Coming Soon..Travel Blog
Iceland Day 1: Lava Fields, Endless Sun & Soaking in the Blue
Iceland has always called to us with its wild mix of fire and ice, and we finally made it. We landed at Keflavík Airport at 4:30 AM with sleepy eyes but full hearts, ready to soak in the otherworldly magic this island had to offer.
Pro tip #1: Rent a car — preferably a 4x4.
Cabs are crazy expensive, and if you want to explore the Highlands or take any of the famous F-roads, you’ll need a vehicle that can handle it. Trust me — Iceland isn’t the place to skimp on your wheels.
Our First Drive: Lava, Coastlines & the Ghost Town of Grindavík
We drove straight toward the Blue Lagoon, where we had a spa reservation at 8 PM (yes, we were prepping to relax before even officially checking in). The route itself was a sight to behold — endless lava fields stretching to the horizon, misty thermal steam rising in the distance, and a haunting drive through Grindavík, a town recently engulfed by volcanic flow. It’s both eerie and humbling — a reminder of how alive this island truly is.
Along the way, we made a quick stop at hot thermal springs and cruised along the coastal road. If you’re into dramatic scenery, Iceland will spoil you from the very first hour.
Cozy Stay Near the Blue: Budget-Friendly & Beautiful
We chose to stay at Northern Light Inn, a cozy, charming hotel right next to the Blue Lagoon. You can stay at the lagoon resort itself… if your wallet can handle it. But this spot was perfect — a gorgeous lava field view and walking distance to all the action.
And the food? Max’s Restaurant inside the hotel was fabulous. Icelandic food can be hit or miss for some, but this was a definite win. Cozy, filling, and flavorful.
The Blue Lagoon Experience
Let’s talk about the Blue Lagoon. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s pricey. But YES — it’s worth every single krona.
The milky blue water, the warmth, the included spa masks, and the drink at the swim-up bar made for the perfect welcome to Iceland. It does get crowded, but the lagoon is huge — we easily found peaceful pockets to just float and breathe.
If you’re on a tighter budget or looking for a slightly less commercial experience, consider Sky Lagoon — beautiful in its own right, though not quite as vibrantly blue.
And Then… We Went to Bed in Daylight
Reminder if you're visiting in July: the Midnight Sun is real. We finally crawled into bed at 12 AM, and the sun was still shining like it was 6 PM.
Pro tip #2: Bring a sleep mask and pace yourself. Iceland’s daylight plays tricks on your brain.
DAY ONE IN A NUTSHELL:
☑️ 4:30 AM arrival at KEF
☑️ Car rental: 4x4 must for Highlands
☑️ Scenic drive through lava fields & coast
☑️ Quick thermal spring stop
☑️ Stay: Northern Light Inn (budget-friendly next to Blue Lagoon)
☑️ Dinner at Max’s Restaurant
☑️ 8 PM Blue Lagoon soak (spa masks & drink included)
☑️ Midnight bedtime… with sunlight!
Iceland Day 2: Hot Springs, Glacial Waters & Snorkeling Between Continents
Waking up in Iceland is a dream — especially when you're surrounded by steaming thermal springs and lava fields that make you feel like you're living on the edge of the Earth (because, well… you are).
After our first magical day soaking in the Blue Lagoon, we geared up for a day of contrasts: hot springs to ice-cold water, and earthy hikes to underwater adventure. Iceland knows how to keep you on your toes.
Reykjadalur Valley – The Hot Spring Hike That Warms Your Soul
Before heading to our big snorkeling adventure, we detoured through Reykjadalur Thermal River Valley, where the ground literally steams beneath your feet. The walking trail was about 30 minutes one way — an easy-to-moderate climb with wooden stair paths and misty views the entire way. We didn’t soak in the river this time, but it’s definitely an option if you bring your swimsuit and towel.
Hot springs bubbling, hills rolling, and steam rising — it felt like something out of a dream. A quick, worthwhile detour on your way to the Golden Circle region.
Snorkeling Between Two Continents – Silfra Fissure with Dive.IS
This was hands down one of the most unforgettable experiences of the entire trip.
We joined the pros at Dive.IS to snorkel at Silfra, inside Thingvellir National Park — the exact rift where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart.
Yes, the water was 30°F. Yes, we wore dry suits and thermal layers. And yes, it was INCREDIBLE.
The visibility was unreal — over 100 meters — and the water, fed by glacial melt, was so clear it felt like flying through ice. There’s no marine life here, just the surreal blues and rock formations separating two continents.
