South Iceland
Iceland isn’t just another destination, it’s an experience like no other. From thundering waterfalls and vast glaciers to steaming hot springs beneath the northern lights, every corner of this island tells a story of raw, untouched beauty. It’s a land shaped by the eternal dance of ice and fire, where glaciers meet glowing lava fields in perfect harmony.
Sky Lagoon
My journey began the moment I landed at Keflavík Airport. The air felt crisp and fresh. The airport was crowded with travelers and rows of car rentals lined the exit, a clear sign that exploring this country is best done by road.
Without wasting time, we picked up our car and drove straight to Sky Lagoon,
a geothermal spa just outside Reykjavík. Nestled by the ocean, Sky Lagoon offers a truly serene experience. Imagine soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters as the Atlantic stretches before you and the cold sea breeze meets the steam rising around you. With its sleek design, infinity-edge pool, and the unique seven-step ritual, it’s the perfect way to unwind and begin your Icelandic adventure.
Reykjavík itself charms with its clean Scandinavian feel and striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava columns. Grab a perfect coffee at Reykjavik Roasters and don’t miss the famous cinnamon bun at Brauð & Co. both local favorites. For a comfort food, you can try the refillable fish soup in a big bread at Icelandic Street Food. All simple, cozy and Icelandic.
Day 2
After leaving Reykjavík early, we headed to Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River, a hidden gem where steam rises from the earth along the trail. The hike itself is breathtaking, surrounded by rolling hills and misty vents, and the reward at the top, a naturally heated river where hot and cold waters blend perfectly — is pure Icelandic magic. Don’t forget to rest at the Reykjadalur Café with a beautiful view.
Next came Skógafoss, a wonderful waterfall that roars with power and beauty; if you’re up for a short climb, you can even walk behind it for a surreal view.
Continued to Vík, famous for its striking basalt lava columns and the black sand beach that feels almost otherworldly, watched over by the quaint church on the hill.
Ended the day at the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, a stunning modern stay surrounded by raw nature, after covering roughly 390 km in about 5 to 6 hours on the road.
Day 3
After a nice breakfast at the hotel we headed to Diamond Beach, where pieces of glacial ice shine against the black sand. You can sometimes spot seals swimming nearby and the mix of ice, sea and dark sand is an incredible sight.
Next we hiked Múlagljúfur Canyon, one of my favourite spots of the trip. The weather was perfect and the trail led to stunning views of waterfalls and green cliffs. After that we visited Svínafellsjökull Glacier, where you can walk close to the edge and see deep blue ice up close – a striking reminder of Iceland’s natural power.
On the way to Kirkjubæjarklaustur we stopped at Café Vatnajökull, a small roadside café that looks like a gas station but serves great sandwiches and coffee. The area is easy to explore and ends with a magical view over moss-covered lava fields. On the way back we stopped at Black Crust Pizzeria, where the dough gets its black color from volcanic charcoal. And lastly the night stay at Lokal 101 Hotel, a cosy and cute spot in the city center. All the locations can be found on this map.
It was an unforgettable trip that left me speechless, and I can’t wait to return to discover more of Iceland!
