Iceland
September 2-8, 2021 (7D6N): My second time visiting Iceland. This itinerary provides a good base that covers the capital (Reykjavik) and the southern coast of Iceland. Iceland is also a great place to visit if you looking for an international destination that allows for social distancing. Game of Thrones (GOT) fans will recognize a few filming locations noted below. If you are short on time, please refer to the Reykjavik & Golden Circle itinerary.
*Highly recommended food & hotel
Day 1:
Morning flight arrival in KEF from JFK
Pick up a rental car from Mycar rental* (you can compare prices via Northbound; we didn’t rent a 4x4 since we didn’t need to be on the F-roads, find out more in the Tips section)
Blue Lagoon (9am-9pm; $53 Comfort Package; suggested duration 2-3 hrs)
Check-in @ Downtown Reykjavik Apartment
Cocktails @ Vinnustofa Kjarvals (a private membership club)
Dinner @ Sargreifinn - The Sea Baron* (try the whale steak) and Baejarins Beztu Pylsur* (famous Icelandic Hot dog stand)
Drinks @ Kaffibarinn
Day 2:
Early lunch @ Kjoris* (ask for the daily special)
Thingvellir National Park (parking fee 750kr, suggested duration: ~2 hrs)
Visitor Center (9am-6pm; get a map and inquire about the hiking trails; the gift shop has reasonably priced beanies)
Observation Deck
Hiking trails to see Law Rock, Oxararfoss, Peningagja, and Thingvellir Church. See hiking trail map.
Geysir (free parking; if time allows, take the hiking trail to the top for an amazing view)
Lunch @ Geysir Glima* (try the volcanic sandwich)
Gullfoss (free parking)
Secret Lagoon Hot Spring (a local spot; 11 am-7 pm; 3000kr; suggested duration ~1.5 hrs)
Dinner @ Eldsto Art Cafe* (try the lamb soup)
Check-in @ Armot (pay special attention when booking to ensure you book the room with the private bath, unless sharing the bathroom is okay)
Day 3:
Breakfast @ hotel
Seljalandsfoss (parking fee 800kr; short hike to walk behind the fall)
Gljúfrabúi (right next to Seljanlandsfoss)
Skogafoss (free parking; can skip the observation deck if short on time)
Skogar Museum (2000kr; only the open-air museum was interesting)
Kvernufoss (park by the museum and follow the path across the field to the falls: 15 mins hike)
Lunch @ Hotel Skogafoss Bistro Bar*
Solheimajokull Glacier (free parking; we did the hike on our way, do stay away from the glacier for your own safety)
Lighthouse
Sea Arch
Reynisfjara Beach (GOT reference: Eastwatch-By-The Sea)
Dinner @ The Soup Company (free refill on the 2nd soup bowl)
Check-in @ Hunkubakkar Guesthouse*
Day 4
Breakfast @ hotel
Boat tour @ Jökulsárlón Lagoon* (~45 mins; then spend some time in the area to soak in the beauty)
Diamond Beach*
View Svínafellsjökull Glacier (skip if you’ve visited or plan to visit Jökulsárlón Lagoon)
Lunch @ Veitingasala
Hike Svartifoss & Hundafoss @ Skaftafell / Vatnajökull National Park (3km RT; parking fee 750kr)
Picture of the Broken Bridge
Hike Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (A MUST DO. a 2-mile RT hike)
Dinner @ Valhalla Restaurant* at Saga Center (ax throwing and Saga museum)
Check-in @ Snorri's Guesthouse*
Day 5
Breakfast @ hotel
Gerouberg Cliffs (climb to the top for the amazing view)
Snæfellsnes Peninsula:
Snaefellsnes Visitor Center (good information center about local attractions)
Sheep’s Waterfall/Selvallafoss
Lunch @ Finsens fish & chips*
Kirkjufell (pic only as it was raining; GOT reference Arrowhead Mountain)
Drive through the town of Hellissandur (visit the Maritime Museum if time permits)
Saxholl Crater (be ready to climb stairs)
Hellnar viewpoint (beach access)
Arnarstapi viewpoint
Búðakirkja (a 20th-century reconstruction of an 18th-century village church) @ Buoir
Dinner @ Fish Company*
Check-in @ Hotel Leifur Eiriksson* (amazing view of the church)
Day 6
Breakfast @ hotel
Church of Hallgrimskirkja (10 am-5 pm; 1000kr to go up to the bell tower)
Kvika footbath (free; bring your own towel)
Valahnukamol (where EuroVision was filmed)
Reykjanesviti (the oldest lighthouse in Iceland; pic only)
Buy lunch & snack @ Netto
Picnic @ Krysuvik (free parking; not too crowded)
Sky Lagoon (11am/noon - 10pm/11pm; Pure Pass from 9990kr; suggested duration ~ 2-3hrs)
Dinner @ Old Iceland* (the best meal we had in Iceland!!)
Drinks @ Kaldi Bar (ask for the espresso martini)
Day 7
Breakfast @ hotel
9 am: Return rental car
11:15 am: Flight to JFK
Other points of interest & food:
Visit small fishing villages:
Reyjavik:
Thai food @ Ban Thai
By the airport:
Breakfast @ Kokulist bakery
Lunch @ Issi fish and chips
Snæfellsnes Peninsula:
Vatnshellir Cave (ancient lava tube)
Springwater @ Olkelda mineral spring
Tips:
Please consult against the F-roads map when making your rental car reservation. All the places listed on this itinerary were not on the F-roads.
Amex Centurion Lounge opened up in October 2020 - take advantage of it and visit the speakeasy (1850) if you fly out of JFK T4.
Be sure to pack waterproof jackets and pants. And since you will be outdoor most of the time, get a bright color jacket to stand out in your photos!
Make sure to buy alcohol at the KEF Duty-Free before leaving the airport. Things are very expensive on the island.
Be sure to pay the parking fee at the site to avoid a violation.
Bring a US debit card to fill up gas at the gas station.
COVID-19 test is available @ BSI bus terminal (appointment required; FSA/HSA reimbursement)
