Five Days in Iceland

After a red-eye flight to Keflavik, you will arrive at a bustling airport around 6am. Waste no time getting to your rental car and start the drive to the Southern coast of Iceland.

Make it to Vik to see the Black Sand Beach and stop at as many waterfalls along the way. You will be lucky to catch the Northern Lights at any point during your stay if you go during a full moon period. As this can make Northern Lights viewing difficult and rare.

After starting your three-hour drive to Vik, stop about halfway in Selfoss for breakfast and coffee at GK Bakarí, before heading to Vik. As the sun slowly begins to rise, make it to the Black Sand Beach. Here you can stumble against the intense winds as your feet give way to the volcanic ground beneath you. Be sure to admired the Basalt rock formations.

Head back toward Selfoss, stopping at the waterfalls along the way, including Seljalandsfoss, Irafoss and Skogafoss. Here you can climb 527 steps to the top for some incredible views of the frozen Icelandic landscape. Your destination of the night is 360 Hotel and Spa.

A warm welcome form the owners and on-site pup after a day of frigid Icelandic winds is in store for you. Your room will be large yet cozy. After taking a hot shower, enjoy the indoor spa with the provided robes and slippers. After fully warming up and relaxing, get dressed for dinner, which is served in the main lobby. This is where all the guests of the small but chic hotel can socialize.

After dinner, and a long day, settle into your room for the night. Open the curtains of the floor-to-ceiling windows in hopes of catching a sight or two of the Northern Lights. You might be gifted several hours of the dancing lights, although at times faint, it is still a memorable experience from start to finish.

It is highly recommended to stay at 360 Hotel & Spa for anyone looking to stay a night or more in South Iceland. The hotel is remote, which makes it a relaxing escape along with its indoor and outdoor spa. It's approximately 15 minutes to Selfoss, a cute town with plenty of places to eat and shop. There are also many iconic landmarks within driving distance to 360 Hotel & Spa, including Skogafoss, Kerid Crater, Fridheimar, Geysir and the list goes on!

In need of further inspiration? Check out Shivani Patel’s guide, Iceland Summer: A Five-Day Adventure.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Iceland.