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By Monika

6-day Iceland Itinerary: How to See the Best of Iceland in a Short Time

Are you planning a short trip to Iceland and are not sure how to make the most of your time?

I think this 6 day Iceland itinerary is your perfect guide on how to accomplish that.

I called it “A Taste of Iceland” itinerary, as it covers all the major sights you want to see when you visit for the first time.

You’ll get a taste of what this beautiful country has to offer, and then you fall in love with the amazing views, super friendly people, sheep wandering everywhere (seriously, I’m obsessed with these guys!), even the ever-changing crazy weather … and you’ll be hooked for life!

We did this trip in the summer, so our days were packed and long, but we loved every minute of every one of them. Nothing felt rushed or too much, but feel free to slow it down and adjust to your needs and travel preferences.

Just to touch on accommodations – for this trip we stayed in one place and did day trips. 

We rented an apartment at Icelandic Apartments in Kópavogur – a suburb about 15 minutes away from Reykjavik center – a perfect location – close to Rt. 1, a gas station, and a Bónus grocery store (which is a huge positive – read more on grocery shopping in Iceland).

Best of all – it had a kitchen, which I strongly recommend – it helps your budget a lot if you can make your own breakfast and pack lunch or have dinner. We averaged about one meal out a day, and for a 4 people family even that can add up.

And lastly – we rented a car and drove to all these amazing places. But if you’d rather take guided tours, it is absolutely possible to do almost exactly the same itinerary by using tour companies. I’ll give you recommendations for each day.

Read below about how we spent our 6 days in Iceland!

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Day 1:  Arrive at Keflavik, hike Fagradalsfjall volcano, Blue Lagoon

We took and overnight flight from the US and arrived at Keflavik Airport around 9 am.  After picking up our rental from Blue Car Rental (I can’t recommend them enough for the quality of their cars and excellent customer service)

Read more: Renting a Car in Iceland – How to Choose the Right Car for Your Trip.

Iceland greeted us with glorious sunshine, so we decided to visit then recent (in August 2022) eruption site at Fagradalsfjall volcano. We checked current conditions online and off we went. What an experience it was!

Note: This particular eruption site is no longer active, but since I’ve written this post, new eruption sites have developed and there is continued on/off volcanic activity in the region. The conditions change often – stay up to date by visiting safetravel.is – but ICELAND IS OPEN AND SAFE TO TRAVEL TO.

If you’d like to visit it, and if it’s possible with no safety concerns, you may want to consider a guided tour to stay safe – check your options here.

Fagradalsfjall volcano hike

The hike up to the Langihryggur viewpoint took us about an hour from the parking lot and the views along the way were just amazing. Lava fields from previous eruptions, fields of green and a bit of the ocean in the distance – you do feel like you’re on another planet! It took a bit of effort to get to the top, but the reward was so worth it! 

Not every day do you get to see lava spewing out of an active crater! Just wow…

On the way back to the parking lot we took a little detour to the Nátthagi Lava Field, and were completely in awe to see it was still steaming from prior eruptions!

The different paths are clearly marked at the trailhead however due to the intensity of this current eruption it is much safet to book a tour with an experienced guide.

Here are some volcano tour options:

• Reykjavík: Volcano Eruption Site and Reykjanes Hiking Tour – perfect if you don’t have a rental car, as it departs from Reykjavik and includes some other sights on Reykjanes Peninsula.
• From Reykjavík: Litla Hrút Volcano Hike with Geologist – a volcano hike with an option to depart from Reykjavik or meet the group onsite (trailhead parking lot)
• Reykjavík: Guided Afternoon Hiking Tour to New Volcano Site – a nice hiking tour from Reykjavik, also including Seltún Geothermal Area.

Blue Lagoon

Next on the agenda was visiting the Blue Lagoon. It is located in Grindavik, only about 20 minutes from the volcano parking lot and about the same distance from the airport if you’re heading directly there. 

We booked tickets way in advance for the afternoon (which I strongly recommend as they sell out), so we had some time to go grocery shopping before it was time to check in.

Blue Lagoon has been closed on and off in the recent weeks due to volcanic eruption near the town of Grindavik, where it’s located. Please check their official website for booking and opening information.

