Iceland: The Ultimate Bucket List Destination

Explore the Golden Circle

We drove the famous Golden Circle, which includes Þingvellir National Park, where you can actually walk between two tectonic plates, Geysir, where the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, and Gullfoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the country. It’s such an easy way to see some of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes all in one day.

Chase waterfalls

Some of the most memorable stops were Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall, and Skógafoss, which is massive and incredibly powerful. Every waterfall feels different, and you end up stopping more than you expect.

Visit a black-sand beach with ice chunks

We visited Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice from the nearby glacier wash up on the black sand. It looks like scattered crystals along the shore and feels completely unreal.

See a glacier up close

Seeing Vatnajökull Glacier up close was incredible. It’s one of the largest glaciers in Europe, and being near it really shows how powerful and untouched Iceland’s landscape is.

Relax at the Blue Lagoon

We ended one of our days at the Blue Lagoon, which is such a unique experience. The warm, milky-blue water surrounded by lava fields feels completely surreal, and you can actually see the geothermal pipeline that feeds the lagoon, which adds to that “only in Iceland” feeling.

Grillmarkaðurinn

A must for a nicer dinner, this spot focuses on local Icelandic ingredients with a modern twist. The grilled reindeer with creamy cabbage, portobello mushrooms, and blueberry sauce is such a unique and memorable dish. You can also try Arctic char, langoustine, or Icelandic lamb, all beautifully prepared.

Dill

Iceland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, perfect if you want a true culinary experience. The tasting menu changes seasonally but often includes creative dishes featuring foraged herbs, local seafood, and unique preparations you won’t find anywhere else.

Fiskmarkaðurinn

Known as the fish market, this is a great place for fresh seafood with a lively, upscale feel. The Icelandic scallops, freshly baked sourdough bread, and halibut steak are all incredible. Their seafood platters and sushi selections are also worth trying.

Frakkar

A more traditional Icelandic spot if you want to try something truly local and unique. Dishes include roast whale with apples, balsamic and sunflower seeds, smoked puffin breast with mustard sauce, raw whale sashimi, or a creamy mild fish soup. You might also find fermented shark here for a very authentic experience.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

A classic Iceland stop for their famous hot dogs. Order it “with everything” to get the full experience: crispy onions, raw onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade.

Kaffibrennslan

A cozy café perfect for breakfast or a relaxed lunch with a warm, local feel. Favorites include hearty breakfast plates, avocado toast, fresh pastries, pancakes, and great coffee to start the day.

Kornið Bakarí

One of our favorite casual stops, perfect for pastries, donuts, and sweet treats. Try the chocolate-covered donuts, coconut balls, and traditional Icelandic pastries like vínarbrauð.

Sægreifinn

A casual seafood spot right by the harbor, known for their lobster soup and fresh fish skewers. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the fermented shark paired with Brennivín, it’s definitely a memorable local experience.

Perlan Restaurant

More about the experience, this restaurant offers incredible panoramic views over Reykjavík. The Icelandic lamb soup with fresh bread is a perfect, comforting choice, and their desserts and drinks pair perfectly with the view.