Iceland is truly a dream destination—unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited. We had an incredible time exploring its dramatic landscapes: countless waterfalls cascading over cliffs, vast lava fields stretching to the horizon, surreal basalt columns, playful puffins along the coast, and awe-inspiring glaciers. Every turn revealed something more magical. Iceland is pure, raw beauty—an unforgettable experience.
Itinerary and Notes
General notes
Accessibility: Many attractions are easy to reach, but some require short hikes to get the best views. Totally worth the extra effort.
Costs: Iceland is expensive overall—especially food, lodging, and gas.
Coffee & Snacks: Good coffee was hard to come by. Snacks weren’t memorable either.
Food: Restaurant meals were tasty (what we ordered was great), but prices were steep. The rye bread, though—fantastic!
Parking: Most places require paid parking. You can pay on-site or use the Parka app (which occasionally didn’t work).
Midnight Sun: Don’t miss experiencing the midnight sun. It gives the landscape a surreal, glowing vibe—perfect for late-night sightseeing.
Adventure Activities: Glacier walks, ziplines, and other outdoor adventures are available—but they take time. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
Westfjords: We skipped the Westfjords this time as they’re harder to access and need more days.
Hiking: Iceland is full of hiking trails, and almost every one offers stunning views. You’ll be spoiled for choice.
Scenery: The landscapes are dramatic, with mountains and waterfalls around every corner—especially during road trips.
Waterfalls: There are so many, and they’re all beautiful.
Transport: If you’re not renting a car, the Flybus from the airport is a solid option.
Laundry: Laundry facilities are limited in hotels and Airbnbs. We did some hand-washing and hoped for quick drying.
Day 1 : Anu Reaching Iceland
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| Rye bread icecream and hot chocolate. |
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| Hallgrímskirkja |
We strolled down the Rainbow Street, took photos, and checked out Harpa Concert Hall—the architecture was incredible. Caught views of the harbor, watched a street race, and walked to the Sun Voyager sculpture. After saying goodbye to Deepa and Sathish, I walked back to the apartment, watched a bit of TV, and called it a night—grateful for a warm welcome to Iceland.
Day 2 – Reykjavík Reunion & First Explorations
I was already in Iceland, and today was the day Sree and the kids were flying in to join me. After 10 days apart, I couldn’t wait to see them again.
In the morning, I took the FlyBus to Keflavík Airport — a cost-effective and convenient way to reach the airport if you don’t have a car. The journey took about an hour and 15 minutes. Just 10 minutes after I arrived, Sree and the kids came out. What a happy reunion!
We hopped on the car rental shuttle to Sixt, and while we waited (about 30 minutes), I caught them up on my adventures in Stockholm and Copenhagen, sharing photos and stories. Once we picked up our 4x4 rental — perfect for Iceland’s terrain — we headed to our Reykjavík apartment.
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| They are here! |
The kids were thrilled to explore their temporary home and quickly settled in with a bit of TV. Meanwhile, I walked over to Bónus and a nearby store to grab lunch. I quickly heated up some premade dinner packets and made a batch of Maggi noodles — comfort food that hit the spot! Everyone ate, and then took a well-deserved nap.
Later, Sree headed out to join the Reykjavík walking tour (the same one I’d done the day before), while I stayed back with the kids. Around 3 PM, I gently woke them up so we could go meet Sree at Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic Lutheran church that towers over the city.
We explored the church and took the elevator to the top of the tower. The view from above was nice — a sea of colorful rooftops with the mountains and ocean in the background. The church’s design, inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava columns, is simple yet striking — a true architectural landmark.
After descending, we stopped by a local store to buy cozy Icelandic hoodies and gloves for the kids — a cute and practical souvenir.
Next, we headed to Svarta Kaffid for warm soup served in a bread bowl, which was hearty and satisfying. Then we strolled over to the famous Rainbow Street, snapped some colorful photos, and made our way to Café Loki where the kids tried the rye bread ice cream — a unique Icelandic treat that they surprisingly enjoyed!