Sky Lagoon or Secret Lagoon are great alternatives if you’re looking for an alternative Icelandic Hot Spring experience.

We did our grocery shopping at the Nettó supermarket in Grindavik, another great option if there is no Bónus around (read more on grocery stores here).

After putting our groceries in a foldable cooler that I packed for this trip (check my list of helpful items that you don’t usually pack, but you need for the trip to Iceland!) and headed to the Blue Lagoon – just the thing we needed after the long flight and the hike!

We spent a couple of hours soaking in blue silica waters, put on silica masks included with our tickets, and explored every corner of this amazing hot pool.

Thoroughly rejuvenated and relaxed we headed to our apartment.

I highly recommend visiting Blue Lagoon. Yes, it’s touristy, AND busy, AND kind of expensive BUT it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that is in my opinion absolutely worth trying.

It’s close to the airport so it could be one of the first things you do after you arrive in Iceland or one of the last things you do before departure. It is also an excellent layover option if you only have a few hours to kill between your flights.

Can you visit Blue Lagoon without a car?

Absolutely!

There are many transfer options either directly from the airport or from Reykjavik. If you have your luggage with you there is luggage storage onsite, costing about 4 euro/bag.

Blue Lagoon is also included in many Golden Circle Day trips from Reykjavik, like:

• Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon Tour with Transfers
• Volcanos and Blue Lagoon Day Trip
• Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Aurora Tour

Alternatives for today’s itinerary

If you’re not up for a volcano hike right after you arrive (or not at all!), here are some great options of places to visit in the vicinity of the airport and the Blue Lagoon if you have time and energy on your arrival day. Alternatively, you can incorporate some of these sights on your departure day:

Learn more about the attractions listed above in my detailed guide to Reykjanes Peninsula.

No car? No problem!

Here are convenient tours that include all these sites and more!

• Private Reykjanes Tour w. Pick up at Keflavik Int. Airport
• From Reykjavik: Reykjanes Geopark Small-Group Tour

Day 2: the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of the iconic destinations in Iceland and today was our day to see it!

It’s a driving route with three main stops (Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall) and a few detours definitely worth taking.

Knowing that there is A LOT to see, we headed out early but before we even got to the first destination, we stopped to admire the views … and sheep on the way 🙂

Drive time: 29 miles (46 km) and about 40 – 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

Thingvellir National Park

Our first stop was Thingvellir National Park (also spelled Þingvellir National Park). We parked in front of the Hakið Visitor Center, in parking lot #1 (P1). The entry to the park is free but you pay a fee for parking (1000 ISK) which is good all day for all parking lots at the park.

Inside we got some pointers on where to start and what to do, along with a map/brochure from a super friendly staff member. It’s worth mentioning that there are also restrooms, a gift shop and a small café with ice cream and snacks.

We then headed to the viewing platform right next to the center, which is actually situated on the corner of the North American tectonic plate (amazing!). The views of the park and Iceland’s largest lake – Thingvallavatn are great! The whole area is so peaceful, and you can just sense the historical significance of this place.

It’s also the beginning of the trail that took us to the path in the Almannagjá Gorge (a canyon between two tectonic plates: North American and Eurasian).

We passed the site of Iceland’s first Parliament and kept walking till we reached Öxarárfoss – a lovely waterfall, the first of many we saw during this trip.

The path is mostly straight and flat, about 4.5 miles long.

On the way back to the Visitor Center we crossed the footbridges and took the trail on the other side of the park, passing by Thingvellir church.

Time spent: about 2-3 hours

Bonus – special activity for thrill seekers!

Did you ever want to snorkel between tectonic plates? Here is your chance!

Silfra fissure snorkeling is also included in many tours from Reykjavik:

• Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Half-Day Trip
• Silfra Snorkeling with Underwater Photos
• Golden Circle with Snorkel in Silfra

We did not snorkel at Silfra 🙂 Not knowing what to expect from our Golden Circle self-drive adventure we didn’t schedule any extra activities. Maybe next time?

READ MORE: “Golden Circle in One Day – Full Guide to the Main Stops and Best Detours”

Geysir Geothermal Area

Next, we headed to Geysir Hot Springs.

