Reykjavik 2 weeks

Your gateway to Iceland, located about 50 km southwest of Reykjavik. It's a modern airport with good facilities.

A convenient and frequent bus service connecting KEF airport directly to Reykjavik city center. The journey takes approximately 45-50 minutes.

• Book tickets online in advance for potential savings.
• The bus stops at the BSI Bus Terminal, from where you might need a taxi or local bus to your accommodation.

Check into your hotel in the heart of Reykjavik. Hotel Borg is a historic Art Deco landmark offering a central and stylish base.

Experience Icelandic cuisine with a focus on local ingredients cooked over a coal grill. Known for its unique atmosphere and delicious dishes.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

Reykjavik's iconic Lutheran church, inspired by basalt lava flows. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

• The tower fee is separate from church entry.
• Visit on a clear day for the best photographic opportunities.

Built around the archaeological remains of a Viking longhouse, this museum offers a fascinating look into Reykjavik's early history. Interactive displays bring the past to life.

• It's located below street level, so look for the entrance carefully.

A stunning piece of modern architecture with a distinctive glass facade inspired by Icelandic basalt columns. Explore its public spaces and enjoy the waterfront views.

• Check their schedule for potential free concerts or events.
• The building's reflective surfaces offer unique photographic perspectives.

A highly-rated restaurant serving creative seafood dishes with Asian influences. It's known for its sophisticated ambiance and fresh, seasonal ingredients.

• Consider the tasting menu for a culinary journey.
• Book well in advance.

A UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. It's also the historical site of Iceland's ancient parliament.

• Walk between the tectonic plates in the Almannagjá gorge.
• The Silfra fissure here is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving (book separately).

Home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. The area also features bubbling mud pots and hot springs.

• Be patient for Strokkur's eruption; it's worth the wait.
• Stay on marked paths due to the hot ground.

A magnificent two-tiered waterfall plunging into a rugged canyon. Its sheer power and beauty make it one of Iceland's most impressive natural sights.

• Wear waterproof clothing as spray can be significant.
• Several viewpoints offer different perspectives for photography.

Enjoy a unique lunch experience inside a geothermally heated greenhouse, famous for its tomato soup and bread. You can also learn about their sustainable farming methods.

• Reservations are essential, especially for lunch.
• Try their delicious tomato-based cocktails.

A striking volcanic crater lake with vibrant blue water surrounded by red volcanic rock. A short walk around its rim offers great photo opportunities.

Famous for the path that allows visitors to walk behind the cascading water. A truly immersive experience and a photographer's dream.

• Wear waterproof gear and sturdy shoes, as the path can be slippery.
• The view from behind the falls is spectacular, especially at sunset or sunrise.

A powerful and majestic waterfall where you can walk right up to the base. Climb the stairs to the top for a breathtaking view from above.

• Look for rainbows on sunny days; the spray often creates them.
• The surrounding area is perfect for landscape photography.

A world-famous black sand beach with dramatic basalt columns, powerful waves, and stunning sea stacks (Reynisdrangar).

• Beware of sneaker waves; never turn your back on the ocean.
• The basalt columns offer unique photographic compositions.

A charming coastal village nestled near Reynisfjara. Stop here for a break, explore the local church with its iconic view, or grab a bite.

A cozy restaurant in Vík known for its hearty soups and bread. A perfect place to warm up after a day of exploring the coast.

• They offer a 'soup of the day' which is always a good choice.

A breathtaking glacial lagoon filled with icebergs calved from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Watch seals swim among the ice and witness the ever-changing landscape.

• Consider a boat tour (Zodiac or amphibian) for an up-close experience with the icebergs.
• The light here is magical for photography, especially early morning.

Across the road from Jökulsárlón, where icebergs from the lagoon wash ashore onto the black sand, creating a stunning contrast. The ice fragments sparkle like diamonds.

• Be mindful of the tide and waves when walking on the beach.
• The ice formations are constantly changing, offering unique photographic subjects.

A beautiful area offering hiking trails with views of glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls, including Svartifoss with its basalt columns.

• The hike to Svartifoss is relatively easy and rewarding.
• Consider a guided glacier hike or ice cave tour from here (book in advance).

A casual dining option located in Vík, offering a variety of meals from burgers to traditional Icelandic dishes. Convenient for a late meal after a long day.

Enjoy the scenic drive back along the South Coast, perhaps stopping at any spots you missed or wish to revisit for more photos.

Relax and rejuvenate in the world-famous geothermal spa. Its milky blue waters are rich in minerals and set amidst a lava field.

• Book your tickets weeks, or even months, in advance, especially for popular time slots.
• The silica mud mask is included and great for the skin.
• Consider the 'Comfort' package for your first visit.

A cozy and popular spot in Reykjavik known for serving soup in a bread bowl. It's a simple, delicious, and affordable option.

• They usually have two soup options daily.
• Expect a queue, but it moves relatively fast.

The departure point for many whale watching tours. The harbor itself is charming with colorful boats and surrounding buildings.

Embark on a boat trip from Reykjavik's Old Harbour to spot minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay.

• Dress warmly in layers, even in summer.
• Bring seasickness medication if you are prone to it.
• The best sightings are usually on calmer days.