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| Bread bowl and warm soup |
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| Rainbow street! |
After a bit of rest at the apartment, Sree and I went on a leisurely two-hour evening walk. We explored the striking Harpa Concert Hall, admired the harbor views, and strolled past ships and sailboats under the soft glow of the midnight sun. Reykjavík’s downtown has a quiet charm in the evenings — artistic, calm, and refreshingly walkable.
We returned home with tired feet and full hearts, ready to begin our road trip around Iceland the next day.
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| Sun Voyager again with Sree |
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| Harpa |
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| Walk in the evening again |
Day 3 – Golden Circle Adventures & Hidden Gems
Today marked our first day venturing beyond Reykjavík — and we were all excited to finally visit the iconic sights of the Golden Circle, the ones we’d only seen online until now.
We checked out of our cozy Reykjavík apartment and grabbed coffee from the popular Reykjavík Roasters, a perfect start to our road trip. With warm drinks in hand, we hit the road.
Our first stop was a scenic lookout point, but to our surprise, we were immediately swarmed by tiny flies! It was something no blog or travel guide had warned us about — and it wasn’t the most pleasant welcome for the kids. Still, it gave us a good laugh and a memory we won’t forget.
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| Everyone was making these stone piles here |
Next, we reached Þingvellir National Park, a place steeped in history and geology. Initially, we stopped at a viewpoint and assumed the tectonic plates must be elsewhere. We even started to drive further, and then I realized, maybe the place we were earlier is where you walk along the tectonic plates.But after some exploring, we realized we were right where we needed to be! We walked along a trail through the rift between the North American and Eurasian plates, ending at Silfra, where people snorkel in crystal-clear glacier water between continents. The flies again was not great, but again and nice walk.
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| Walking along the tectonic plates |
From there, we headed to a geothermal area Laugarvatn Fontana known for baking Icelandic rye bread in the earth’s natural steam — warm, soft, slightly sweet, and completely delicious. We did not take the tour, but the kitchen area had rye bread to purchase, along with dips. This was super super tasty! I did walk around and asked a couple who had been in the tour, and they showed me where the rye bread was buried in the geothermal mud etc, and how afer 24 hrs its taken out. After a brief rest and some wide-eyed wonder at how food can be cooked underground, we stopped next for homemade ice cream ( Efstidalur II – Ice Cream Barn ) from a farm in the area.
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| Rye bread from the heat from hot springs |
Then came our first real waterfall in Iceland — Gullfoss. And wow, what a debut! Its roaring power, misty spray, and multi-tiered drop were absolutely captivating. We walked along the rim, took countless photos, and just soaked in the grandeur. Its very powerful, and true to its name - it felt like Golden Waterfall!
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| Gullfoss |
Not far from there, we visited the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur geyser erupted every few minutes, and it was fun to wait around there and correctly capture it. Steam, sulfur, and sudden eruptions — it felt like standing on another planet.
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| Erupts every 5 mins |
We made a quick stop at Bruarfoss, often called the “blue waterfall” — small but stunning with its bright turquoise hue.
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| Bruarfoss |
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| Such blue waters |
From here, we had heard so much about the fresh tomato soup in Friðheimar Tomato Farm so we headed there.Dinner was at the Friðheimar Tomato Farm, a place I’d been looking forward to. Dining inside a greenhouse surrounded by rows of tomato plants was such a unique experience. We enjoyed tomato soup with fresh bread, bruschetta, ravioli, and a creamy cheesecake, all infused with that fresh tomato goodness. The kids devoured everything — always a good sign!
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| Yummy tomato soup |
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| cheese cake! |
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| Hungry and waiting for food |
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| The restaurant setting. |
After dinner, we made one final, unexpected stop: a charming old church with a thatch-roof hut next to it. There happened to be a small concert inside the church — a serene, soulful experience that felt like stumbling upon a hidden treasure.
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| The thatch roof hut |
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| Stained glass inside the church |
We drove to our Airbnb for the night — an old schoolhouse turned into a guesthouse. Our room was cozy, and the shared sunroom filled with plants was such a peaceful space. Outside, horses grazed in the open fields, and the rustic dining area had a warm, communal vibe. This was owned by a couple who moved from London to Iceland and renovated the school house into the airbnb.