Drive time: 37 miles (60 km) and about 50 – 55 minutes from Thingvellir National Park

We parked next to Geysir Center – a large complex with gift shops, restrooms, a food court (we had lunch there) and even a single unmanned N1 gas pump. Parking was super easy as the lot is huge – and free at the time of this visit!

It is now a paid parking lot, and you can pay the fee via the parka.is app.

To get to the actual geothermal area you just have to cross the street and walk a couple of minutes.

Don’t get discouraged by the number of tourists there, it is absolutely worth a stop.

The largest geyser, actually named Geysir isn’t really active anymore, but its smaller neighbor Strokkur erupts about every 10 minutes or so and it is simply amazing to see! Careful – you can get wet!

There is a path leading up to the viewing platform on top of Mt. Laugarfjall from which you can get a great view of the area. It’s supposed to be a nice short hike but we skipped it, anxious to get to our next Golden Circle destination – Gullfoss Falls.

Time spent: with lunch and gift shop browsing we spend about 1 – 1.5 hours here.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Third main stop on the Golden Circle route is Gulfoss Waterfall.

Drive time: 6 miles (9.5 km) and about 10 minutes from Geysir Geothermal Area.

We parked in the lower parking lot and walked down the path to admire this powerful waterfall up close.

Update: during our 2023 visit to Gullfoss, the lower parking lot was not accessible to cars. We had to park in the main parking area by the Lookout Area by Gullfoss Panorama Restaurant. It looks like both lots are currently open now but check the most up-to-date information here.

Gullfoss was simply breathtaking – powerful, yet peaceful and the mist rising above it gave it a mystical aura.

Just make sure to stay on the path, especially if you visit on an on/off rainy day like we did. It can get slippery!

Time spent: we spent about an hour here but you should allow for more time if you are planning to eat at the Gullfoss Restaurant.

You’ve seen the 3 main Golden Circle stops – now what?

And now you have a choice – you can head back to your accommodation or visit a few more amazing places nearby, all depending on how much time and energy you have left!

Read more about how to visit the Golden Circle in one day and some amazing detours along this famous route in my detailed photo guide!

Here is how we continued:

Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)

While still at Gullfoss we reserved our tickets for Secret Lagoon – one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools. It’s a 30-minute drive from Gullfoss to Flúðir and it was just what we needed after all that sightseeing.

It is nowhere near as fancy as the Blue Lagoon, and as a result also a lot less expensive (3600 ISK for an adult, so about $26), but we actually liked it a lot more there.

It started raining a bit, but it just added to the charm of the place – it has a lot more relaxed, casual feel and bonus! They have pool noodles so you can float!

Around the perimeter of the actual pool there is a deck on which you can walk and take a look at the little geysers erupting every couple of minutes, not to mention cute troll houses on one side.

We spend just under two hours there and decided we still had enough stamina to hit Kerið Crater which was on our way home anyway.

Kerið Crater

Kerið is a volcanic crater surrounded by red rocks covered by almost lime green moss and a green/blue lake at its bottom.

There is a fee of 400 ISK to use the path from the parking lot to the top of the crater and around its perimeter. It’s a short easy walk, which took us about 20 minutes or so.

For us it was definitely worth a stop, as the views were simply stunning!

And now we were done for the day!

What we didn’t get to see

• Fontana Geothermal Baths in Laugarvatn – we had our hearts set on the Secret Lagoon! We did stop by there on the way from Thingvellir to Geysir and got some of their famous geothermal rye bread baked in hot sand. Absolutely a must to try! Delicious!
• Friðheimar Tomato and Horse Farm – they are only open noon – we simply ran out of time. Next time!
• Skálholt Cathedral – just not enough hours in a day to see it all! Next time!

Here is a map of the Golden Circle “extras” so you can easier plan your day!

Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

This was a wonderful day trip – Snæfellsnes Peninsula is sometimes called “Iceland in miniature” for its incredible landscape and a variety of places to see. We loved it!

You can visit it clockwise (that’s what we did) and stop by all the coastal attractions and end with the famous Kirkjufell Mountain, or start there and work your way back along the coast.

