Romantic Ring Road: Icelandic Geothermal Baths, Northern Lights & Waterfalls

Sky Lagoon geothermal baths: Just minutes from Reykjavik, you will arrive at the Sky Lagoon. A dramatic ocean-cliff spa featuring seven steaming geothermal pools. My husband and I opted for the Sér package. This was absolutely divine. I can’t think of a more relaxing way to spend 90 minutes, especially after a long flight! The Sér package includes a step-by-step ritual of exfoliation, a nourishing mask, and a private steam cave. Once this concludes, dive into the gorgeous pool, enjoy a beverage, and you are ready to begin your Icelandic adventure!

Gljúfrabúi and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls: These two magnificent, towering waterfalls sit just steps apart. At Seljalandsfoss, you can walk directly behind the waterfall! The powerful mist left me astounded and soaked, so don’t forget waterproof gear. Nearby, Gljúfrabúi hides in a lush, mossy gorge cave, where I felt like I’d stepped straight into a Lord of the Rings scene.

Seljavallalaug swimming pool: This geothermal swimming pool sits at the foot of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano—a hidden gem my husband and I hiked to on an easy, just-over-a-mile round-trip path along a rocky riverbed. It’s fed by a natural spring rather than hot geothermal water, so it only reaches lukewarm temperatures. For a true soak, I’d recommend warmer months. That said, we loved visiting in early spring, when the gorgeous pool is framed by snow-capped mountains.

Landmannalaugar Super Jeep Tour: This Landmannalaugar super-jeep excursion was by far my favorite experience in Iceland—one of my top 10 travel adventures ever! My husband and I spent eight hours exploring the kaleidoscopic rhyolite hills, geothermal springs, and volcanic activity through the breathtaking highlands in a rugged super jeep. It took us on an exhilarating ride through extinct volcano fields to a stunning mountain range with hiking trails and the most picturesque geothermal pools. We started the day bundled in full winter gear, hiking the mountain terrain, and ended up in bathing suits and beanies, soaking in the moss-covered pools. I kept comparing it to tumbling into Alice in Wonderland! Just watch for the extra-hot spots bubbling near the dark lava rocks.

Hallgrímskirkja: Reykjavík’s iconic Church is awesome. Sitting at 74.5 meters tall, this remarkable landmark welcomes you through its doors to the tune of piano music playing softly. Sitting there made me see the resemblance to Iceland’s glaciers and rugged landscape. Although the church is free and open daily, I recommend paying the fee to access the top of the tower. The best time to do this is around sunset for magnificent views!

Soak and Sauna: Iceland’s soak and sauna culture is a beloved daily ritual for good reason. We leaned into this tradition by prioritizing stays that featured these amenities. I encourage you to do the same! It’s especially nice after a day spent enjoying all the outdoor adventures.

Brauð & Co. Bakery: Nestled on a cute side street in Reykjavík’s city center, this cozy, take-away-focused bakery is legendary for its soft, ultra-buttery cinnamon rolls! Patrons and tourists alike rave that they’re the best in Iceland. My husband and I devoured one fresh from the oven. It was the perfect fuel for our day of city exploring.

Skalakot Manor Hotel Restaurant: Tucked away in Iceland’s quaint countryside, this charming hotel’s in-house restaurant boasts a rustic interior and a menu that rotates with the freshest seasonal offerings. Nothing could be more organic! My husband and I loved how it highlighted local ingredients, and we couldn’t resist the Icelandic lamb, a true national dish that stole the show.

Tides: A Michelin-recommended restaurant within The Reykjavik EDITION, offering an upscale dining experience with a premium tasting menu featuring modern Nordic cuisine. We were blown away by the creative dishes and loved that it was just an elevator ride away!

Icelandic Hot Dog: Served throughout Iceland, this unique hot dog is piled high with raw onions, crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard, and tangy remoulade. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is the famous stand you'll see on most lists, but the line can get long. With our busy itinerary, my husband and I opted for Vikinga Pylsur near the church instead—and we thoroughly enjoyed every bite!

Höfnin: This historic, family-run restaurant with gorgeous harbor views stood out during our Iceland trip. My husband and I loved that it was an old-school, family-run operation. The fish was so fresh, and we really enjoyed the Arctic Char!