Experiencing an Unforgettable Weekend in Iceland
Far from Frozen
Words Deven Wilson
The land of fire and ice is one of the coolest hot spots for adventurous travel. A melting pot of natural wonders from geysers, glaciers, and gorgeous gorges, there’s a good reason travelers miss their connections to Europe.
Day One
Embrace the sense of adventure on the first day by experiencing what Iceland’s tiny, but mighty, capital city, Reykjavik, offers. Far more than a place to rest for a layover to Europe, get lost wandering the city streets, soaking up the colorful architecture and stunning mural scenes painted along the winding roads. Don’t miss the iconic towering Expressionist-style church of Hallgrímskirkja, gazing upon its impressive stone entrance. Stretching into the sky, take the trip to the top of the tower and look out onto the city and expanse of Icelandic mountains beckoning new arrivals to traverse them.
For dinner, the food scene in Reykjavik punches well above its weight class with an unrivaled international selection from which to choose. Plan to visit in the summer and indulge in the fantastic bar and nightlife scene, a truly bizarre time out under the midnight sun.
Day Two
Before hopping in the rental car, grab a fantastic cup of coffee from Reykjavik Roasters and prepare to embark on the Golden Circle. A closer scenic route by Reykjavik, this road trip takes adventurers past towering waterfalls like Gullfoss, Geysir (all geysers namesake), Þingvellir National Park, and the can’t-miss site, Reykjadalur Valley.
Wildflowers bloom alongside a hot spring river in the Reykjadalur Valley that meets with a cold river in a spot called The Confluence. For those who like it hot, stroll further upstream on the boardwalk, and for those who need their bathing waters just right, head downstream to feel the temps gradually dip as the hot and cold water mix in stone pools.
For a one-of-a-kind dining experience in an actual tomato greenhouse, stop by Friðheimar to enjoy the freshest tomato soup and bread. The atmosphere in this place is amplified by the majestic Icelandic horses on the property.
Day Three
Load up on road trip snacks before venturing farther than the Golden Circle for the far out sights of the famous Icelandic Ring Road. The first stop should be Vik, a tiny town that’s home to monumental geological sights. While in Vik, head to Reynisfjara to explore caves made of hexagonal basalt columns that feel totally alien as the frosty ocean waves crash on the bizarre black sand beach.
Farther east, take in the surreal hues of blue at Breidamerkursandur Glacier and Diamond Beach. The mighty wall of ice invokes an unparalleled sense of wonder as chunks of solid ice break off in a mighty roar, making waves in the bay. Directly south, Diamond Beach is where those chunks are naturally cut and refined into still massive ice diamonds shimmering on the black sand.
For dinner, make plans to stop at Black Crust Pizzria in Vik and enjoy their Icelandic-style pizza made to look as black as the beaches with a volcanic burst of sauce and cheese to satisfy the hunger built up by the day’s adventures.
