Exploring Iceland’s Natural Wonders: A 4-Day Stopover

Your adventure begins with a relaxing first day, easing you into Iceland’s laid-back pace. After arriving, we'll arrange an early check-in so you can rest, then take a short walk to the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon's vivid turquoise waters, with their milky appearance due to rich silica and minerals, have a calming, therapeutic effect. Soaking in the waters while sipping a drink from the swim-up bar and exploring the lagoon’s various areas is an experience unlike any other. The stark volcanic landscape and rising steam create a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere. Staying at the nearby Silica Hotel adds a touch of luxury, especially after a long flight. My husband says they have the best breakfast spread he's ever seen, and I’m a sucker for floating around their private lagoon with a glass of champagne they give you at happy hour.

Today, dive into Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Start with Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can stand in the rift valley where two continents are slowly drifting apart. Feeling adventurous? Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel in Silfra, one of the clearest places on Earth, with visibility reaching up to 100 meters in its crystal-clear waters. Swimming between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is a surreal experience.

Next, visit the Geysir geothermal area, home to the active Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes. From Geysir, continue to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. The sheer power of this two-tiered cascade is mesmerizing, and the mist from the falls adds to the magical atmosphere.

End your Golden Circle day with a hike through Reykholt’s geothermal fields. Along the way, you’ll pass Icelandic horses and volcanic landscapes, ultimately reaching geothermal hot springs where you can take a refreshing dip!

For dinner, visit Friðheimar, a tomato farm that grows produce year-round in greenhouses. (They also raise and showcase Icelandic horses, so be sure to visit their stables or even see a horse show). I highly recommend their tomato soup with warm bread and Icelandic cream. For dessert, try their famous tomato ice cream — it’s oddly delicious!

On the way to Vík, you'll pass by three of Iceland's most incredible waterfalls. Skógafoss ("foss" means waterfall) is renowned for its impressive height and beauty as it cascades over dramatic black rock cliffs contrasting beautifully with the lush, green landscape. For lunch, stop at Mia's Country Kitchen, a red-and-white polka-dot food truck located right by Skógafoss, offering delicious fish and chips.

Next, visit Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that’s unique because you can walk behind it, looking out at the misty waters and occasional rainbows. Just next to Seljalandsfoss, you can enter a cave through a small stream to find the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall.

Further along the southern coast is Dyrhólaey (which translates to "Hill Island with the Door Hole"). Stand near the lighthouse and spot puffins while enjoying one of Iceland’s most photographed landscapes, with views of the arch and Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach known for its dark volcanic sand and crashing waves. It’s a stunning sight, but be cautious of the powerful "sneaker waves." On the beach, you’ll also find the Gardar Basalt Columns, where lava from volcanic eruptions cools rapidly, causing the hardened rock to crack into long, geometric columns.

On your final day, explore more of Iceland’s natural beauty before heading back to Reykjavik for some relaxation. Start with a stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (first photo), a 100-meter-deep, 2-kilometer-long canyon. It’s a beautiful spot to walk along the rim and take in the stunning scenery.

The perfect end to your Icelandic adventure is a visit to the Sky Lagoon, a geothermal spa just outside of Reykjavik. The Lagoon Ritual, a 7-step experience, is an incredible way to unwind and rejuvenate before heading to Europe!