As the day wound down, I found myself sitting quietly in the sunroom, filled with gratitude — for the beautiful sights, delicious food, and, most of all, the unhurried time together as a family. Iceland was already beginning to cast its magic.
Day 4: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Black Sand Dreams
We woke up and eased into the day, enjoying a slow morning feeding the horses at the charming old schoolhouse where we stayed. By the time we packed up and checked out, it was 9:30 AM. We grabbed breakfast on the road—coffee and chia seed pudding for us, and sandwiches for the kids—by 10:30 AM we were ready to explore.
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| Beautiful sun room in our airbnb |
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| Feeding the horses |
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| Yummy Chia pudding - cafe in Selfoss. |
Our first stop was Urriðafoss, a quick visit but well worth it. A short walk brought us up close to the wide, thundering falls—simple, raw, and beautiful.
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| Urriðafoss |
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| Urriðafoss |
Next, we arrived at the iconic Seljalandsfoss. This is where the movie Dilwale's famous song Gerua was shot. Also, this is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland.It was absolutely majestic. The trail that winds behind the waterfall let us experience its full powe. we got completely drenched, but didn’t mind one bit. The surrounding summer wildflowers added a magical touch. After drying off a little, we continued on the trail, passing two smaller falls and more vibrant blooms.
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| Seljalandsfoss |
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| Me and Pappu ready to walk down |
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| Fully drenched |
We reached the second main waterfall, Gljúfrabúi, hidden inside a narrow canyon. A long queue had formed to go inside, so we decided to return later since we were staying nearby.
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| A gorge, which we went inside |
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| Pappu exploring a nearby cave |
After coming back down, hunger struck, so we stopped for a late lunch at a nearby Skoga bistro—pasta, burgers, soup, and rice warmed us right up. After eating, we decided to check out the nearby waterfall. We took a short stroll to another nearby waterfall (Kvernufoss )behind the Skógar Museum, nestled beside a cave. It was quiet, untouched, and absolutely beautiful—definitely a hidden gem. Me and Sree enjoyed the walk and scenery to this waterfall. It looked similar to Seljalandfoss where you can go behind the waterfall, but at the same time zero crowd.
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| Kvernufoss |
Before leaving Skógar, I walked through the open-air turf houses, soaking in the charm of Icelandic history.
Then we began the scenic drive toward Vík. On the way, we spotted a glacier - Sólheimajökull and couldn’t resist pulling over. A short hike brought us closer, offering a great view of the icy giant.
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| Sólheimajökull |
As the sun softened, we reached a cliffside viewpoint (Dyrhólaey Viewpoint & Lighthouse ) and then visited a lighthouse, both offering sweeping ocean views.
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| View from Dyrhólaey |
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| The lighthouse behind us |
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| Dyrhólaey |
Finally, we ended our day at the breathtaking Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, famous for its dramatic basalt columns. It was calm, almost meditative. We sat for a while, just taking it all in—black sands, crashing waves, and the peace of the moment.
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| Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach |
One thing to be super careful here are the sleeper waves and hence we asked kids to sit really far from the water as they enjoyed some time on the beach. We saw many folks taking reels, and even one lady in a gown, when the outside weather was so cold! Sree was mentioning, how determined folks are to take reels :)
With hearts full and minds quiet, we headed back to our stay, which was Bru guesthouse which was in deed one of a kind, small isolated cabin in the midst of no where.
Day 5 : Day in Westman Islands + Vik | Our Anniversary Adventure
Today, we woke up and headed straight to catch the ferry to the Westman Islands. Luckily, our Airbnb was just a short distance from the ferry terminal. We hadn’t planned much for the day, but on a whim, we saw that an ATV tour had last-minute availability—so we booked it right away!
