24 Hours in Iceland: A Lifetime's Worth of Wonder

We kicked off Day 1 by picking up our rental car at KEF and driving the Golden Circle counterclockwise, a route we highly recommend for lighter crowds and an easy, confidence-boosting introduction to Icelandic driving.

Our first stop was Selfoss for an iconic Icelandic hot dog at Pylsuvagninn, where ordering the “one with everything” (ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade, raw onion, and fried onion) is part of the cultural experience, even if the classic pylsur ends up surprising you with how good it is.

From there, we followed a simple Golden Circle map, completely unprepared for the sheer volume of jaw-dropping sights packed into such a short stretch of road: Kerið Crater, Faxi Waterfall, the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area—all within our first two hours.

After a quick grab-and-go lunch at the Geysir visitor center, we continued on to Bruarfoss Waterfall and made a spontaneous but unforgettable stop at Laugarvatn Fontana, a geothermal spa built directly on natural hot springs. Insider tip: Keep swimsuits accessible, because last-minute stops like this often become trip highlights.

We wrapped up the Golden Circle at Þingvellir National Park, where you’ll find scenic viewpoints, walking paths, and the rare opportunity to stand between two tectonic plates. In total, we spent about five and a half hours enjoying the day at a relaxed pace before heading to Reykjavík, amazed that this was only our first day in Iceland.

We woke up to a gray, rainy Reykjavík morning, but in true Icelandic fashion, the weather didn’t slow us down one bit. We layered up and headed out to explore the city on foot, strolling along the waterfront, where the moody skies only added to the charm. We enjoyed sweeping views of the harbor, dramatic light, and striking sculptures like the Sun Voyager that felt especially powerful against the elements. Wandering the city is part of the magic here, and one of our favorite stops was ducking into a cozy soup shop for lunch, where we enjoyed a hearty bowl of soup and a local beer for about $7 each (an insider win in a city known for higher prices).

After soaking in the relaxed pace, creative energy, and walkable beauty of Reykjavík, we hopped back in the car and headed to the airport, feeling like we had truly experienced the city despite the short stay. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Reykjavík’s charm shows up in the quiet moments, the coastal walks, and the simple pleasures that make you want to linger just a little longer.