Curator’s statement
I never thought of going to Iceland until I realized it was only a six-hour flight away from home. What makes it special is its otherworldly landscapes—glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and hot springs. The Northern Lights and Midnight Sun add a magical touch.
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Things to do in Iceland
Soak in the Blue Lagoon: The ultimate post-flight reset. There’s nothing like stepping straight from the airport into steaming turquoise waters surrounded by lava fields.
Golden Circle drive: I love the mix of landscapes here. Standing between tectonic plates at Þingvellir, watching Strokkur erupt, and hearing the roar of Gullfoss never gets old.
Chasing waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Bruarfoss… each one has its own magic. My favorite part is that you can actually walk behind Seljalandsfoss.
Black sand beaches: Reynisfjara is dramatic with its basalt columns, while riding horses along the coastline feels surreal and so distinctly “Iceland.”
Glacier adventures: Hiking across Sólheimajökull or exploring Katla Ice Cave makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach: Watching icebergs float out to sea, then spotting them scattered like jewels on the black sand, is one of the most breathtaking scenes.
Reykjavík city time: From Sandholt Bakery mornings to wandering Rainbow Road and Hallgrímskirkja, I loved the balance of city charm between all the wild landscapes.
Whale watching: Heading out from the old harbor felt like the perfect way to connect Iceland’s coastal city with its incredible wildlife.
Hidden hot springs: Beyond the famous spas, finding natural hot pools like Reykjadalur adds a sense of discovery.
Places to eat & drink in Iceland
Have a shakshuka for breakfast in the cozy Sandholt Bakery
Sandholt Bakery (Reykjavík): My go-to bakery in the city, perfect for coffee, fresh bread, and pastries. It’s cozy and always buzzing.
Reykjavík Chips (Reykjavík): Sometimes the simplest food hits best—crispy fries with endless sauces, ideal for a quick snack while walking around downtown.
Sümac (Reykjavík): Trendy spot with Middle Eastern flavors, a nice break from traditional Icelandic fare.
KRÖST (Reykjavík): Known for its wine and charcuterie, tucked into the Grandi food hall, it’s a perfect casual dinner spot.
Faxi Bakery (Vík): Hidden gem with surprisingly amazing coffee and baked goods, perfect before a day of exploring the South Coast.
Hotel Restaurant at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon: After a long day of exploring glaciers, sitting down here feels indulgent, with views that make dinner feel like part of the adventure.
Need to know
Parking in Reykjavík: Use the Parka app to pay for color-coded parking zones easily.
Car rental is essential: The best way to explore Iceland is by car, but factor in high rental costs and gas prices.
Strong winds: Always hold car doors with two hands. Gusts are strong enough to cause real damage.
Plan for food: Eating out is expensive, and many restaurants close earlier than expected, so plan meals ahead or grab groceries for backup.
Travel Advisor
Samar Asfour
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Iceland page.