We took the fastest and easiest way to get to Snaefellsness from Reykjavik which was through Hvalfjordur tunnel. It’s just under 6 km long and it takes you about 165 m under sea level, under the fjord. It’s pretty amazing driving through it as it gently slopes down and starts going back up about halfway. It’s free, no tolls required.

When we visited, it was VERY windy! To the point that big tour buses were turning back, and only smaller vehicles were on the road.

When they tell you to hold on to your car door – THAT was the day to really be mindful of that. It got better as the day went on, the sun was out, we saw many rainbows, and we had a great time.

Our first stop was a Snæfellsnes Visitor Center (Gestastofa Snæfellsnes ) in Breiðablik. There was a small 2 pump self-service gas station there, bathrooms (for which you can pay with a credit card) and a really nice person inside who reassured us that the wind will die down and we should continue.

Literally, gone with the wind! But the rainbow photo was worth hanging on for dear life…

Here is how we spent the day and what we saw – like I mentioned above, we traveled clockwise on rt. 54.

1. Gerðuberg Cliffs

We followed a small sign to a dirt track leading to the cliffs. It’s not far, you can see them from the road. You can park right opposite the cliffs and explore! You can walk along those nearly perfect hexagonal basalt columns, or up to the top by following a path around the cliff.

We chose to just climb – great fun and good warm up after 90 minutes in the car.

2. Ytri Tunga Beach

The beach is really pretty though, with Snæfellsjökull glacier views in the distance. And it’s not a black beach! Usually in the summer you can see some seals here, but I guess even seals hide on such windy days! On a nice calm day, definitely take a stroll!

3. Búðir black church (Búðarkirkja)

It’s beautiful in its isolation, located near Hótel Búðir where you can park and walk over to see it. The church, with its small cemetery and the hotel are the only buildings in the village.

4. Bjarnafoss – a waterfall right by Búðir, visible from the road. We did not stop to see it but there is a parking lot where you can get closer to admire it.

5. Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge – a beautiful ravine with a waterfall. We did not do the walk to the waterfall, but just peeked inside.

6. Arnarstapi to Hellnar coastal walk

You can start in either town, as it’s an out and back trail, we just happened to park in Arnarstapi and started there. 

If you’d like to see the most famous stone arch of the SnæfellsnesPeninsula coastline – Gatklettur, you have to take the path to the left of the statue, which will take you to the viewpoint. We missed it and it will definitely be on our “must do list” for next time!

Read my in-depth guide about Snæfellsnes Peninsula for details on how to find the Gatklettur arch and for more information about other attractions of this amazing area!

From the Bárður statue and take the trail to the right, and you’ll be on your way to Hellnar. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by incredible views of the cliffs, then you’ll be crossing a lava field, then taking the wooden walkway leading to Hellnar.

At some point during the hike we passed the famous pyramid shaped Mt. Stapafell with the lonely little blue-roof house in front.

In Hellnar you will see a small house slightly uphill from the trail – it’s the Fjörhúsið Café – a great little place to have lunch. Even if it looks closed from a distance, go in and check. Sometimes the outdoor tables aren’t set up but they have a few tables inside.

After lunch at the café, we made our way back to Arnarstapi and continued along the coast.

7. Lóndragnar Cliffs

It’s a short walk from a parking lot to a spot offering a great view of these impressive basalt stacks formations.  You can walk along the cliffs for a closer view. We didn’t do that hike due to time and just stayed at the viewpoint and admired the landscape from the distance.

8. Djúpalónssandur Black Beach

From the parking lot you just follow the slightly downhill path made of stone steps, through the low lava formations.

The first thing you’ll see is a rock with a hole in it, through which you can peak at the lagoon on the other side of it and at the Snæfellsjökull Glacier. We had to brave the crowds to get a chance to look through it and take some photos but it was definitely worth the wait.

Then the beach opened up in front of us! Made of small black pebbles called “Perals of Djupalon”.  They are protected so we had to resist the temptation to take one home as a souvenir!

We walked down to the shore, stopping for many photos of lava rock formations the beach is filled with.

On the way back we came across the “lifting stones”– four differently sized stones used to measure the strength of the fishermen in the past. We did give them a try!

