Hiking in Iceland
Iceland is the new IT place, and for good reasons. Waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, icebergs, and some of the nicest locals around make it the perfect family destination. If you’re looking for amusement parks, you may as well stop reading this. Iceland will get you up close with nature and push you to find your inner explorer.  Although there are tons of tour companies, I would definitely suggest renting a car. Driving is so easy in Iceland and we stopped so many times to take pictures and go off the beaten path. From thundering waterfalls and volcanic beaches to serene lagoons and puffin-filled coasts. Along the way, you’ll also experience Iceland’s unique culture and cuisine, staying fueled for epic adventures with traditional dishes like lamb stew and fresh seafood. Here is my itinerary for 7 adventurous days in Iceland…the land of fire and ice:
Where do you fly in?
The best place to fly in is Keflavik International Airport
CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT
DAY 1
Spend the day getting to know Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.Â
First stop is the Viking Museum. Although it is a little gory, it’s a good way to learn how the Viking culture influenced Iceland throughout the years. Your admission comes with a headset to do a self-guided tour. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the country’s rich history before heading out into the wild.
Lunch: Head down to the water and have some amazing seafood while enjoying a backdrop of mountains and ocean.
Time to get out on the water. Take a Puffin Tour to see a breeding ground of these adorable little guys. (Read our full review HERE) You can take several tours from Reykjavik to see these adorable seabirds in their natural habitat. From May to August, puffins nest on Iceland’s rugged cliffs, and boat tours offer the best view of their colorful beaks and playful antics. Make sure to book in advance.
Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the streets of Reykjavik. You might want to buy an iconic Icelandic sweater.
DAY 2
Today is about exploring the southern coast.
Drive to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. There are hundreds of waterfalls in Iceland, but this is one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls. Its unique feature is a path that lets you walk behind the cascading water for a magical view. Bring a rain jacket—it’s worth getting a little wet for this unforgettable experience. Follow the path that leads you in a circle behind it and out the other side.
Lunch: Grab an iconic Icelandic hotdog from the stand by the parking lot and sit at one of the picnic tables enjoying your lunch with a view of the falls.
Next stop is Seljavallalaug Pool. After walking down into the valley for about 20 minutes, passing over a few streams, you’ll suddenly come around the corner and a geothermal swimming spot will appear tucked away in the mountains. Built in 1923, this rustic pool is fed by natural hot springs and offers a peaceful escape surrounded by dramatic scenery.  The water is heated by hot springs and is the temperature of a warm bath. As you swim, the mountains cascade around you and you can see several waterfalls in the distance. (Click here for detailed directions.)
Last stop for the day is Skagafoss Waterfall.   It is 200 feet wide and over 80 feet high, and is one of the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland.
Make sure you climb the 400 stairs to get to the top of the falls. See stunning panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscapes. It’s worth every step.
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DAY 3
By now you’ve seen lots of Icelandic horses while driving, but today you will get to ride one! a unique breed known for their small stature and smooth gait. Many tours take you through lava fields and open meadows, offering a new way to experience Iceland’s beauty. We had an unforgettable ride from the Hestheimar Guesthouse. (The hotel had just been sold to new owners so I’m not sure if it has reopened.)Â
After lunch, head over to Vik to see its Black Sand Beach The black pebble beach is bordered by stunning basalt cliffs that have a stair-like appearance. In the distance, you can see a natural bridge, and may be lucky enough to see seals playing in the waves. Watch the waves crash against the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and take in the eerie, otherworldly vibe of this volcanic coastline.Â
 
DAY 4
It’s Golden Circle day!
(Don’t bother doing a tour…if you drive you can stop whenever you want.)
First stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.  Parliament would meet here to create laws, argue about politics, and even execute prisoners. They would also throw one heck of a party during their meetings. Fans of Game of Thrones might recognize it since some episodes were filmed here. The landscape is rugged, dramatic, and gorgeous.
Lunch: There’s a great soup shop at your next stop.
Second stop of the day is Geysir. Before you approach the main geyser, you will see lots of bubbling, steaming pools of water. The smell of sulfur fills the air and you can imagine all the activity that is going on under your feet. Next stop will be Strokkur…the main attraction. It is Iceland’s most famous geyser, which erupts every 5–10 minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. Â
Final stop of the day is Gulfoss Waterfall. When it comes to waterfalls in Iceland, this one is hard to beat!! This powerful two-tiered cascade is a must-see, with viewing platforms that let you feel the sheer force of the water up close. The falls are known as the Golden Falls and they certainly are a treasure. It is pretty much impossible to get a bad picture here because the view will leave you in awe. Make sure you take the path to the top section of the falls to get a different perspective. (Read all about doing the Golden Circle HERE.)
DAY 5
Today is all about icebergs!
Take a leisure drive to the Jokulsarlon Lagoon. There will be plenty of places you’ll want to stop along the way. You may want to stop somewhere along the way for lunch or buy some food from a local market and enjoy it somewhere with a view of a glacier.Â
Jokulsarlon Lagoon…where giant icebergs float serenely in crystal-clear water. When you finally get to the lagoon take a while to let it all sink in. It is unbelievable and you’ll feel like you’re standing in a postcard. Take it in from several angles, including from the top of the little hill.Â
Next, go on a boat tour inside the lagoon. The boat will take you as close to the icebergs as the guide feels is safe, since icebergs can flip at any moment. The icebergs are amazing and the guide was informative and even kept the kids entertained. Read all about our review HERE.) (Book in advance.)
When you’re done, drive down to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks glisten on the black sand, On these black sand beaches, icebergs wash right up onto shore and you can feel them, stand on them, and take some pretty incredible shots. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Watch the icebergs drift into sea and keep a lookout for little seals.
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DAY 6
Today you have one last day in Reykjavik. Visit the HallgrÃmskirkja Church, Reykjavik’s iconic church with its unique modernist design inspired by Icelandic landscapes.  The real treat is the view from the top.  Take the elevator up to see gorgeous views of the water, city, and mountains. The colorful houses dotting the city are so cheerful.
After lunch, head over to the Open Air Museum. This museum is a wonderful way to see firsthand the way people lived in Iceland throughout the years. It is set up into sections with over 20 houses that represent a town square, a village, and a farm. You can walk into the different homes and see what life was like.Â
Head back to the city and walk around some more. Finish up your shopping. In the mood for some ice cream? Joylatto makes their own ice cream in front of you using liquid nitrogen. (Njalsgata 1, 101, Reykjavik)
DAY 7
Book a late afternoon flight because you have one last stop in Iceland!
Blue Lagoon!!
Pinterest is flooded with pictures of this amazing man-made geothermal pool. It is a great way to start or end your vacation since it is so close to the airport and the whole family will have fun there. Spend the morning and early afternoon relaxing in the warm water. Enjoy a cocktail or a smoothie and make sure you use the silica that they provide to do a self-facial. (Click here to read my Tips for Doing the Blue Lagoon with Kids)
Head to the airport and revel in the memories you made in Iceland!
Where should you stay in Iceland?
These are all the hotels we stayed at in Iceland and I would recommend them all for various reasons. (Reviews of each hotel can be found on my menu.)
Hestheimar Guesthouse (Was sold)
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What else can you do in Iceland?
Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon Including Admission & Kerid Volcanic Crater
South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik
Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik
Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik
Golden Circle & Glacier Snowmobiling Day Trip from Reykjavik
Natural Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour of Vatnajökull Glacier
Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour from Reykjavik
Snorkeling Between Continents in Silfra with Photos Included
 What is your favorite thing to do in Iceland?
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