
    • Have free supplies/spices extra
    • reimburse the taxi trip
    • pay for the GPS, it has internet, storm watch etcc