Day 1 of your trip to Iceland revolves around the iconic city of Reykjavik. We recommend booking an overnight flight that lands early in the morning to make the most of your first impression of the land of fire and ice. This day’s itinerary includes a trip to the incredible Blue Lagoon spa to relax after your overnight flight and features a handful of attractions that offer jaw-dropping views of Iceland’s natural beauty, capped off with an unforgettable dinner Dill – the first restaurant in Iceland to be awarded a Michelin star.
Type: Car Rental
Arrival Time: 8:20am
Departure Time: 8:50am
Time Spent: 30 min
Cost (6 Days + Gravel Insurance): $1,086.25 / 119,118.18 ISK
Bathroom Available? Yes
Campervan Iceland is a car booking agency based in Reykjavík, with over 7 years of travel industry experience. Booking this campervan online is easy, and the pick-up / drop-off procedure is very seamless. Our team highly recommends booking your Iceland transportation through this company!
For anyone who is considering exploring Iceland not out of the back of a campervan, and instead opt for hotel or camping accommodations, we still recommend everything in this itinerary.
Be sure to make your reservation well in advance, especially during peak times of the year
Campervan Iceland provides free shuttle service from the airport to the agency office
If you need to drive an automatic car, make sure to select the correct vehicle type from the drop down at booking!
Type: Car Rental
Arrival Time: 8:20am
Departure Time: 8:50am
Time Spent: 30 min
Cost (6 Days + Gravel Insurance): $1,086.25 / 119,118.18 ISK
Bathroom Available? Yes
Campervan Iceland is a car booking agency based in Reykjavík, with over 7 years of travel industry experience. Booking this campervan online is easy, and the pick-up / drop-off procedure is very seamless. Our team highly recommends booking your Iceland transportation through this company!
For anyone who is considering exploring Iceland not out of the back of a campervan, and instead opt for hotel or camping accommodations, we still recommend everything in this itinerary.
Be sure to make your reservation well in advance, especially during peak times of the year
Campervan Iceland provides free shuttle service from the airport to the agency office
If you need to drive an automatic car, make sure to select the correct vehicle type from the drop down at booking!
Travel Time from Campervan Iceland to Bridge Between Continents – 20 minutes (Driving)
Type: Sightseeing
Arrival Time: 9:10am
Departure Time: 9:30am
Time Spent: 20 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No
This mid-Atlantic ridge is pulling apart the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at a rate of 2.5 centimeters per year. While most of this happens deep on the ocean floor, this portion of the ridge runs right through the middle of Iceland. The Bridge Between Continents offers a unique experience to walk across the tectonic plates!
Walk up on the rocks for an expansive view
Type: Sightseeing
Arrival Time: 9:10am
Departure Time: 9:30am
Time Spent: 20 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No
This mid-Atlantic ridge is pulling apart the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at a rate of 2.5 centimeters per year. While most of this happens deep on the ocean floor, this portion of the ridge runs right through the middle of Iceland. The Bridge Between Continents offers a unique experience to walk across the tectonic plates!
Walk up on the rocks for an expansive view
Travel Time from Bridge Between Continents to Blue Lagoon – 30 minutes (Driving)
Type: Geothermal Spa
Arrival Time: 10:00am
Departure Time: 1:00pm
Time Spent: 3 hours
Cost (Per Person): $91.15 / 9,987.31 ISK
Bathroom Available? Yes
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa that is a well known, highly visited attraction in Iceland. The spa, located in a lava field near Grindavík, is open all year round and is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi Power Station, which is a very comfortable 39°C/102°F on average. The location is easy to get to from both Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport.
You need to book tickets beforehand on the Blue Lagoon website. During booking, you’ll select a time frame to show up and you need to arrive in that time window. We recommend booking weeks or months in advance. More details about the booking process can be found below!
The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid larger crowds or late at night to enjoy the midnight sun in summer
We would recommend bringing a waterproof phone case, a Ziploc bag or being very careful with your phone while spending time in the water and taking pictures at the Blue Lagoon
We found that everything at the Blue Lagoon is very expensive (food, drinks, souvenirs, face masks) so we would recommend against buying anything here unless you have to.
Type: Geothermal Spa
Arrival Time: 10:00am
Departure Time: 1:00pm
Time Spent: 3 hours
Cost (Per Person): $91.15 / 9,987.31 ISK
Bathroom Available? Yes
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa that is a well known, highly visited attraction in Iceland. The spa, located in a lava field near Grindavík, is open all year round and is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi Power Station, which is a very comfortable 39°C/102°F on average. The location is easy to get to from both Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport.
You need to book tickets beforehand on the Blue Lagoon website. During booking, you’ll select a time frame to show up and you need to arrive in that time window. We recommend booking weeks or months in advance. More details about the booking process can be found below!
The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid larger crowds or late at night to enjoy the midnight sun in summer
We would recommend bringing a waterproof phone case, a Ziploc bag or being very careful with your phone while spending time in the water and taking pictures at the Blue Lagoon
We found that everything at the Blue Lagoon is very expensive (food, drinks, souvenirs, face masks) so we would recommend against buying anything here unless you have to.
Type: Restaurant
Arrival Time: 1:15pm
Departure Time: 2pm
Time Spent: 45 min
Cost (Per Person): $25-$30 / 2,770-3,324 ISK
Bathroom Available? Yes
Papa’s Restaurant is located in Grindavik and they are known for their pizza and fish & chips dishes. Everything is Iceland is rather expensive and we’re not sure this meal was totally worth the $55 total between us, but it was good food. As a general note, we had to go up to the counter for ordering and paying during lunch – there was no table service. This place did the job and filled our hunger void, and also was a nice spacious restaurant with a clean bathroom.