The ferry ride was a little bumpy but lasted only 30 minutes. It was smooth enough, and there were snacks and food available onboard, which made it comfortable. Once we arrived on the island, we had some time before our ATV tour, so we decided to explore. We picked up hop-on, hop-off bus tickets and did a scenic loop around the island. I think, you really dont need the hop on and hop off, if you are doing the ATV ride. This was kinda an unwanted expense.
One of our stops was the Eldheimar Volcano Museum, which gave us a powerful glimpse into the 1973 eruption that nearly buried the town. It was incredible to see how the entire island was affected—yet miraculously, there were no casualties. After the museum, we hiked the volcano trail back down to the main shopping street, which led us right to the ATV tour center.
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| Hike along the volcano |
The team there quickly got us geared up in full ATV outfits—helmet, gloves, the works. It was my first time driving an ATV, and wow—it was both challenging and thrilling! We rode along the stunning coastline of the island, reaching the famous puffin lookout point and what’s said to be the windiest place in Iceland. We spent time watching puffins flutter and dive; there were so many of them, even if most were at a distance.
Next, we headed inland to the volcano terrain, navigating rocky paths with our ATVs—so fun and rugged. Our guide was great and even took some photos of us before we made our way back to the tour base.
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| Apparently most windy spot |
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| Puffins! |
Afterward, we caught an earlier ferry and drove down to Vík. While in the ferry, I suddently found the urge to book the Katla Ice cave tour, and instantaneously booked it.We made a quick stop at the viewpoint above the iconic Vík Church, soaking in the scenery, then popped into Kronan for dinner groceries and picked up a cozy new sweater.
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| Vik- iconic shot |
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| An area above the Vik church. |
On the way back, we made a spontaneous stop at Gljúfrabúi, the hidden waterfall just beside Seljalandsfoss that we missed the day before. We walked through the narrow rock opening to find ourselves face-to-face with the roaring falls inside a cave-like chamber—absolutely magical.
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| Gljúfrabúi |
Back at our stay, we prepped the groceries we’d bought, though the Indian meal kit turned out to be a bit of a letdown—but everything else was fine.
Happy anniversary to us. What a wild, beautiful, unforgettable day!
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| Happy Anniversary- cutting rye bread |
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| Our dinner at deck |
Day 6 -Ice Caves, Canyons, and Waterfalls
Today was a long, adventure-filled day. I woke up early around 5 a.m. to check something for a friend, and by 8 a.m., we were all packed up and ready to go. We had our much-anticipated Katla Ice Cave tour booked for 9:30 a.m. from Vík.
We reached Vík with enough time to stop for a quick restroom break before checking in. The tour started about five minutes late as the guides waited for two more participants. Soon, we were off on an off-road journey through some surreal and striking Icelandic landscapes.
Once we arrived at the glacier site, we were given crampons to help us walk on the ice. From there, it was a short walk to the Katla Ice Cave. It was the first time any of us had ever stepped into an ice cave—especially exciting for the kids. While the cave itself was relatively small (only about 35 meters deep), the textures, colors, and sheer uniqueness made it a memorable experience. After exploring, we had a 10-minute photo stop at a nearby scenic viewpoint, which the guide proudly told us had featured in a Star Wars film.
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| Katla icecave |
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| Apparently this mountain was there in starwars |
Back in Vík, we first tried Skool Bean Café, but it was closed. We ended up at Wok in Vík instead—and it turned out to be a delicious surprise. After lunch, we did a quick snack-and-coffee stop, took another restroom break, and hit the road toward Jökulsárlón around 2 p.m.
Our first stop along the way was the ethereal Eldhraun Lava Field, blanketed in thick, spongy green moss—quick, but magical. It was fun to see if a red car would pass through a small window of mosses we had found which overlooked the road, and if we can capture a pic where the red of the car would stand out. Next was Fjaðrárgljúfur . Then came one of the highlights: a hike through Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. This winding, dramatic canyon with a waterfall at the far end was breathtaking. The kids stayed back in the car while Sree and I did the hike—it was absolutely worth it. I had not heard about this much in any of my research, but was pleasantly surprised on how beautiful this place was.
