9.22.2017 - 9.26.2017
I have always been a fan of warm vacation destinations. Never did I imagine myself going to Iceland. Despite its cold weather, Iceland had so much to offer and I'm so excited to share with you my 5 day itinerary!
DAY 1
Renting a Car: If you're going to travel Iceland, I highly recommend renting a car! It's super convenient and easy to drive around here!
Northern Lights: If you're itching to see the Northern Lights, the best time to visit Iceland is around winter time (October-February). We took our chances by booking our trip at the end of September, but if you go North chances of seeing the Northern Lights are much higher!
After we rented our car, we headed North towards Akureyri. This was a 5 hour drive, so hopefully you will visit Iceland with a buddy or prepare to sit and listen to music during your long drive... it's worth it!
Once we arrived to Akureyri we visited the following locations:
1. Godafoss: Beautiful Waterfall! Be careful! Rocks can be slippery!
2. Grjótagjá: A natural, clear, blue geothermal spring in a cave!
3. Dettifoss: A massive and powerful waterfall. They say Dettifoss has the greatest volume of any waterfall in Europe!
4. Myvatn Nature Baths (at night): We ended our trip here, and it was the best way to end our day! if you're in Northern Iceland, this is A MUST VISIT! Entry is half the price compared to Blue Lagoon AND at night we were lucky enough to see the beautiful Northern Lights! It was seriously magical!
DAY 2
Whale Watching in Hauganes and driving back to Southern Iceland
This day was more of a relaxed day since we had to do a 5 hour drive back down south. So we decided to book a Whale Watching Tour in Hauganes and it was amazing! We saw Killer Whales, Humpback Whales, and even caught some cod! At the end of our tour we were given the cod to take home and eat! I highly recommend Whale Watching in Hauganes if you're visiting Northern Iceland.
DAY 3
Exploring Southeastern Iceland
If you have limited time in Iceland, I recommend exploring the southern region! There's so much to do!
1. Jokusarlon (Diamond Beach): This place was spectacular! A large glacial lake that's so blue and stunning! By the time we got there (end of September), some of the glaciers were starting to melt. However, if you cross to the other side of the beach, you will see washed up icebergs! They looked like huge diamonds! Now, I know where they get the name from!
2. Svartifoss (Black Fall): Iceland is known for many many waterfalls, but this one was one of my favorites to see! The waterfall is surrounded by dark lava columns (sharp rocks) that makes it so unique compared to any waterfall I have ever seen. Mother nature is truly great!
3. Fjaðrárgljúfur: This was a massive canyon with amazing views from up top! You can walk the canyon's edge in around 30-40 mins round trip.
4. Kirkjfjara (Black Sand Beach): A sight to see! Black sand everywhere! This is one of the busier tourist destinations, so be warned! Also, make sure you are wearing many layers and a wind proof jacket. The winds are biting on this beach, I nearly froze my face off!
DAY 4
Exploring Southern Iceland
1. Skogafoss: This is another heavy traffic tourist area since you are getting closer to Reykjavik, which is the biggest city in Iceland. You can choose to walk up the waterfall as well. We saw a beautiful rainbow right when the sun poked out and it was awesome!
2. Seljavallalaug: Now THIS is a must visit. One of my favorite places that I've visited in Iceland. It's secluded and definitely worth the 30 min walk! The traffic is getting a little heavier since this isn't so much of a hidden gem anymore, but it's still worth the visit and it's one of the FREE hot springs Iceland has to offer!
DAY 5
Blue Lagoon in the morning and exploring Reykjavik
Blue Lagoon is definitely worth visiting, but it also gets very packed! Some insight I can recommend if you are visiting:
1. Buy your tickets in advance online for the first slot. Arrive 20 mins before opening and wait in line (if you want that IG shot, that is).
2. DO NOT: skip the shower before entering the lagoon, employees will tell you to take it, and when you do rinse your hair and body, put LOADS of hair conditioner on your hair or else your hair will be hard to brush after you're done (coming from a curly haired person).
3. Sulfur Smells: You will get a whiff of it at most Hot Springs you encounter in Iceland and even sometimes in your hotel when taking a warm bath, but it's the most natural and cleanest form of water you can have! The water in Iceland is so clean that it's drinkable (cold faucet water) and the warm water is packed with good minerals for your skin and hair!
After Blue Lagoon, we set foot to Reykjavik where there were many small stores and restaurants around. Although food in Iceland is SUPER expensive, some of the foods I highly recommend are:
1. Fish and Chips
2. Svarta Kaffið Restaurant (Reykjavik): Daily choices of bread bowl soups and they are perfect for the cold weather!
3. Baejarins Beztu Pylsur (Icelandic Hot Dog Stand in Reykjavik): Unlike US hotdogs, Icelandic Hotdogs are made from lamb and they use a sweet brown mustard called pylsusinnep!
4. Icelandic Yogurt (Skyr): it's also very good and there are many flavors to choose from!
That wraps up my 5 day itinerary in Iceland! All in all, if you don't have Iceland on your travel list, I highly recommend putting it on there! It's a beautiful country with mass amounts of hot springs, waterfalls, and many remarkable sceneries!