Best of Iceland: A Comprehensive Guide

The Golden Circle: The most popular tourist route for a reason! The Golden Circle showcases Iceland’s beauty with natural wonders within easy reach of the capital city. An easy day drive from Reykjavik, the three basic stops include Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall, but I add several more unique stops along the route to maximize the value of the day!

The Ring Road: This route circumnavigates the whole island, and takes several days to complete. Ideal for adventurous travelers looking to get away from the city and appreciate the beauty of the Icelandic countryside, the Ring Road experience offers a close-up view of some of the most rugged landscapes on earth.

The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon: Iceland is known for its hot springs, and the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are arguably the most popular attractions in this category. While each offers a different experience, both epitomise the peak of natural luxury. I recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon earlier in the day and the Sky Lagoon in the evening/at sunset.

Katla Ice Cave: Over 10% of Iceland’s surface is covered in glaciers, and a guided tour of the glacial ice is the safest way to see them up close. During the colder months, snowmobiling and ice caving are popular guided tours, particularly the deep blue Katla Ice Cave on Iceland’s south coast.

Diamond Beach: Volcanic black sand beaches are a hallmark of Iceland’s coastline, but one stretch of sand in particular stands alone as the most iconic and otherworldly beach on the island, perhaps the world. Diamond Beach is littered with chunks of glittering glacial ice that perpetually wash onto the shore from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. This unforgettable beach is a must-stop for those driving the Ring Road.

Seabaron (Saegreifinn): This beloved little fishing hut by the Reykjavik harbor serves up a simple yet delectable menu of fresh seafood, most notably their lobster soup, which is arguably the best in all of Iceland. When the weather is nice, you can take a few steps down to the harbor and enjoy your meal by the water.

Fridheimar: My favorite lunch stop on the Golden Circle! Fridheimar is a restaurant located inside a greenhouse, where they grow tomatoes in a temperature-controlled environment. Enjoy some fresh bread dipped in the best bowl of tomato soup you’ve had in your life. I promise, it won’t disappoint!

Kaffivagninn: Situated on the harbor, Kaffivagninn is the oldest restaurant in Iceland! Large windows allow great views of the water even if the weather isn’t calm enough to dine on the patio, and the food is unpretentious and loved by visitors and local fishermen alike.

Askur Pizzeria: If you’re visiting East Iceland, stop at Askur Pizzeria in Egilsstadir for craft beer on tap and delicious woodfired pizza. They have classic favorites, spicy variations, and even vegan options.

Pylsuvagninn Selfossi: Perhaps surprisingly, hot dogs are an iconic staple in Icelandic culture, and my favorite place to get one is at Pylsuvagninn Selfossi. Icelandic hot dogs are made from free-range, grass-fed lamb and typically come topped with a combination of raw and fried onions, tomato- and apple-based ketchup, sweet brown mustard, and remoulade.

BakaBaka: Café by day and pizzeria by night, this centrally located restaurant is the perfect place to stop before or after a day of shopping in downtown Reykjavik. For something truly unique, try their Scandinavian pizza!

Kol Restaurant: For an upscale dining experience in Reykjavik, Kol Restaurant is my top pick! Their menu changes daily and serves modern Icelandic cuisine and high-quality cocktails with an emphasis on locally sourced produce.