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| Eldhraun Lava Field |
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| Waiting for a red car to pass :) |
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| Fjaðrárgljúfur |
Next, we visited Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where we saw the twin cascades of Systrafoss and the serene Stjórnarfoss, which flows into a peaceful pool framed by cliffs. These waterfalls were charming and easily accessible.
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| Systrafoss |
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| Stjórnarfoss |
We then stopped at the lesser-known Dverghamrar basalt formations, a horseshoe-shaped cliff of stacked hexagonal lava columns. The place was almost deserted, which made the experience feel even more special—like discovering a hidden treasure.
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| Dverghamrar basalt formations |
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| What a scenary, with the beautiful Foss á Síðu behind |
A quick stop at Foss á Síðu, another graceful ribbon-like waterfall tumbling off the cliffs, followed. Then we arrived at Skaftafell Visitor Centre, where we stretched our legs and decided to hike to Svartifoss. The 2 km hike led us through a forested path and ended at the striking black basalt-column-framed waterfall. It felt both powerful and peaceful.
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| Foss á Síðu |
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| The waterfall on the way |
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| Svartifoss |
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| Beautiful views |
As the light began to soften into evening, we made a final stop at Svínafellsjökull Glacier. The dramatic, jagged ice stretching into the valley made us feel small in the face of nature’s grandeur. It was quiet, hauntingly beautiful, and humbling.
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| Svínafellsjökull |
Finally, we reached Gerdi Guesthouse around 10:30 p.m.—just in time to check in. They were almost closing, so we were lucky we reached there. Tired but incredibly fulfilled, we ended the day with our hearts full of ice caves, lava fields, canyons, and waterfalls. Iceland continues to leave us speechless.
Day 7
Today was a truly special day — the kind that lingers in your memory long after the trip ends. We began with a cozy sit-down breakfast at Gerdi Guesthouse, something that’s become a rare luxury in our fast-paced days. The kids loved it — the warmth of a shared meal, the relaxed morning chatter — and so did we. It reminded us how grounding those slow moments can be.
Our first adventure was to the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. For over an hour, we stood in awe of the icebergs silently drifting by, their sculpted forms glowing in the soft light. We watched delicate white birds resting on the floating ice, and kayakers gliding through the icy maze — it all felt like stepping into a dream. It was peaceful, humbling, and so incredibly beautiful.
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| Jökulsárlón |
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| Kayaks! |
Just across the way, Diamond Beach dazzled us with its natural artistry. The glistening chunks of glacier ice scattered across the black volcanic sand looked like someone had spilled a treasure chest of diamonds. The kids ran along the shore, picking their favorites, and we just stood there, soaking in nature’s brilliance.
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| Diamond beach |
Afterwards, we drove to Höfn for lunch — a simple yet satisfying meal of pizza, salad, hot soup, and salmon for Sree. It was a nice break, and we shared stories from the morning, feeling happy and full — not just with food, but with the experience so far.
Next came one of the most striking sights of the day: Vestrahorn. The dramatic peaks against the black dunes were straight out of a fantasy world. These were different from the south views we were having so far. We stopped at the parking lot, and got the tickets to enter. We explored the quaint Viking village replica, laughed over silly photos, and took in the raw, rugged beauty around us. This was also a main shooting spot for the song Gerua.We even found a few extra pull-outs to stop and take more pictures — it was impossible to look away.
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| Vestrahorn |
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| The viking village |
Post this, we drove down a little more, and stopped at another lighthouse, and took the views there.
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| Views on the road |
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| Look at this! |
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| The star! |
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| Puffin meeting! |
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| What a poser |
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| This moment! |
We finally rolled into Seyðisfjörður a little late, tired but deeply content. The apartment was just okay — functional but nothing to write home about. Still, I managed to do a bit of quick hand laundry (travel life!), and set things to dry on the towel warmer.
It’s days like this that remind us why we travel — to pause, to wonder, and to reconnect with both the world and each other.