Helpful tip: Take advantage of the restrooms here! There are not many on this route!

9. Saxhóll Crater

SaxhólI Crater is located right of rt. 54, down a short gravel (but easily drivable in any car) track.

By now the wind slowed way down, so we were able to climb the 385 steps to the top of the crater.

Once there, we walked around the platform enjoying great views of the area.

10. Kirkjufell Mountain

We saved the best for last! Or I should say “the most famous”?

The famous “Church Mountain” was pictured on many calendars, postcards and let’s not forget that it also appeared in the “Game of Thrones” series!

From the direction we were arriving from we had the parking lot on the right side. We crossed a bridge to the other side and after a 5-minute walk we got to a photo spot of the mountain and the waterfall in front of it (Kirkjufellsfoss).

You can’t hike to the summit of Kirkjufell Mountain but If you have the time you can walk around its base. It will take you about 3 hours to complete the walk. We didn’t do it as it was nearly 7 pm by the time we arrived, grateful for long Icelandic summer days!

After having our fill of the views, we headed towards rt. 56, to make a loop back home.

Read my full guide about Snæfelsness Peninsula for more information, photos and tips on how to make the most of your visit and other activities offered in that area.

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Day 4: Glacier hike and the South Coast

The day started early, with a drive to the Sölheimajökull Glacier parking lot for our main attraction of the day – a glacier hike! The drive took about two hours from our apartment in Kópavogur and that in itself was a wonderful experience. The weather was gorgeous with sunshine, clear skies and warm temperatures.

Sölheimajökull Glacier

Once ther,e we checked in with the guides from the big yellow school bus marked with our tour company’s name (we used this tour). Besides another tour company’s bus, there wasn’t much more in this huge lot but a row of port-a-potties.

Update 2023: There is a whole new Icelandic Mountain Guides Base building close to the beginning of the path leading to the glacier. That’s where you check in and get your equipment. That’s also where the nice restrooms are located now, replacing the portable ones we had to use in 2022.

We were given harnesses, helmets, ice picks and crampons, then followed our guide to the trail for the glacier.

We stopped by the glacier lagoon where we got instructions on how to properly lace up the crampons on our boots.

Then we started the hike on the glacier. It was an awesome, magic experience.

The views were incredible, the walk fast enough to make progress but at the same time relaxed enough to stop for photos and enjoy the fact that we were actually on top of this magnificent natural wonder.

Our guide shared a lot of information about the glacier, its formation and – sadly – why it’s retreating.

After the hike, which lasted about 2 hours, we changed out of the glacier hiking clothes (waterproof pants etc. weren’t needed for the rest of the things we had planned for today) and hit the road again.

READ MORE: Best Glacier Hikes in Iceland – Top Tours + Tips for a Great Experience.

Option: If you don’t feel like hiking on a glacier is for you, you can still see it! Just walk down the trail towards the face of the glacier lagoon and the glacier itself.  The views are still magnificent!

READ MORE: How to Visit Glaciers in Iceland – Need to Know Facts, Safety Tips and Best Tours.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Our next stop was Reynisfjara Black Beach – one of the most famous black beaches in Iceland. It’s best known for its unique basalt stacks that look like columns placed on top of each other right along the shore.  In the distance you see Reynisdrangar sea stacks, formed by lava that cooled into these amazing formations. You can also see Dyrhólaey Cliffs from the shore.

A word of caution – this beach is also known for the so called “sneaker waves” – strong, fast rising sudden waves that can cover the beach quickly and sweep you into the ocean. So enjoy the stunning scenery but be careful!

On one side of the parking lot there is “Black Beach Restaurant”, a very nice, low key, cafeteria-style place serving burgers, salads, soups and really delicious fish’n’chips. It was a perfect place for a late lunch break.

This is where we decided to start driving back, as we still wanted to visit the two famous waterfalls: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. So we skipped visiting Vik and Dyrhólaey Cliffs but if you have enough time in your day, definitely go for it. We visited both during our return trip to Iceland in 2023 – definitely worth it!