We ended the dive with hot chocolate and cookies in true Icelandic fashion. My face was frozen, but my heart was so full.
Waterfalls Galore – Bruarfoss & Seljalandsfoss
Back on land and mostly thawed out, we jumped back in the car and continued our waterfall-hopping road trip. We visited the often-overlooked but absolutely stunning Bruarfoss — a baby-blue waterfall tucked away along a quiet trail.
Then came the famous Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall (if you're surefooted and don’t mind getting a bit soaked — pro tip: waterproof jacket highly recommended 😂).
And the drive? Let’s just say Iceland really shows off here. Waterfalls at every turn, dramatic cliff drops, mossy green fields, and those tiny turf-roof houses sprinkled like storybook props across the land.
Our Cozy Icelandic Farm Stay
We ended the day at Skammidaular Cottage, a picture-perfect farm stay with sheep grazing in the yard and a waterfall in our backyard view. It doesn’t get more peaceful than that.
We kicked off our shoes, made a cozy dinner, and watched the midnight sun bathe the landscape in golden light. These are the kinds of places that make you want to pause time.
Day 2 Travel Tips:
☑️ Pack snacks, grocery items & a cooler — you’ll go miles between shops
☑️ Bring waterproof layers & quick-dry clothes for waterfall hikes
☑️ Don’t skip Silfra — even if it’s cold, the memory will last forever
Still only Day 2 and Iceland was already stealing our hearts. From steaming hills to icy rift dives and cozy farm stays, this day was full of the exact kind of contrast that makes Iceland such a wildly unforgettable place.
Iceland Day 3: Into the Ice & Over the Moon
This was the day we’d been waiting for. You know that one bucket-list experience that gives you butterflies and a shot of adrenaline just thinking about it? For us, it was the glacier hike and ice cave tour into Katla Cave — and it was every bit as unforgettable as we imagined.
Super Jeeps, Lava Fields & Flowers on Mars
We met up with our tour in Vík, where we loaded into a super jeep 4x4 built for the rugged backcountry. Our guide told us we’d be heading into terrain so remote and alien-looking that NASA tests its Mars rovers here — and they weren’t kidding.
The drive took us through lava fields covered in blooming purple lupine, then deep into volcanic country where the ground turns black, jagged, and surreal. No trees. No noise. Just pure wilderness. Iceland doesn’t just look like another country — it feels like another planet.
Hiking Into the Heart of a Glacier
Eventually, we reached the melting edge of the Katla Glacier, and that’s where the real magic began. Gearing up with crampons and helmets, we hiked across the ever-changing ice, carefully navigating around icy rivers flowing beneath our feet. Every step felt alive.
And then — we reached the cave.
Jet black ice mixed with sapphire blues, sculpted by nature and time. Being inside felt like walking through the set of a sci-fi film. It's surreal, humbling, and awe-inspiring all at once. Our guide reminded us that this cave may not exist next year — it’s melting fast. That made the moment feel even more precious.
This wasn’t just a tour — it was a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with nature at its most raw.
Warm Drinks & Black Sand Vibes in Vík
After the adrenaline high, we headed back into Vík to warm up with coffee and a sandwich from a local café in the quaint downtown area. Small, friendly, and full of charm, Vík is one of those towns that sticks with you.
Then we strolled over to Reynisfjara Beach, the iconic black sand beach with dramatic basalt columns and crashing Atlantic waves. We dipped our toes into the inky shoreline — and just as we were about to leave, we spotted whales playing off the coast. Cue the goosebumps.
A Sunset Viewpoint & Peaceful Night’s Rest
We made one last stop before calling it a day: the Vík viewpoint, home of the famous red-roof church perched above the town. From up there, you get a full panorama of Vík, the beach, and the wild Icelandic coastline beyond.
We tucked in for the night at Hunkubakkar Guesthouse, a quiet countryside lodge that felt like the perfect end to a perfectly wild day.
Day 3 Snapshot:
☑️ Katla Ice Cave & Glacier Hike via super jeep
☑️ Purple lupine fields & volcanic "Mars" landscape
☑️ Cave hike with melting glacial rivers underfoot
☑️ Coffee & lunch in Vík
☑️ Black Sand Beach + surprise whale sighting
☑️ Vík viewpoint and red-roof church
☑️ Peaceful overnight at Hunkubakkar Guesthouse
Iceland teaches you something new each day.
Today it reminded us how powerful, beautiful, and temporary nature is — and how important it is to make the most of these experiences while we can.