Day 8: Chasing Waterfalls and Midnight Sun Magic
This morning started with a bit of a scramble as we went looking for breakfast — but couldn’t quite find anything we liked. Still, we made the most of the slow start by snapping a photo at the cheerful Rainbow Street, and stumbled upon a small local shop where we grabbed some hot chocolate and cookies — a sweet little pick-me-up.
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| Seyðisfjörður |
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| The blue church |
From there, we set off to Gafufoss, which was just a short drive away. This was a beautiful waterfall again, and not crowded at all.
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| Gafufoss |
Next, we headed toward Egilsstaðir, picking up some snacks and a backup lunch along the way. Our big goal was Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls. Only Sree and I took on the hike, which turned out to be steeper than it looked. Though the distance was short, the climb took about 1.5 hours because of the elevation gain. The reward at the top? A stunning waterfall flanked by striking basalt column formations — nature’s own architectural marvel.
After the hike, we refueled at a little food truck near the parking lot. We enjoyed creamy sheep and cow’s milk ice cream, along with a surprisingly delicious lentil soup — hearty and warm after the trek.
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| Hengifoss |
Then it was off to Stuðlagil Canyon, one of the most photogenic spots in Iceland. We started on the west side where we took the hike down into the canyon. The path was mostly pleasant, but descending from one side was tricky — a bit steep and nerve-wracking. Thankfully, I got some help to climb down and perch safely to enjoy the view. Afterwards, we drove to the east side, which offered a much easier access route. We descended again, explored the area, and captured some unforgettable photos. The entire stop took around 2 to 2.5 hours, and every minute was worth it.
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| Stuðlagil Canyon |
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| See the blue waters, it was a bit tricky to come down here |
Our final stop for the day was the thundering Dettifoss and Selfoss. The sheer power of Dettifoss was humbling — one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls — and we were lucky to see a perfect rainbow arcing across the spray. It was a magical moment that left all of us smiling.
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| Look at the full rainbow! |
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| Dettifoss!! So powerful, hardly the pics came out, due to the mist |
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| Selfoss - so pretty it was |
As the day wound down, we drove back to check into our stay at the Goðafoss Hotel, perfectly situated right across from the waterfall itself.
Later that evening, I took a quiet solo stroll under the midnight sun. There’s something truly otherworldly about walking in daylight at that hour, surrounded by stillness and raw Icelandic beauty. Once again, Iceland didn’t disappoint — it never does.
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| This was 1 AM |
Day 9: From Lava Fields to Rainbow Streets
We started the day with breakfast at our hotel — a cozy spread that happily included maple pecan pie, which felt like a small but perfect win. Afterward, we made a final stop at Goðafoss ( The god's waterfall) , taking time to admire the sheer force and elegance of the falls. I even hiked down for a few more photos — it’s one of those waterfalls that commands your attention every single time.
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| Goðafoss |
With that, we checked out and began our drive toward the Mývatn region, an area teeming with geothermal activity. The bubbling geysir fields instantly reminded us of Yellowstone — complete with the familiar, strong sulphuric smell. The kids struggled with the smell, so Sree and I took a quick walk around, marveling at the alien landscape of steaming vents and colorful mineral deposits.
Our next stop was the Krafla volcanic crater, followed by a short visit to the nearby lava fields Dimmuborgir, where jagged rock formations stretched out like a scene from another planet. We paused here for lunch at a cozy café that served unlimited soup and bread — warm, comforting, and just what we needed. Sree tried the catch of the day, which was fresh and delicious.
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| Lava field Dimmuborgir |
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| Grjótagjá |
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| Krafla Crater |
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| Geo thermal station |
Post-lunch, I took the kids to hike the striking Hverfjall (Hverfell) crater — a dramatic black volcanic mountain. The climb was steep, and Tara found it particularly tough, both on the way up and during the slippery descent. Even I, with my fear of heights, had a few wobbly moments, but Pranav took it all in stride. Despite the challenge, the views from the top were worth it — raw, wide, and otherworldly.