Itinerary alternative: Not up for a glacier hike? Visit the waterfalls first (see below), head to Vik and Dyrhólaey Cliffs and if you have the time (and energy!), then keep driving another 2.5 hours (about 195 km) along the South Coast to reach the famous Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

It will make for a long drive and a long day, especially that you’d have to come back the same day to stick to the 6-day plan.

Helpful hint: If you don’t want to do all this driving in one day, go with a tour – you’ll be able to see all these amazing sites and rest on the bus!

Skógafoss

Skógafoss was our first stop on the way back, only about a 30 minute-drive from Reynisfjara Beach.

This waterfall is 62 m (about 203 ft) tall and is famous for the rainbows forming often at its base. We were lucky to see one even though by the time we got there it wasn’t even that sunny out!

You can get as close to the waterfall as you want but keep in mind that it’s very powerful and you will get wet just from the mist as the water crashes down over the cliff!

Like I mentioned in my other posts – there are often no barriers at Icelandic natural attractions, so use good judgement and don’t get TOO close!

Once we’ve seen everything at the base, we climbed the stairs on the right side of Skógafoss for equally phenomenal views. 527 steps! It’s so worth the effort as the staircase takes you to the viewing platform where you can see this powerful waterfall from above. 

The top of Skógafoss also marks the beginning of a trail called “The Waterfall Way”

It’s about 8 km one way and it takes you upstream of the Skóga river, past 26 different waterfalls, jaw-dropping canyons and other fabulous landscapes.

Read more: Skógafoss Waterfall – a Complete Guide (+ a Hidden Gem!)

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

25 minutes later we arrived at the parking lot for Seljalandsfoss, another incredible waterfall, best known for the fact that you can walk behind it.

I strongly suggest putting on a raincoat and rain pants if you have them – you WILL get wet!

We donned our gear and started out on the path towards the fall. There were a lot of people there but somehow no one got in anybody’s way. It’s a loop, so you walk in one way and come out on the other side. Most people start on the right side.

Before we headed home, we visited the gift shop, which doesn’t look like much from the outside but inside is full of Icelandic sweaters, beautiful wool hats and of course souvenirs. Next to it there is a coffee and snack booth and, conveniently, restrooms.

Read more: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi – How to Visit Two Stunning Waterfalls.

If you’d rather see these incredible places with a guided tour, here are some best reviewed options:

• Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Tour – this tour departing from Reykjavik is pretty much a copy of our day in reverse order – waterfalls and Reynisfjara Black Beach first and the glacier hike last.
• South Coast Adventure with Glacier Hike Day Tour from Reykjavik – this tour include Gljúfrabúi Waterfall in addition to everything we’ve seen and the glacier hike.
• South Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Day Tour from Reykjavik – this tour includes the walk to the glacier face – great option if you’re not up for a glacier hike.
• Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik – this tour (without the glacier hike) also includes a stop in Vik.

READ Best Places to Visit on the South Coast of Iceland for more information about this amazing area!

Day 5: Horseback riding and Reykjadalur geothermal river hike

This was originally our “unscheduled day” (by the way it’s good to have one in your trip plan in case you find some exciting last-minute things to do, like we did for today!).

However, my daughter LOVES riding horses, so this trip wouldn’t be complete without riding Icelandic horses (and remember – NOT ponies!)

So our unscheduled day got filled with the horseback riding tour in the morning and the most magical hike we did during this entire trip for the afternoon. Read on!

Horseback riding

If you’re able to fit it in your schedule and budget, I highly recommend this experience!

In the morning we showed up at the stable where we booked our Red Lava Horse Riding Tour. It was only 15 minutes away from our apartment, which was great.

We met other people in our group and we were all given helmets and brief basic riding instructions. Then we were assigned our horses and took off in a single file line.

You don’t have to know how to ride! This was my first time on a horse of any kind, not just an Icelandic one!

They are beautiful, gentle and so smart and well trained that they just know how to take care of you. The guides were also right there, riding alongside us.

We even tried the Icelandic gait, the tölt.  It was a blast!

Because we were so close to our apartment we went back for lunch and a quick rest and then we were ready for one of my favorite experiences of this trip – a hike to the hot geothermal river of Reykjadalur (also called the “Steam Valley”)

Reykjadalur hike

Like I mentioned, Reykjadalur Valley hike was my favorite hike and experience from this entire trip!

