Journey to Iceland: A 3-Day Escape to Another World

Join me and experience the stunning beauty of Iceland in just 3 days. Discover glaciers, waterfalls, black beaches, and even the Northern Lights. 

Have you ever dreamt of embarking on a journey to chase the elusive Northern Lights? For years, I had longed to witness this breathtaking phenomenon, and finally, I took the plunge and set my sights on the world's northern reaches. 

The question was, where to go? 

Countless countries boasted the opportunity to see the magical display of colours dancing across the sky, but two stood out among the rest: Norway and Iceland. After much deliberation and discussion with fellow travelers and bloggers, I decided to jet off to Reykjavík in Iceland and find out for myself. And trust me, I totally made the right decision.

Was it All Just a Dream?

Sitting here on my flight back to London, I still ride the high from my unforgettable adventure in Iceland. I can confidently say that this was the perfect destination to kick off my 2023 travels! 

From the moment I arrived, I was entranced by the awe-inspiring landscapes, the warmth of the locals, and the endless possibilities for adventure.

But let me tell you, a mere long weekend was not enough to take in all that this stunning country has to offer. Not even a lifetime would be enough to explore every corner and crevice of this wonderland that captures your heart with every passing moment. 

To make the most of my limited time, I followed a well-planned schedule and logistics while staying flexible in the face of unpredictable weather conditions during the winter months.

Reflecting on my unforgettable journey, I am already eagerly planning my next trip back to Iceland. 

If you're seeking a destination that will leave you humbled, inspired, and filled with wonder, look no further than the Land of Fire and Ice.

Gear up for Adventure: What to Pack for Heading Out

Before you set off, it's crucial to pack the right equipment, especially if you're travelling during the winter months. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, pack the essentials. 

9 Essential Checks Before a Winter Trip to Iceland

1. Comfortable and warm clothing, including thermal leggings, tops, socks, warm gloves, a hat, and a snow jacket with a hood (essential in case of wind!)
2. Non-slip boots, essential to walk on icy pathways
3. Water bottle (water in Iceland is super good and can be topped up almost anywhere)
4. Protein snacks or other superfood snacks (food can be expensive and hard to find in remote areas)
5. Lip balm to protect against the cold and wind
6. Camera to capture the stunning landscapes (get ready to blow up your Instagram!)
7. Notebook to jot down your thoughts and catch inspiration
8. Downloaded itinerary and map in case of poor signal
9. Travel insurance and adherence to safe driving practices (do not take paths off-road as it can be dangerous terrain)

So pack your bags, follow these tips, and get ready to experience the magic of Iceland!

Let the Adventure Begin…

As our plane descended over Keflavík airport, my heart pounded with excitement for the adventure ahead. We were finally in Iceland, a land of incredible natural beauty and wonder. It was already midnight on Thursday, but our journey was just beginning.

After collecting our luggage, we spent our first night near the airport at the Courtyard Marriott. And what a great choice it was! The hotel greeted us with warm hospitality and all the necessary amenities to start our trip. The spacious and peaceful rooms offered a comfortable night's rest and the breakfast buffet in the morning was nothing short of exceptional, providing us with the fuel we needed for the day's adventures ahead.

If you're planning your own Icelandic adventure, I highly recommend considering the Courtyard Marriott as your first stop. Its prime location and unbeatable comfort make it the perfect starting point for any traveler. 

You can check prices and availability here.

How to Get Around Iceland?

Iceland awaits, and there's no better way to explore this breathtaking land than with the freedom of your own car. 

With a driving license and a sense of adventure, you can leave the guided tours behind and create your own itinerary while enjoying the comfort of your vehicle and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Our journey began by picking up a rugged and reliable Jeep, perfect for handling Iceland's snowy and icy roads. As we set out to explore the Golden Circle, we couldn't help but feel the thrill of the open road and the excitement of discovering what lay ahead.

Guided Tours vs. Renting a Car

Sure, guided tours can offer convenience and organization, but in my opinion nothing beats the freedom and independence of a road trip. Plus, renting a car in Iceland is surprisingly affordable, especially compared to the high cost of guided tours. So why not choose the path less traveled and create your own adventure?

As we stocked up on supplies (I highly recommend doing so) and hit the road, we marveled at the stunning landscape around us. With the late sunrise during the cold months, we had plenty of time to prepare and start our journey. Our Dacia Duster was the perfect vehicle for navigating the winding roads and awe-inspiring sights that awaited us.

Iceland's natural wonders are waiting to be explored, and with the freedom of your own car, there's no limit to what you can discover.

Day 1 - The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle, a route filled with natural wonders and otherworldly landscapes, will leave you breathless and yearning for more. As you drive down the well-maintained roads, you'll feel as if you've entered a new dimension, surrounded by a surreal and almost rarefied atmosphere. It's no surprise that you might find yourself thinking you're in a film or in the Vikings series, as the beauty of Iceland is simply stunning.

To make the most of your trip, be sure to plan your main stops in advance, as sometimes the mist or the snow can cover the signs. You don't want to miss out on a frozen volcanic crater or a waterfall that rivals Niagara. 

Take a note of Four Stops on the Golden Circle that you don't want to miss:

1. Kerid Crater
2. Geysir Hot Springs
3. Gullfoss Falls
4. Thingvellir Park

The first three are easily accessible, but Thingvellir Park, a protected area with a breathtaking view, requires some trekking. However, if the weather is unkind, don't worry. It will only give you another reason to plan a second trip to Iceland.