Built around the archaeological remains of a Viking longhouse, this museum offers a fascinating look into Reykjavik's early history. Interactive displays bring the past to life.

• It's located below street level, so look for the entrance carefully.

A legendary Icelandic hot dog stand, famous for its unique lamb-based hot dogs. A must-try for a quick and affordable bite.

• Order 'eina með öllu' (one with everything) for the full experience.
• It's often crowded, but the line moves quickly.

A popular, hip bar located in a former biscuit factory. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, craft beers, and live music sometimes.

Impressive basalt columns forming a spectacular wall, stretching for about 1 km. A great spot for photography and to appreciate geological formations.

A black pebble beach with fascinating history, featuring lifting stones used by fishermen to test their strength. Wreckage from a British trawler adds a dramatic element.

• Look for the four lifting stones: Amlóði (Weakling), Hálfdrjúgur (Half-Strong), Hálfsterkur (Half-Strong), and Fullsterkur (Full-Strong).

Charming coastal villages with dramatic cliffs, basalt arches (Gatklettur), and stunning sea views. A beautiful coastal path connects the two.

• The walk between Arnarstapi and Hellnar is highly recommended for photography.
• Watch out for nesting birds in the cliffs during the summer.

Home to the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier-volcano, said to be the entrance to the center of the Earth in Jules Verne's novel. Offers diverse landscapes from lava fields to coastal cliffs.

• Driving around the base of the glacier offers numerous viewpoints.
• Guided tours are recommended for glacier hikes or ice cave explorations.

A cozy restaurant in Grundarfjörður known for its delicious seafood and local specialties. Offers beautiful views of the surrounding fjord.

Take a short domestic flight from Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Akureyri (AEY), the 'Capital of the North'. This saves significant travel time.

Arrive in Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest urban area. Pick up your rental car for exploring the region.

Check into your hotel in the heart of Akureyri. Hotel Kea offers comfortable accommodation and easy access to the town's attractions.

A popular restaurant in Akureyri offering panoramic views of the fjord and town. Known for its modern Icelandic cuisine.

Known as the 'Waterfall of the Gods', this horseshoe-shaped waterfall is historically significant and visually stunning. It's particularly beautiful with the surrounding landscape.

• It's easily accessible from the Ring Road.
• Visit during different seasons for varied photographic opportunities.

A unique area of dramatic volcanic lava formations, with pillars, arches, and caves. It's often referred to as the 'Dark Castles'.

• Several marked walking trails wind through the formations.
• It's a popular spot for folklore and legends.

A surreal, bubbling geothermal field with boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and colorful mineral deposits. The smell of sulfur is strong here.

• Stay on the marked paths as the ground is extremely hot.
• The barren landscape offers a stark contrast for photography.

A relaxing geothermal spa similar to the Blue Lagoon but often less crowded. Enjoy the mineral-rich waters with views of the surrounding lava fields.

• Book tickets online in advance.
• Bring your own towel or rent one.

A cozy restaurant in Reykjahlíð village by Lake Mývatn, offering traditional Icelandic dishes.

Drive to Húsavík, considered the whale watching capital of Iceland. Tours depart from the charming harbor, offering high chances of sightings.

• Consider a tour on a traditional oak boat for a unique experience.
• Húsavík is also home to the Whale Museum.

Explore the picturesque town of Húsavík, visit the Whale Museum, or enjoy lunch before heading back.

Return your rental car at Akureyri Airport for your flight back to Reykjavik.

Fly back from Akureyri (AEY) to Reykjavik Airport (RKV).

Transfer from Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to your hotel.

Showcasing a vast collection of Icelandic art from the 19th century to the present day, with a focus on landscape painting and modern works.

Located in a former warehouse, this branch of the Reykjavik Art Museum features contemporary art exhibitions, including works by Erró.

Explore Reykjavik's main shopping street, known for its boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, and vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for finding unique Icelandic designs.

Iceland's first Michelin-starred restaurant, offering a refined tasting menu focused on New Nordic cuisine and local ingredients. A splurge for a special meal.

• Bookings are essential and often required months in advance.
• Expect an intimate dining experience with exceptional service.

A unique exhibition space featuring a real indoor ice cave, a planetarium show about the Northern Lights, and interactive displays on Iceland's natural wonders.

• The observation deck offers fantastic 360-degree views of Reykjavik.
• Don't miss the Northern Lights show in the planetarium.

Visit one of the world's largest geothermal power plants. An exhibition explains how geothermal energy is harnessed and utilized in Iceland.

• Combine this with a stop at the nearby Krýsuvík geothermal area.
• The exhibition is informative for understanding Iceland's energy landscape.

A colorful geothermal field with steaming vents and boiling mud pools. The vibrant colors are due to the sulfurous deposits.

• Wooden walkways allow visitors to explore safely.
• The landscape is stark and otherworldly, great for photography.

A cozy restaurant specializing in pan-fried fish dishes served directly in the pan. Known for its fresh ingredients and hearty portions.

Pick up any last-minute gifts or mementos from Reykjavik's downtown shops.

Take the Flybus from Reykjavik city center back to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) for your departure.

Depart from Iceland.