A Weekend Guide to Iceland

Escape to the land of fire and ice with our weekend guide to Iceland! From the mesmerizing Northern Lights to the majestic waterfalls and geothermal springs, Iceland is a destination that packs epic adventures into every moment. Get ready to explore the best of Reykjavik and beyond, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Getting Around

Keflavik airport is the main airport with international arrivals and departures in Iceland. It is about 45 minutes from the airport to the capital city, Reykjavik. Really there is not a good public transportation option when getting from the airport to the city and vice versa. Airport transfers from major companies are the best and most efficient way of transport. Once in Reykjavik, you do not need a car for the city, in fact it is best to walk. A car is needed to visit any other cities or to do the popular sites if you are not partaking in a commercialized tour. There are plenty of places to rent a car near the airport when you arrive. If you like to do things on your own time, have a specific itinerary you’ve made, or want to spend more time at a specific site, renting a car is your best option. Be aware that the roads can get treacherous in the winter for those not used to driving in snow and ice.

Reykjavik

The capital city is a small Nordic city that is absolutely walk-able. Much like its Scandinavian counterparts, it is not cheap to eat, drink, or stay in the city. The city is impossibly cool, colorful, and tourist friendly. Anything you need is within an arm’s reach. Every type of food, fusion, souvenir shop, wool clothing, coffee shop, brewery, and bar is within walking distance. Be on the lookout for the rainbow road that leads to the famous Hallgrimskirkja church.

Here are some places that I love in Reykjavik:

Loft HI Hostel
Stay at Loft HI Hostel for a warm and welcoming experience. Centrally located, this hostel is not just a place to sleep but a vibrant cultural hub with its own events and a rooftop terrace offering spectacular views of the city. Guests love the friendly atmosphere and the clean, comfortable facilities, making it an excellent base for exploring Reykjavik.

Reykjavik Roasters
Start your morning at Reykjavik Roasters, reputed to serve the best coffee in Reykjavik. With its commitment to quality and sustainability, this cozy café sources premium coffee beans and roasts them on-site, offering a perfect blend of comfort with every cup.

Public House Gastropub
Head to Public House Gastropub for their affordable gourmet brunch deal available before 1pm. This spot combines a playful and eclectic menu with a vibrant atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The all-you-can-eat option allows you to sample a wide range of dishes infused with Icelandic and international flavors.

Bastard Brew & Food
Enjoy the lively ambiance and inventive pub food at Bastard Brew & Food. Known for its fun atmosphere and creative dishes, this restaurant is a great spot to relax after a day of sightseeing. Their menu offers a modern twist on traditional pub fare, complemented by a great selection of local and imported beers.

Salka Valka – Fish & More
For a taste of traditional Icelandic cuisine, dine at Salka Valka. This quaint seafood restaurant is famed for its fish and chips and classic Icelandic dishes. The cozy setting and friendly service make Salka Valka a must-visit for those seeking an authentic local dining experience.

Kol Restaurant
Kol Restaurant is known for its exquisite cuisine that beautifully combines Icelandic ingredients with international culinary techniques. The elegant ambiance and attentive service provide a dining experience that’s perfect for special occasions or a romantic evening out.

Session Craft Bar & Icelandic Craft Bar
Explore the thriving craft beer scene at Session Craft Bar and Icelandic Craft Bar. These spots are celebrated for their extensive selections of local and international craft beers, along with a knowledgeable staff that’s eager to share their passion for brews. Each bar offers a unique atmosphere, catering to both casual drinkers and beer aficionados.

BrewDog Reykjavik
Visit BrewDog Reykjavik, part of the renowned BrewDog chain known for its bold craft beers and edgy vibe. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of beers, including exclusive brews not available elsewhere, in a setting that reflects BrewDog’s commitment to beer culture.

Kex Brewing
Located within the Kex Hostel, Kex Brewing offers a unique experience where you can enjoy meticulously crafted beers in a setting that’s both rustic and trendy. The brewery is part of a larger hostel complex, making it a social hotspot for travelers looking to meet new people.