Remember that we have traveled the circular road setting Kerid Crater as our first stop, with the final destination Reykjavík. Along the way, you will find other several minor stops and viewpoints, where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery.

A photo of Kerid Crater, currently frozen!

As you procede on your route you will approach our second highlight:

Geysir Hot Springs

You may be surprised to discover that the “Geyser” after which all geysers are named is no longer active. But don't worry, just a few meters away, and you'll find other active geysers that put on quite the show. 

With some patience and a little wait in the cold, you can witness the eruptions every 4-8 minutes (Check my video on Vagavoice's Instagram stories!).

Gullfoss Water Falls

As you journey on, you'll reach Gullfoss Falls, where you'll hold your breath in awe of the majestic waterfall surrounded by wild and uncontaminated landscapes. Be sure to wear gloves and a hooded jacket, as the area is windy and usually very cold. Also, beware of the icy path up the stairs, which can be pretty slippery.

The Golden Circle will leave you enchanted by the natural wonders of Iceland and leave you yearning for more.

As we drive along the last bit of the Golden Circle ring route, we reach again Reykjavik, perfectly in sync with the sunset. 

We found Reykjavik to be a pretty special place; a capital city with an intimate and cozy atmosphere, very little traffic and incredibly silent. A small gem amongst the ice.

We chose to stay at the Hotel Von in the city centre.

A perfect choice that allowed us to move comfortably by foot during the evening and to discover hidden treasures of Reykjavik, such as the Old Iceland Restaurant (a family run restaurant famous for its typical cuisine and cozy atmosphere, their delicious seafood soup and in general their wild caught fish) and only a few meters further “His Meals Og Menningar”, a lovely pub/book shop with live music.

The Von Hotel, despite being very central, is incredibly quiet, and we loved our little room with its comfy bed and a lovely balcony from which to admire the city lights. A perfect place to write but also to record on the go if needed.

This is a boutique hotel so they do not have a restaurant and nor serve breakfast, however the staff is incredibly helpful and hot drinks such as teas of all sorts and coffees are available at the reception and in every room. As for the breakfast they partner up with Sandholt, a lovely bakery just across the street.

Day 2 - The Snaefellsnes Peninsula

For our second day, we had planned to explore the area of ​​the great glaciers in the south region. However, due to the challenging weather conditions and limited time, we decided to drive to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula instead. 

We made sure to stock up on snacks and water from a nearby grocery store and started our journey before dawn. 

As we drove, we were greeted by a breathtaking sunrise illuming the vast and deserted plains.

Our journey through the Snaefellsnes Peninsula was truly unforgettable. 

We explored snow-capped mountains, pristine landscapes, and cascading waterfalls of rare beauty. Several stunning stops punctuated the drive. One of our favourite highlight was Kirkjufellsfoss. We were left speechless by the sheer beauty of this place.

Kirkjufellsfoss

During our drive, we also discovered many other smaller and bigger highlights, such as the Selvallavatn viewpoint, which was perfect for capturing some great shots and some much-needed writing and meditation time.

We followed our instincts and stopped wherever we felt a place calling us. This sense of freedom was one of the best aspects of our road trip. 

Everywhere we stopped was simply breathtaking. 

We arrived back in Reykjavik just after sunset and decided to take a lovely walk around the town. We also visited the spectacular Hallgrimskirkja Church by night, which was truly awe-inspiring.

 Our unforgettable day ended with well-deserved relaxation time at the hotel, a nice cup of hot tea, and my notebook.

I couldn’t write fast enough to capture all of my speeding thoughts! 

Day 3 - Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss and Dyrholaey

Our adventure continued on day 3 as we headed south, leaving the comfort of our hotel in Reykjavik to immerse ourselves in Iceland's stunning natural beauty. 

We began our day with a hearty breakfast at Sandholt, indulging in freshly baked warm bread that left our taste buds dancing.

Our first stop was Seljalandsfoss, and it was an experience that left us in awe. But it was Skogafoss, our second highlight of the day truly took our breath away. The falling water created a stunning rainbow that, combined with the light and snow, was a gift from nature that filled us with gratitude.

We continued our journey until we reached Dyrholaey, where the vast ocean, mountains, black beaches, and snow surrounded us. It was a breathtaking panorama that left us feeling like we were in a naturalistic documentary but with the added perspective of a drone.

As the day began to wind down, we made our way to the Konvin Hotel near Keflavik airport, where we spent our last night. The hotel was lovely, with spacious rooms and an ideal location for those returning their car early in the morning.

But wait, what about the Northern Lights…?

No way we could end our Icelanding adventure without experiencing the Northern Lights, right? 

We were determined to witness the Northern Lights, so we braved the cold and headed to a lookout spot, where we parked in silence and darkness. Despite the low solar activity, the sky was cloudless, and we were lucky enough to catch just a glimpse of the Northern Lights in the direction Reykjavik. It was a moment we will never forget, but being just a glimpse it definitely made us eager to return to Iceland soon.

A Lifetime of Memories in Only 3 Days

As we bid farewell to Iceland, we couldn't help but feel grateful for our unforgettable experiences in just three short days. 

It may seem like a brief trip, but Iceland's wonders are so plentiful that it's enough to make it an unforgettable long weekend. 

I hope our story inspires you to plan your own adventure and discover the beauty of Iceland for yourself.