Iceland
Iceland is a captivating Nordic island country situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, known for its dramatic landscape of geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic fields. Its capital, Reykjavik, runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland's Viking history.
Despite its chilly name, Iceland boasts a surprisingly mild climate for its latitude and a rich cultural heritage, with the mystical Northern Lights enhancing its awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Places to visit
Key Phrases
Speak like a local
- "Góðan daginn (Good day)" - Góðan daginn
- "Takk (Thank you)" - Takk
- "Bless (Goodbye)" - Bless
- "Já (Yes)" - Já
- "Nei (No)" - Nei
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Exploring Reykjavik
morning:Start with a visit to Hallgrimskirkja for breathtaking views of Reykjavik. Consider grabbing a quick bite at Sandholt Bakery for a delicious start to your day. Check out the unique street art in the city center.
afternoon:Head to the Reykjavik Art Museum for a cultural afternoon. Stop at Cafe Loki for traditional Icelandic cuisine and stunning views of Hallgrimskirkja. Wander along the waterfront for beautiful scenery.
evening:Join a local pub crawl for a fun night-out experience.
Golden Circle Adventure
morning:Embark on a journey to the Golden Circle, starting with Thingvellir National Park. Breakfast at Friðheimar greenhouse for a unique dining experience among tomato plants. Explore the Geysir geothermal area.
afternoon:Discover the impressive Gullfoss waterfall and enjoy lunch at Gullfoss Kaffi near the falls. Continue to Kerid Crater for a scenic walk around the volcanic crater lake.
evening:Relax in the Secret Lagoon for an evening of natural hot spring bathing.
South Coast Beauty
morning:Drive along the stunning South Coast, making a stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall for a refreshing start to the day. Opt for a cozy brunch at nearby Humarhöfnin restaurant. Visit the Skogafoss waterfall and its scenic trail.
afternoon:Explore the unique black sand beach at Reynisfjara and witness the impressive basalt columns. Enjoy a seafood lunch at the charming Suður-Vík restaurant. Take a walk at the Dyrhólaey promontory for breathtaking views.
evening:Experience the captivating northern lights on a guided tour.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
morning:Embark on a journey to the picturesque Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning at the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. Enjoy breakfast at Bjargarsteinn Mathús for a delightful start to the day. Visit the charming village of Arnarstapi.
afternoon:Hike through the otherworldly landscapes of Saxhóll crater and take in the panoramic views. Indulge in a seafood lunch at the Ólafsvík restaurant, offering fresh catches of the day.
evening:Witness the mesmerizing sunset from the Djúpalónssandur beach before dining at a local seafood restaurant.
Iceland Famous Food
Must-Try local dishes
Hákarl
Fermented shark meat, considered a delicacy. Available at specialty food stores and some traditional restaurants like Þrír Frakkar in Reykjavik.
Must-Try!
Plokkfiskur
A hearty fish stew made with boiled fish, potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce. Found in many traditional Icelandic restaurants.
Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa)
A comforting soup made with lamb, root vegetables, and herbs. Available in most local cafes and eateries.
Food Markets & Street Food
A food market and street food guide
Reykjavik Flea Market
Offers a variety of local snacks and street food like kleinur (traditional Icelandic fried pastry) and kleina, a doughnut-like treat.
Hlemmur Mathöll
A modern food hall in Reykjavik with stalls offering diverse cuisines from Icelandic seafood to vegan options.
Things to do in Iceland
Unique local experiences...
Pet sitters in Iceland
Relax and unwind while your furry friend enjoys making a new companion!