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| Hverfjall |
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| We met a fellow traveller who told how much he loved India. He is the one who took this pic |
After that climb, we cooled off with some ice cream and explored a few smaller crater fields nearby before setting off toward Húsavík — a town a travel blogger had recommended for its scenic drive and charming atmosphere. The 50-minute drive was scenic, though perhaps not as stunning as hyped. Still, the small harbor town had its charm. We saw the iconic wooden church, a line-up of whale-watching boats, and grabbed some quick starters as snacks.
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| icecream! |
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| Husavik |
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| Hot chocolate! |
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| Timber church Husavik |
From Húsavík, we began our long drive to Hvammstangi (a name we butchered all day!). The journey took us through beautiful mountain roads, with sweeping views and rolling landscapes that made the 3-hour drive feel more like an adventure. We stopped briefly in Akureyri for a break before finally reaching Hvammstangi — a quiet village by the sea with, to our surprise, another rainbow street and a quaint little church.
We checked into our stay for the night and called it a day — tired, but full from a day of nature, exploration, and just the right amount of unpredictability that makes a road trip so memorable.
Day 10: Exploring the Magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula
We left Hvammstangi around 9 AM, grabbed a quick coffee, and set off for our final full-day adventure — the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its incredible variety of landscapes.
Our first stop was the iconic Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. We had a lovely lunch at the cozy Harbor Café nearby, enjoying the view of fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. Afterward, we returned to Kirkjufellsfoss, the picturesque waterfall that perfectly frames the mountain in the background — an absolute postcard scene. We took our time here, soaking in the dramatic views under moody skies.
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| Kirkufell |
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| Kirkufellfoss |
From there, we continued our drive around the peninsula, passing dramatic coastlines and lava fields. We made a quick stop at the charming village of Grundarfjörður, which, to our amusement, had yet another rainbow street. While Sree took a short nap, I explored Grundarfoss, a lesser-known but powerful waterfall tucked into a lush valley.
As the afternoon wore on, a light drizzle began to fall — and somehow, it made the landscape even more magical. The mist softened everything, and the green cliffs and lava fields seemed to glow under the gray sky.
We visited the hauntingly beautiful Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach with mysterious shipwreck remnants and dramatic sea stacks. The sound of the waves crashing against the dark shore was mesmerizing.
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Ólafsvíkurkirkja |
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| A waterfall next to it |
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| Djúpalónssandur |
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| Djúpalónssandur |
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| Djúpalónssandur |
Next, we headed to Arnarstapi, a small fishing village framed by sea cliffs and basalt arches. We explored the secret cave that we heard about near to Arnastapi, and After this magical moment, we returned to Arnarstapi for a short coastal walk to see Gatklettur, the stunning rock arch sculpted by the sea.
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| Secret cave |
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| Gatklettur |
We ventured into Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, a hidden gem that felt like stepping into a fairytale — walking between moss-covered rock walls and discovering a tiny waterfall tucked inside.
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| Rauðfeldsgjá |
Our final stop on the peninsula was the Búðakirkja — the striking black church of Búðir, with its minimalist design and white-framed windows set against a wide, open field and distant mountains. The rain had stopped by then, and the soft light gave the whole place an ethereal quality.
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| Búðakirkja |
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| Búðakirkja |
With full hearts and full camera rolls, we began our journey back to Reykjavík, proud and slightly amazed — we had officially completed the full Ring Road of Iceland!
Our apartment in Reykjavík was spacious and comfortable, and we were relieved to find laundry facilities, a much-needed bonus after days on the road. A few mishaps, like a body wash bottle falling and making the bathroom floor slippery, kept us on our toes — but overall, we were happy to settle in and relax.
Day 11: Journey into the Highlands – Langmannalaugar Magic
Today was our much-awaited trip into the Icelandic Highlands, and while the day turned out to be stunning, it didn’t start off quite as smoothly as planned.
We were ready and waiting at the pickup location by 9 AM, but there was a hiccup — delays from the tour operator meant we didn’t get picked up until 10 AM. After a few calls to the company and some uncertainty, the super jeep van finally arrived. The hour-long wait wasn’t easy, especially with the kids growing cranky in the morning chill, but once we hit the road, things began to turn around.