It was about a 35 minute drive from our apartment. There is a parking lot there with a café and restrooms, which you may want to use as there are no facilities when you get to the river.

The trail is clearly marked so off we went, past the steaming vents, lush green meadows and a small waterfall on the way.

And the sheep! They were everywhere!

It was a bit of a hike, no doubt about it. Reykjadalur valley is not one of those “park and see” attractions, especially the initial portion was a pretty steady incline, then it leveled off. With all the photo stops it took us about an hour to reach the river.

It was so worth the effort – even the annoying flies that we did not expect! They were constantly buzzing around us as we hiked. Now I know why a lot of people that passed us had bug nets on! Luckily, they were not there by the river.

There are no changing rooms there, just wooden wall structures providing some level of privacy.

My husband actually soaked in the river, the kids and I went in and dipped our tired feet. It is a truly one-of-a-kind experience to be in a hot river. And the surroundings are just gorgeous!

The hike back was way easier and faster and there were no flies!

If you’d like to learn more details about this amazing hike, see tons of photos and get helpful tips about how to make it the best experience possible, read my full detailed post about Reykjadalur – tips for a magical hike to a hot river.

OPTION: if horseback riding is not something you’re interested in, here is another activity you can schedule for this day instead: visiting a lava tunnel – Raufarhólshellir. Located only 20 minutes (19 km) away from Reykjadalur, it is a 1300m lava tube with beautiful lava columns that you can tour with a guide. We haven’t done it (yet!) but the reviews are fantastic, and we’ll definitely consider it for another trip to Iceland!

Day 6:  Reykjavik, Bridge Between the Continents, fly home!

Our last day! Our time in Iceland was amazing and went by real fast. We wanted to make the best out of the time we had before we were due at the airport.

Reykjavik

We had a late afternoon flight, so we spent the morning in Reykjavik.

Along the way we came across the oldest bakery in Reykjavik – Bernhöftsbakarí – and got some delicious pastries.

And of course, we went into almost every gift shop on Laugavegur! (the main shopping street in Reykjavik).

READ MORE: Is Perlan Museum in Reykjavik Worth Visiting?

Bridge Between Continents

We wanted to squeeze one more thing before getting to the airport, so we visited the Bridge Between the Continents – a footbridge connecting the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

It was really cool to see it and to actually step into the fissure between the continents! A great ending to our trip.

It was about a 50-minute drive from Reykjavik, but its only 25 minutes away from the airport. 

Read more about the Bridge Between Continents and other attractions of this amazing area in my guide to Reykjanes Peninsula.

On our way to return the car we stopped at an Orkan gas station, about 10 minutes from the airport, and while my husband was pumping gas, I went to a little booth next to the parking lot and got the best fish’n’chips ever!

The place is called ISSI Fish’n’Chips and I highly recommend it!

It was sad to leave Iceland – a country of so many landscapes and amazing natural wonders. I may even miss the sulfur smell of the water! We’ll definitely be back!

What about the Northern Lights?

And now I’ll answer the magic question – have we seen the Northern Lights?

In short – no, BUT we’ve seen SO MANY other wonderful things thighs that to us it didn’t matter.

We did this exact itinerary at the end of August, which is not the best time of the year to see Aurora. We did try one day, on our own, completely unsuccessfully 🙂

In hindsight, I feel that if you’re going to make an attempt at chasing the Northern Lights at this time of the year, you should probably book a tour with an experienced guide – that way you’ll have the best chance of actually experiencing the magic!

Your resources to make this itinerary a success:

Want a fantastic, easy-to-read, high-quality map of Iceland to have as a navigation backup? AND listing gas stations on your route? You need the Iceland Adventure Travel Map that I personally don’t travel to Iceland without!

MUST READ: Iceland Accommodation Explained: What to Know Before You Book.

👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!

MUST READ: Driving in Iceland – Essential Tips for a Great Road Trip

🛜 Stay connected during your trip with an eSIM like Airalo, Saily or Sim Local!

Use promo code PLANPACK to unlock your 5% discount!

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