Right now, you have a unique opportunity to enjoy Iceland's fantastic nature almost all to yourself. The Icelandic authorities expect 90% fewer tourists compared to 2019, and it's an opportunity you’re unlikely to get again. Iceland offers something for everyone, whether you're a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie, or a life enthusiast. With stunning landscapes, open expanses, a unique selection of natural attractions and activities, and world-class healthcare, Iceland is the perfect destination for your next trip. Here are 11 tips for a perfect Iceland trip!
1. Check-in at Eyja Guldsmeden
The hotel is perfectly located right next to Hlemmur Square on Laugavegur, the largest shopping street in Reykjavík. Eyja Guldsmeden offers views of the city and Mount Esja.
2. Gunnuhver – Thermal Activity
Drive out to Gunnuhver, where the ground steams and bubbles with thermal activity. Gunnuhver is an active geothermal area on the southwestern part of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The place is named after a female ghost, Gudrun, whose spirit is said to have been trapped in the hot springs 400 years ago by a priest. A unique feature of Gunnuhver is that the groundwater here is 100 percent seawater, unlike other geothermal areas on the island.
3. Seltún – In Smoke and Steam
Continue the journey to Seltún, where more geothermal activity is on the agenda. Follow the walkway around fumaroles, hot springs, and boiling mud pools. Seltún is a beautiful place with shifting, stunning golden hues that shine through the smoke and steam. Just north of Seltún lies Kleifarvatn, the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula, and by using Pinkiceland.is, they can arrange a private concert with artists like Elin Ey while you enjoy Icelandic specialties such as hákarl (fermented shark), brennivín, and kleinar. The view is magnificent, and the lit torches add a cozy atmosphere.
4. Dinner at Kopar
End the day with dinner at Kopar, which is located right next to the hotel. Tradition mixed with the new, with a constantly surprising twist. Their adventure menu, consisting of 8 small dishes, takes you on a perfect culinary Icelandic flavor journey and is highly recommended. Kopar means copper, which is reflected in the interior, and combined with wood and a view of the harbor, it creates a cozy, raw mix.
5. Fishing Trip with Elding
Start the second day with a fishing trip – Elding will take you out to sea to the best fishing spots and provide you with a warm suit, so rain, snow, and wind won’t stop you from having a fun day. The weather is very unpredictable, so be prepared for a bit of everything, and maybe a whale will pay a visit too.
6. Lunch at Hotel Frost & Fire
Have lunch at Hotel Frost & Fire – a romantic hotel in idyllic surroundings. It is about an hour's drive from Reykjavík in the town of Hveragerdi, which is known for its many hot springs. The hotel's pool is naturally kept warm by these same springs, and you can relax in their floating tubs while enjoying the most beautiful view over the Varma River, which also flows with warm water from the springs. If you're up for a swim, winter is no obstacle. The restaurant serves slow food made from fresh, local ingredients, and Emil Ørn Valgardson will gladly take you out to show you their underground oven, where they bake their own incredibly delicious rye bread.
7. Bloody Mary in a Tomato Greenhouse
Continue to the tomato greenhouse Café Fridheimar. Knútur and Helena run the greenhouse/café, where they grow tomatoes year-round, despite Iceland's long, cold winters. In the café, located in the middle of the greenhouse, they serve delicious tomato soup, and you can of course also buy various homemade tomato products to take home from the cozy little shop. Their Bloody Mary is highly recommended. If you're interested in horses, an extra little bonus is that Knútur and Helena also breed horses and have horse shows on the program.
8. Speed Over the Field
If you’re into speed, a jet boat tour with Extreme Island is a must. At 90 km per hour, you'll alternately fly and bump through waves and currents down the sometimes narrow river, and to really get your adrenaline pumping, you’ll experience a 360-degree spin. If you're lucky with the weather, the views on the trip are stunning; if not, the driving rain against your face just adds an extra adrenaline factor. You’ll be fully equipped with a suit, helmet, goggles, and gloves, so lack of proper clothing is no excuse not to hop on. However, it’s not for the faint-hearted or those with bad backs, as the bumps can be quite harsh.
9. Ahhh, warmth in the hot springs
Secret Lagoon, Fludir, and Gamla Laugin. Now it’s time to warm up again, and the best way to do that is in the warm waters of Fludir and Gamla Laugin. Float around and enjoy the warmth spreading throughout your body while taking in the view of the steaming hot springs. It’s highly recommended to try some Icelandic beer tasting here. You’re allowed to bring your own drinks, so make sure to pack a good basket. That way, you’re guaranteed to stay warm.
10. Flying High
Helicopter tour with Nordurflug. The perfect way to arrive at “The Blue Lagoon” is undoubtedly by helicopter. Take the trip from Reykjavík to the lagoon and see Iceland from above. Fantastic views – lakes, volcanoes, and the icy blue water of the lagoon, beautifully illuminated between the lava. There are different tours to choose from, but wind and weather are the deciding factors.
11. Luxury Spa
The Blue Lagoon offers various spa treatments, and if you want to pamper yourself a little extra, book their Retreat Spa. Here, you'll enjoy more private settings – a lounge with a fireplace, your own lagoon with direct access to “The Blue Lagoon,” and a private terrace with a view over the lagoon. You can order some snacks, and last but not least, you can book treatments. If you really want to be pampered, a relaxing massage in the water feels like heaven. Finish your stay with a delicious lunch at Lava Restaurant.