The 4-hour drive to Landmannalaugar (the colorful geothermal region in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve) was long, but absolutely scenic. Along the way, we passed through remote, Mars-like landscapes — stretches of black lava fields, moss-covered hills, and two beautiful waterfalls that broke up the drive: Þjófafoss, with its raw power tumbling into the Þjórsá River, and Hjálparfoss, gracefully tucked between basalt columns. We did stop at couple of waterfalls on the way.
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| Sigoldufoss |
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| Hjálparfoss |
When we finally arrived, we had 2 hours to explore Landmannalaugar, and I truly wished we had more. The place was beyond breathtaking — a patchwork of rhyolite mountains, steaming vents, and lush valleys. The hike began with a boardwalk over the geothermal fields, and the colors around us were surreal — yellows, greens, reds, and browns layered across the hills.
Sree and the kids turned back midway so Pappu could soak in the natural hot spring, a highlight for him. I continued on solo for a bit longer, soaking in the silence, the textures, and the shifting colors of the mountains. I even came across a few mini geysers bubbling quietly in the earth. The time flew by, and honestly, 2 hours felt far too short in a place so mesmerizing.
On the way back, we made a quick stop at a volcanic crater - Ljótipollur— its perfectly circular shape and deep red walls were stark and dramatic against the cloudy sky.
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| Ljótipollur |
We finally returned to Reykjavík around 8 PM, tired but deeply content. After settling into the apartment, Sree and I stepped out for a relaxed evening. We had drinks at Micro Bar, a cozy little craft beer spot, and then grabbed some flavorful Arabic food nearby. Back at the apartment, we wrapped up the night with some laundry and much-needed downtime.
Day 12: A Slow Farewell to Reykjavík & a Soak in the Blue Lagoon and a final hike
Today began gently — a slow morning, with no alarms, no agenda, and the rare luxury of letting the day unfold at its own pace. The kids finally caught up on sleep, and I made some tea and breakfast, enjoying a quiet moment out on the balcony, watching Reykjavík ease into the day.
It was my last full day in Iceland, and the feeling was bittersweet. This country has woven itself into me — in its stark beauty, quiet magic, and raw, untouched landscapes. I know I’ll carry it with me for a long time.
With four loads of laundry to tackle (thanks to the tiny washer), the morning was also a productive one. But even that felt oddly grounding — a small, domestic rhythm at the end of a wild, unforgettable journey.
Later, Sree and I stepped out to wander Reykjavík’s streets, on a mission to find the city’s famous hot dog stand: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. After a bit of searching and some backtracking, we finally found it — and sure enough, there was a queue. We waited our turn and were rewarded with Iceland’s beloved hot dog, topped with crispy onions and a delicious combo of condiments. It absolutely lived up to its reputation.
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| Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur |
We ducked into a nearby Icewear store to look for a poncho (no luck), then made our way to Brauð & Co., where the smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns drew us in instantly. We picked up a few to bring back for the kids — soft, warm, and sticky with just the right amount of sweetness.
By 2:30 PM, after some light packing, we set off for the Blue Lagoon. Despite the crowds and popularity, it was an experience I had looked forward to. Once we scrubbed ourselves clean in the showers and stepped into the steamy milky-blue waters, it felt like entering another world. Floating in the warm mineral-rich water, sipping a drink, and relaxing under the overcast sky — it was a perfectly indulgent moment for all of us. Yes, there are more local and less commercial hot springs in Iceland, but this one was a good one too, and I’m glad we experienced it.
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| Blue Lagoon |
After our rejuvenating dip, we dropped the kids off at the apartment to rest and squeezed in one final adventure — a short but steep mountain hike (Úlfarsfell)just 10 minutes outside Reykjavík. It was surprisingly lush, and to our delight, we found a tree-lined trail — the first we had seen in all of Iceland! The climb was intense and we took our time, but totally worth it, offering panoramic views and a peaceful farewell to nature before heading back to the city.
We returned to the apartment, wrapped up our packing, and called it a night, feeling deeply satisfied and just a little heart-heavy that our Iceland adventure was coming to an end.
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