Keflavík International Airport

Arriving:

• It took me 30 minutes to get out of the airport from the minute I landed.
• Flybus takes you from the airport to downtown Reykjavik for $36. The ticket booth is on the right-hand side before exiting the airport.

Departing:

• You must scan your boarding pass prior to getting to security and then again after customs. The wait time for me was 15 minutes.
• Seating at the gates is limited. They also have multiple flights leaving out some of the same gates, therefore, be sure to check the monitors/ask the attendant to confirm departures.

Where to Stay

Airbnb, hostels, and camping are the cheapest route to staying in Iceland. Our Airbnb was located ~10 minutes from downtown Reykjavik and was the perfect size for 3 guests. Total cost: $1,139 for 5 nights. Book your stay way in advance to avoid a higher rate (ours was booked 2 weeks prior).

Things to Do

Iceland has to be one of the most unique adventurous places I’ve ever been to. From hiking up to an open field hot spring to snorkeling between two tectonic plates in 2-4°C temperature water. These activities will test your boundaries but make lasting memories.

Hallgrímskirkja – FREE or $10/person to go up the cathedral‘s tower.

Blue Lagoon – $93/person

Upon arrival, you will be given a towel and wristband, which comes with a complimentary drink of your choice. Place your items in a locker, push it close, and scan your wristband at the appropriate scanner before the timer runs out. Scan it again to unlock.

You must take a (naked) shower prior to accessing the lagoon. Take your towel with you before leaving the locker room or grab one from outside. They try their best to keep the locker rooms dry for those coming in. Kick your feet up, relax, swim around, and stay as long as you want.

It is recommended not to dip your hair in the water because it will leave it feeling dry – and dry it was. Be sure to deep condition longer than normal and even do a moisturizing mask after.

Airport shuttle is available every 2 hours. Buy your ticket inside or pay with the driver. I took the 2 pm shuttle and arrived at the airport within 30 minutes. Cost – $28.90.

Silfra – $155/person

Silfra is a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park. It is right where the two continents meet and drift apart about 2 cm per year. Silfra is the only place in the world where you can dive or snorkel directly in a crack between two tectonic plates.

May not be suitable for those who suffer claustrophobia. The 2-layer dry suit and neck strap confined mobility. The feeling does go away once you’re in the water. Temperature: 2-4°Celsius (35-39° Fahrenheit). Cookies and hot chocolate are served when you return.

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in southern Iceland, covering about 300 kilometers looping from Reykjavík into the southern uplands of Iceland and back. The three primary stops on the route are the Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal area in Haukadalur, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. This one is easy to do on your own.

• Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park
• Strokkur/Geysir
• Gullfoss Waterfall

Southern Coast Tour

We avoided a $300/person ($900 combined) tour by splitting the driving ourselves and being on our own time. The drive will take you on a scenic road along Iceland’s South Coast. Stand behind the plummeting Seljalandsfoss waterfall, walk up to Skógafoss waterfall, and watch hundreds of puffins soar over Reynisfjara Beach. Here is the order in which we followed:

• Seljalandsfoss – You may recognize this waterfall from Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You” music video and yes, it’s even more amazing in person.
• Gljúfrafoss – Located a block away from Seljalandsfoss. Feel free to take a step inside for an unbelievable (wet) experience.
• Skógafoss – Perfect location for campers. Be mindful that it is super windy climbing up the top.
• Reynisfjara Beach – World-famous black sand beach that has enormous basalt stacks, roaring Atlantic waves, and stunning panoramas. DO NOT GO NEAR THE WATER! The waves are too violent for swimming. Never turn your back on the ocean.
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Amphibian boat tour was $57/person and lasted 35 minutes long. Don’t waste time taking too many pictures, the time goes by really fast. They have a gift shop, food trucks and restrooms available. I got an Icelandic hot dog for $6.50 and water for $3.
• Diamond Beach – Most of the (“diamonds”) icebergs were washed away when we explored the beach in mid-August but it was still a beautiful site to see.

Food

Pack a few snacks or easy meals like Ramen noodles before traveling. Food in Iceland is expensive for what you get. Here are a few places worth trying:

Svarta Kaffið – Lamb Tikka Masala Soup $20
This restaurant serves only two types of soups every day for $20. There may be a line but it should only last 5-10 minutes. The food comes out right away. The soup of the day changes daily, however, our choices were: Lamb tikka masala chutney and veggies soup OR Cream-based Mexican veggie soup. Both served in a big bread bowl.

Pylsuhúsið – Icelandic hot dog $4.70

Geysir Glima – Pepperoni pizza $20

Café Loki – Icelandic pancake with skyr and caramel $7 / Cappuccino $5.80