Short Road Trips

From Reykjavik, there are several captivating short road trips that allow you to experience Iceland’s unique landscapes, from volcanic fields to stunning waterfalls. Here are a few recommended routes:

1. The Golden Circle

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours driving time
Highlights:

  • Þingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, significant for its geological and historical importance. Here, you can see the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
  • Geysir Geothermal Area: Home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes, reaching heights of up to 30 meters.
  • Gullfoss Waterfall: One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”) offers a spectacular view of the Hvítá river’s water plunging into a deep gorge.
2. The South Coast

Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours driving time one way
Highlights:

  • Seljalandsfoss: A beautiful waterfall that you can walk behind for a unique perspective.
  • Skógafoss: Another stunning waterfall known for its width and the rainbows that often appear in its mist.
  • Reynisfjara Beach: Famous for its black sand and basalt columns, this beach near Vík offers dramatic views of the Atlantic and the nearby Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
3. Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours driving time to the peninsula
Highlights:

  • Snæfellsjökull National Park: Dominated by the glacier-covered Snæfellsjökull volcano, which is said to be one of the seven great energy centers of the earth.
  • Djúpalónssandur Beach: A hauntingly beautiful black pebble beach offering dramatic landscapes and historic remnants of the Icelandic fishing industry.
  • Arnarstapi: A small fishing village where you can explore stunning coastal cliffs and rock formations sculpted by the sea.
4. Reykjanes Peninsula

Duration: 2-3 hours driving time
Highlights:

  • Blue Lagoon: Perhaps Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, located in a lava field, perfect for a relaxing soak.
  • Krysuvik Geothermal Area: Explore boiling mud pots and colorful sulfur deposits in this active geothermal area.
  • Bridge Between Continents: A small footbridge over a major fissure where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia pull apart.

These road trips from Reykjavik showcase the diversity of Iceland’s natural beauty and are easily accessible for travelers looking for memorable experiences close to the capital. Each route offers unique sights and experiences, making them perfect for those looking to explore beyond the city’s limits.

Tour Companies

Now that you’ve discovered your home base of Reykjavik and you know which road trip you want to take, it is time to start exploring. Oftentimes, people aren’t comfortable driving themselves, especially in Winter if there can be harsh conditions, and this is OKAY. There are many tour companies in the area all offering fantastic trips to places like the Golden Circle and South Coast, and adventures such as snowmobiling, whale watching, hunting the Northern Lights, helicopter rides, hot springs, glacier hikes, ice caving, and more.

Here are a few of the major reputable tour companies that I looked into:
  • Arctic Adventures – I saw the Northern Lights with this company and absolutely loved it. My tour guide Frimann was funny, knowledgeable about the science behind the lights, and skilled in photography. The company was extremely professional, on time, and friendly.
  • Reykjavik Excursions – This has to be the largest tour operator in the area because of how many times I saw their logo. This company has a great airport transfer system, as well as an incredible amount of options for single day or multi-day trips. I used this company to go on a 10 hour one day tour of the called the South Shore Adventure. We saw two major waterfalls, hiked on a glacier, saw two black sand beaches, and stopped in the small town, Vik, for lunch.
  • Extreme Iceland – I looked into this company a lot before deciding on using the others. It has the best options for, you guessed it, “extreme” adventures. Definitely for the young and adventurous.
  • Guide to Iceland – This company acts as a travel agency and advertises trip and offerings from many other smaller companies in the area. There are plenty of reviews to back up any option on this platform.
  • Arctic Exposure – I saw this van while at a waterfall and had to look it up. This company takes aspiring photographers on multi-day trips across Iceland to photograph nature and wildlife. These guys seriously know what they are doing. 
  • Trip Advisor/Viator – This is obviously the most encompassing site, but I prefer to look into companies directly to see what kind of reputation and clout each one has. These are both wonderful resources for those who are not inclined to spend hours searching for the perfect tour.