4 DAYS IN
ICELAND
Iceland—the land they call “fire and ice”—a place that feels like it jumped straight out of a fairytale. Spend a few days here, and you’ll understand exactly why. Remember the volcano with the name no one could pronounce—Eyjafjallajökull—that stopped Europe in its tracks back in 2010? Well, spoiler alert: that’s just the tip of the unpronounceable iceberg!
We were lucky enough to visit for four days, and while it’s far too short to explore the entire island, the magical landscapes left us awe-struck, with memories we’ll cherish forever. From fiery geysers to icy lagoons, this little country is a feast for the senses—and Instagram, too.
How It All Began
Last summer, we brainstormed the perfect gift for Louis’ mom’s 50th birthday. It needed to be special, unique, and a treat for everyone involved. Iceland ticked all the boxes—short flights, affordable tickets (shoutout to EasyJet), and landscapes that belong on another planet. Plus, we carefully planned the trip for November, aiming to catch the Northern Lights.
Day 1
From London to Lunar Landscapes
We landed at Keflavík Airport around 7 PM, grabbed our lone suitcase, and headed to the Geysir rental agency to pick up our trusty steed—a 4×4. A quick briefing later, we were off to Reykjavík. The journey? A straight shot on one road, surrounded by an otherworldly landscape that had us glued to the windows.
Reykjavík itself felt almost eerily calm. After checking into our hostel near the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, we hunted down dinner and stumbled upon Reykjavík Fish Restaurant.
The verdict? Hands down, the best fish & chips Louis and his mom had ever eaten—and that’s saying something coming from English folks! I went for the traditional Plokkari (a creamy fish and potato gratin) with Icelandic rye bread, which was rich but oh-so-delicious.
After dinner, we wandered the quiet streets, practically alone, before heading to bed. Tomorrow was calling, and we needed to be ready for adventure.
Day 2
Geysers, Waterfalls, and Lunar Landscapes
Winter days in Iceland are short—really short. Sunrise? 10 AM. Sunset? 5 PM. We layered up in the dark and headed to Sólfar, the Viking ship sculpture, hoping to catch a magical sunrise. Alas, the English drizzle seemed to have followed us.
Reykjavík is calm and quirky. Its streets are lined with touristy shops selling everything from hand-knit sweaters to puffin magnets. We stopped by Hallgrímskirkja again, but this time during daylight. Impressive from the outside, but we skipped the paid climb to the tower—it looked better in photos anyway.
Next, we stocked up on road trip essentials at Krónan (a budget-friendly supermarket) and hit the road toward the famous Geysir on Route 36. Let me tell you—this drive was chef’s kiss. The landscapes kept changing every few minutes, and we had to stop repeatedly to snap pictures of the surreal beauty around us.
At Geysir, you’ll smell it before you see it—hello, sulfur! The bubbling earth, steaming water, and Strokkur’s epic eruptions every 5-6 minutes were mesmerizing. And yes, we got our fair share of failed geyser photos.
From there, we drove 10 minutes to Gulfoss waterfall. Imagine Niagara, but wilder and with fewer railings. The sheer power of the water is breathtaking, though the sea of tourists reminded us we weren’t alone in this paradise.
That night, we arrived at our Airbnb in Ölfus—a cozy cabin with a private geothermal hot tub. We soaked under the stars, trying (and failing) to spot the Northern Lights. Not this time, auroras.
Day 3
Chasing Waterfalls and Glacial Dreams
We hit the road early, determined to make the most of the limited daylight. First stop: Skógafoss—a towering 60-meter waterfall you can spot (and hear!) from the main road. The hike up the steps to the top was quick, and the view was worth every step. Iceland just kept upping the magic level.
Next, we drove to the charming town of Vík. The weather wasn’t on our side—wind and rain kept us locked in the car—so we pushed on to Fjadrargljufur canyon. Even in the gloom, this place looked straight out of a fantasy novel.
Our final stop of the day was Jökulsárlón, the glacial lagoon, and nearby Diamond Beach. The rain stopped just in time for us to marvel at the shimmering icebergs. The ice chunks scattered across the black sand looked like diamonds under the headlights of parked cars—a moment of pure magic.
Dinner? A no-frills lamb soup at a roadside gas station. It was hearty, hot, and perfect after a long day. We spent the night at Hrífunes Guesthouse, a gem tucked away in the wilderness.
Day 4
Black Sands and Hidden Waterfalls
Our last day in Iceland began with a hearty breakfast and tales from our host. First stop: an unnamed waterfall we spotted along the road. No tourists, no signs—just us, nature, and the sound of cascading water. Moments like this are why Iceland steals hearts.
We revisited Vík to see its famous black sand beach, Reynisfjara. The basalt columns and towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks make this place feel otherworldly. The wind was fierce, and the waves wild—definitely not a beach for sunbathing, but a sight to behold.
Our final adventure was at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can walk behind (if you don’t mind getting soaked). Nearby, we discovered Gljúfrafoss, a hidden gem tucked behind a cliff wall. Getting there involved hopping stones and crouching through cracks, but the reward was an intimate, magical view of the falls.
We ended our trip at the Keldur turf houses—a step back in time to Iceland’s Viking past. Sadly, it was closed for winter, but the scenic drive there was worth it.
Where to Stay: Our Picks
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- Hallgrims Guesthouse
Affordable and centrally located in Reykjavík. Simple, clean, and perfect for short stays.
- Hallgrims Guesthouse
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- Akurgerði Guesthouse
A stylish cabin on a horse farm with a private geothermal hot tub. Ideal for spotting the Northern Lights. We wish we could have more time to spend there.
- Akurgerði Guesthouse
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- Hrífunes Guesthouse
A cozy hideaway with warm hosts, delicious breakfasts, and stunning views.
- Hrífunes Guesthouse
Iceland Travel Tips
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- Car Rental: Opt for a 4×4 in winter (we loved our Dacia Duster from Geysir Rentals).
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- Supermarkets: Krónan, Nettó, and Bónus are budget-friendly lifesavers.
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- Driving: Respect the speed limits, and watch for wind when opening car doors—it’s fierce!
- Packing: Layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes are your best friends.
The Iceland Effect
Iceland exceeded every expectation we had. The landscapes, the tranquility, the sheer magic of it all—this country gets under your skin and leaves you yearning for more. We’re already planning our return, this time for longer. Iceland, you beautiful, otherworldly gem—we’ll see you again soon.
