Have you ever scrolled through photos of Iceland and thought, “There is no way a place can actually look like that”? Well, we just returned from a six-day family adventure to the Land of Fire and Ice, and we are here to tell you—it’s even more magical in person.
Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts, where ancient Norse history meets volcanic landscapes that feel like another planet. Did you know it was one of the last large islands on Earth to be settled by humans? From the moment we picked up our rental van at the airport, we knew this wasn’t going to be just another vacation. It was a journey into the wild, a celebration of family, and a crash course in Icelandic culture (including some very difficult-to-pronounce words!).
Whether you’re planning a bucket-list trip or just dreaming of the Arctic, come along as we relive our favorite memories from our 6-day Icelandic adventure.
Starting with a Splash: The Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik Comfort
After a long flight, there is nothing quite like stepping into the milky blue, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Located right in the middle of a rugged lava field, this geothermal spa is iconic for a reason. As we soaked in the warm water, surrounded by steam and volcanic rock, the stress of travel simply melted away. It’s the ultimate way to kick off an Iceland trip.
Feeling rejuvenated, we drove into Reykjavik to check into our downtown hotel. For our first dinner, we headed to Old Iceland Restaurant. We had heard great things about traditional Icelandic lamb, and let us tell you—it did not disappoint. The meat was tender, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. It was the first of many meals that made us realize Icelandic cuisine is a hidden gem.
A Taste of Tradition: Food Tours and Northern Light Chasing
On our second day, we decided to eat our way through the capital with the Reykjavik Food Walk. If you want to understand a culture, you have to eat its food! We sampled incredible fresh seafood, with the highlight being a fresh cod dish cooked in spinach.
Then came the “bravery test”: fermented shark. This traditional delicacy is… well, let’s just say it’s an acquired taste! It has a very strong, pungent flavor that stayed with us for a while. We laughed through the experience, but we might stick to the cod next time.
That night, we set out on our first attempt to see the Northern Lights. Chasing the Aurora is a game of patience and luck. We spent hours in a van, shivering in the cold and sipping hot cocoa, but the lights stayed hidden. It’s part of the adventure! To cheer ourselves up, we stopped at the world-famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for Icelandic hot dogs. With a unique “snap” in every bite and a delicious sweet mustard, these hot dogs lived up to the hype.
Exploring the Golden Circle: History and Exploding Water
Day three was dedicated to the famous Golden Circle. Our first stop was Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. This place is mind-blowing because you can actually walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It’s also home to the world’s oldest parliament. The sheer scale of the rock formations and the vast plains made us feel very small in the best way possible.
Next, we stood in awe at Gullfoss, a massive two-tier waterfall. The power of the water is deafening, and if you get close enough, you’ll feel the icy mist on your face. We finished the loop at the Geysir Geothermal Area, where we waited with bated breath for Strokkur to erupt. Every few minutes, a tower of boiling water blasts into the sky—it’s a thrilling sight that never gets old.
After a long day of exploring, we found the ultimate comfort food at Icelandic Street Food: lamb soup and seafood stew served in warm bread bowls. It was exactly what we needed to warm our souls.
The Wild South Coast: Waterfalls and Ice Caves
Day four was perhaps our most “epic” day. We headed to the South Coast to visit Seljalandsfoss. What makes this waterfall special is that you can actually walk behind the curtain of water. It was an exhilarating, wet, and freezing experience, but looking out through the veil of mist felt like being in a movie.
Pro Tip: Do not wear jeans! We learned the hard way that once denim gets wet in Iceland, it stays wet and cold. Opt for waterproof gear instead.
From there, we headed to Vic for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the Katla Ice Cave Tour. Stepping inside a glacier is like entering a different dimension. The ice is a vibrant, electric blue, with layers of ash and bubbles frozen in time. Because the glaciers are always moving and melting, the cave we saw will never look exactly the same again.
After warming up with some “Black Crust Pizza” in Vic (yes, the dough is charcoal-infused!), we visited Reynisfjara, the famous Black Sand Beach. The contrast of the white Atlantic waves against the jet-black sand and the basalt columns is stunning, but we made sure to keep a safe distance from the water—those “sneaker waves” are no joke!
Magic in the Sky: Hallgrímskirkja and the Aurora Borealis
By day five, we wanted to dive a bit deeper into the history we’d been seeing. We spent the morning at the National Museum of Iceland, which is a fantastic way to learn about the Vikings and how people survived on this harsh, beautiful island for centuries.
Later, we climbed the tower of Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church that towers over Reykjavik. The panoramic view from the top is the best in the city—you can see all the colorful rooftops stretching out toward the ocean and mountains.
But the real magic happened that night. On our second attempt to find the Northern Lights, the sky finally cooperated. Watching the green lights dance and ripple across the stars was a spiritual experience. We stood in silence, huddled together, watching nature’s greatest light show. It was a moment we will never forget.
Final Reflections at Sky Lagoon
To wrap up our journey, we spent our final day at the Sky Lagoon. This oceanfront geothermal spa is breathtaking. We did the “Seven-Step Ritual,” which took us from the warm lagoon to a cold plunge, a sauna with a massive window overlooking the North Atlantic, and a refreshing cold mist.
It was the perfect place to reflect on our trip. We were there to celebrate a 50th birthday, and being together as a family made every waterfall and every cold night worth it. We ended our trip exactly where we started our culinary journey—back at Old Iceland Restaurant for one last delicious meal.
Our Best Tips for Your Iceland Trip
- Dress in Layers: The weather changes every five minutes. Bring wool base layers and waterproof outer shells.
- Skip the Jeans: They take forever to dry and offer no insulation when wet.
- Rent a Van/Car: Having your own wheels gives you the freedom to pull over whenever you see something beautiful (which is often!).
- Book Ahead: Popular tours like the Katla Ice Cave and Northern Lights excursions fill up fast.
- Embrace the Luck: Whether it’s the weather or the Aurora, some things are out of your control. Enjoy the “chase” as much as the destination!
Iceland reminded us how important it is to step away from the busyness of life and create memories with the people who matter most. If Iceland is on your bucket list, don’t wait. Go chase those waterfalls!
