Maximize Your Time: Reykjavík & Beyond

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Emma Roney
Curated By

Emma Roney

  • LGBTQ+ Travel

  • Road Trip Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Iceland

  • Local Culture

Advisor - Maximize Your Time: Reykjavík & Beyond
Curator’s statement

Iceland is not just for the adventuring types—it can be for everyone! Don't wait to visit gorgeous Iceland. The culture, art, and experiences are once in a lifetime. You'll never feel more connected to your body and the earth. Maximize your time in Iceland and soak up all the country has to offer!

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Where to stay

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Day 1: Arrival, exploration, & relaxation

Karsten Winegeart/Unsplash

When you arrive, pick up a rental car or get a private transfer, taking in the sights or grabbing an extra snooze in the car to Reykjavík! Grab breakfast at Sandholt, and then check into the hotel—we’ll curate your perfect home base.

After caffeinating, check out The Settlement Museum & National Museum of Iceland to learn about the history and people of Iceland. Take a nap if you need, then head out to the Blue Lagoon for luxury spa treatments and total relaxation.

Day 2: Lava caves & Northern Lights

With Paul/Unsplash

Wake up and grab fresh bread and coffee from Sandholt—trust me, you’ll want to go again!

Next, venture out to Raufarhólshellir to experience the lava cave with an expert guide. Grab lunch along Laugavegur and then head over to the incredible art at the House of Collections.

You’ll head to dinner at Sumac, with incredible Middle Eastern cuisine and delightful cocktails.

The day ends with a Northern Lights hunting trip. If you want the best chance at seeing the Northern Lights, be sure to plan for it early in your trip—you’ll get the chance to reschedule if your trip isn’t fruitful!

Day 3: Golden Circle highlights

Sarah Thorenz/Unsplash

Buckle up for a driving day! Whether you’re singing while driving or taking a tour, be mindful of the wind speed. The roads are narrow, and serious winds can prohibit driving.

Visit Thingvellir National Park, Kerid Crater, and then stop by a once-in-a-lifetime lunch at Fridheimar, a greenhouse restaurant that provides the majority of the tomatoes in Iceland!

On the way back to Reykjavík, stop at Gulfoss, Bru Horse Farm to feed some Icelandic ponies, Strokkur Geyser, and, finally, Bruarfoss. You’ll have no shortage of phenomenal photos from today!

Day 4: Day trip to Vik

Photo by Emma Roney

Follow the winding roads to Vik and take the opportunity to traverse in a super jeep over black sand beaches, along with a guided hike to Katla Glacier and climbing up and inside an ice cave. For a last photo opportunity, consider visiting Skogafoss on the way back to Reykjavík!

If you’re up for it, end the night with karaoke at Kiki Queer Bar, with a mix of locals and tourists. Other great options are Hús máls og menningar or Icelandic Craft Bar.

Day 5: Downtown Reykjavík & departure

Einar H. Reynis/Unsplash

This last day is the perfect time to visit Hallgrimskirkja, the cathedral in the center of the city, after getting some vegan pastries at Brauð & Co. See the sights, grab souvenirs, and then take your time traveling back to the airport. You'll return home with the memories of a lifetime.

Need to know

Iceland is an incredible spot for female and queer travelers—I felt safe and empowered on this trip. I learned so much about Icelandic art and history, and every person we interacted with was so kind. For neurodivergent travelers, this trip is incredibly adaptable to make sure that you have sensory-friendly experiences, and having a car or private transportation makes consistency and control easy.

I love Iceland from March to May—a bit off peak, but still great weather. If you want to have the adventure of your life with limited time, or want to expand this trip to see more of the country, I’d love to work with you!

Emma Roney

Travel Advisor

Emma Roney

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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Iceland page.