Curator’s statement
Iceland holds a special place in my heart—it truly feels magical. The landscapes are otherworldly, like stepping onto another planet, with snowy mountains and icy vistas that feel straight out of a fairytale. There’s a sense of wonder everywhere, as if elves and hidden folk might be watching from the hills. Coming from the South, it was such a fun change to experience the cold, snowy climate. The stunning hot springs were the highlight of my trip, and paired with incredible food and the kindness of the Icelandic people, it was an unforgettable experience.
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Day 1: Arrival & Northern Lights magic
Walking the Rainbow Road on the way to the Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral
We arrived in Iceland around 6 am and took a bus to our hotel, where we were lucky enough to get an early check-in. Breakfast was a treat, with beautiful views overlooking the Harpa Concert Hall and Old Harbor. Afterward, we spent the morning exploring the city, visiting the Hallgrímskirkja and strolling along the colorful Rainbow Road. We ended the evening with a delicious dinner at ROK before heading out on a Northern Lights tour, where, despite cloudy skies, we were treated to a spectacular show—complete with cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate to warm us up.
Day 2: A taste of Reykjavik
Delicious dish from Messinn Seafood Restaurant. One of the stops on our walking food tour.
We kicked off the day with an incredible walking food tour of Reykjavik, sampling delicious bites at several local restaurants and even trying the famous Icelandic delicacy, fermented shark. Afterward, we explored the flea market, where I found a beautiful hand-knit Icelandic wool sweater. A stop at the Sandholt Bakery was a must for an afternoon treat and some fresh-baked bread, and we capped the evening with expertly crafted cocktails at Jungle Cocktail Bar.
Day 3: Golden Circle adventures
Gullfoss waterfall in Þingvellir National Park
Our Golden Circle tour was filled with awe-inspiring sights, from geysers to breathtaking waterfalls. My favorite stop was the Friðheimar greenhouse, where we enjoyed the most delicious tomato soup served with warm sourdough bread. After a full day of exploring, we had dinner at Fjallkonan, one of the restaurants featured on our earlier food tour, bringing the day full circle.
Day 4: Shopping & dancing in Reykjavik
Reykjavik at night
We spent the day wandering Reykjavik’s charming streets, picking up souvenirs for the kids and a gorgeous pair of earrings from Aurum Jewelry. That evening, we danced the night away at Bókabúd Máls og Menningar (The Bookstore Bar), an eclectic and lively spot perfect for our last night in the city.
Day 5: Hot springs & Icelandic flavors
Hvammsvik hot springs
The highlight of the day was our visit to the Hvammsvik hot springs, an unforgettable experience surrounded by stunning scenery. We even braved a cold plunge into the Hvalfjörður Fjord before retreating back into the warm, soothing waters. Back in Reykjavik, we enjoyed a traditional Icelandic dinner at Hresso, where the cod was absolutely phenomenal, and ended the night with a unique rye bread ice cream from Ísbúðin litla Valdís.
Day 6: Farewell, Iceland
Kerid Volcanic Crater
On our final day, we took a relaxed stroll through the city, grabbing last-minute souvenirs and snacks—including a loaf of fresh sourdough bread to take home. Before heading to the airport, we couldn’t leave without trying a hot dog from the world-famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the perfect send-off to an unforgettable trip.
Need to know
When packing for Iceland, the key is layering. The weather can change quickly—one moment it’s calm, the next you’re facing brutal winds and icy rain. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a warm insulating layer, and top it off with a windproof, waterproof jacket. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes—staying warm and dry will make all the difference in enjoying your adventures.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Iceland page.
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Bianca Measels
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