Type: Restaurant
Arrival Time: 1:15pm
Departure Time: 2pm
Time Spent: 45 min
Cost (Per Person): $25-$30 / 2,770-3,324 ISK
Bathroom Available? Yes
Papa’s Restaurant is located in Grindavik and they are known for their pizza and fish & chips dishes. Everything is Iceland is rather expensive and we’re not sure this meal was totally worth the $55 total between us, but it was good food. As a general note, we had to go up to the counter for ordering and paying during lunch – there was no table service. This place did the job and filled our hunger void, and also was a nice spacious restaurant with a clean bathroom.
Type: Hot Spring
Arrival Time: 2:40pm
Departure Time: 3pm
Time Spent: 20 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No
The Krysuvik geothermal area features boiling mud springs surrounding the world’s largest blowing steam vent. There is a boardwalk that leads you through the geothermal fields to the top of the vent, which provides a pretty incredible view over the area and Kleifarvatn Lake. Seltún belongs to one of the four volcanic systems that lie along the eruptive fault on Reykjanes peninsula and the temperatures of the hot springs can reach up to 80-100°C.
The geothermal area temperatures reach 80-100°C, so please be cautious walking around the area
The hot springs give off a strong sulfur smell, some people might find it overpowering
Type: Hot Spring
Arrival Time: 2:40pm
Departure Time: 3pm
Time Spent: 20 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No
The Krysuvik geothermal area features boiling mud springs surrounding the world’s largest blowing steam vent. There is a boardwalk that leads you through the geothermal fields to the top of the vent, which provides a pretty incredible view over the area and Kleifarvatn Lake. Seltún belongs to one of the four volcanic systems that lie along the eruptive fault on Reykjanes peninsula and the temperatures of the hot springs can reach up to 80-100°C.
The geothermal area temperatures reach 80-100°C, so please be cautious walking around the area
The hot springs give off a strong sulfur smell, some people might find it overpowering
Type: Lake
Arrival Time: 3:05pm
Departure Time: 3:25pm
Time Spent: 20 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No
Kleifarvatn is the largest lake in the Reykjanes peninsula and one of the deepest lakes in Iceland. The lake has recently reduced in size due to two major earthquakes, which likely opened up fissures at its bottom. The viewing point near the parking area offers expansive views of the lake – spend some time walking down by the water!
Type: Lake
Arrival Time: 3:05pm
Departure Time: 3:25pm
Time Spent: 20 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No
Kleifarvatn is the largest lake in the Reykjanes peninsula and one of the deepest lakes in Iceland. The lake has recently reduced in size due to two major earthquakes, which likely opened up fissures at its bottom. The viewing point near the parking area offers expansive views of the lake – spend some time walking down by the water!
Travel Time from Kleifarvatn to Reykjanesfólkvangur – 10 minutes (Driving)
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Type: Nature Preserve
Arrival Time: 3:35pm
Departure Time: 4:45pm
Time Spent: 1 hour 10 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No
The Reykjanesfólkvangur Nature Preserve was established in 1975 and features Kleifarvatn Lake, Krýsuvík geothermal area and Krýsuvíkurberg cliffs. The reserve protects the elaborate lava formations created by the Reykjanes ridge volcanoes. Spend at least an hour or so driving through and stopping occasionally to see the incredible views.
Be sure to pull over as you drive through this majestic nature preserve. There are plenty of stops to soak in the views!
The roads here are not paved, but can be driven on with any type of car.
Type: Nature Preserve
Arrival Time: 3:35pm
Departure Time: 4:45pm
Time Spent: 1 hour 10 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No
The Reykjanesfólkvangur Nature Preserve was established in 1975 and features Kleifarvatn Lake, Krýsuvík geothermal area and Krýsuvíkurberg cliffs. The reserve protects the elaborate lava formations created by the Reykjanes ridge volcanoes. Spend at least an hour or so driving through and stopping occasionally to see the incredible views.
Be sure to pull over as you drive through this majestic nature preserve. There are plenty of stops to soak in the views!
The roads here are not paved, but can be driven on with any type of car.
Travel Time from Reykjanesfólkvangur to Central Guesthouse Reykjavik – 50 minutes (Driving)
Type: Hotel
Arrival Time: 5:35pm
Departure Time: 7:15pm
Time Spent: 1 hour 40 min
Cost (Per Night): $123.18
Central Guesthouse Reykjavík is a unique place to stay in the heart of the city that is located an easy 5-10 minute to walk to all of the main attractions, restaurants and bars in Reykjavík. Considering the prices of hotels and other places to stay in Iceland, this was a perfect fit within a reasonable price range. The building is comprised of three floors – the basement has a kitchen with two refrigerators, tables and a common area with games, and the first and second floors each have a bathroom and 5-6 rooms. It’s a cozy, family like atmosphere that feels like a townhouse! We’d recommend staying here if you’re on a budget conscious trip
They will email you a one time code to type into the keypad when you arrive. If you have any issues, there is a call button, but the pin we were given worked just fine. There are keys inside waiting for you when you enter the foyer.
Parking is free between 6pm-9am
Central Guesthouse Reykjavik has shared bathrooms – one for each floor. There is a shower in each and they are kept very clean, but should be noted that every room uses these shared bathrooms and there can be a short line at times.
Type: Hotel
Arrival Time: 5:35pm
Departure Time: 7:15pm
Time Spent: 1 hour 40 min
Cost (Per Night): $123.18
Central Guesthouse Reykjavík is a unique place to stay in the heart of the city that is located an easy 5-10 minute to walk to all of the main attractions, restaurants and bars in Reykjavík. Considering the prices of hotels and other places to stay in Iceland, this was a perfect fit within a reasonable price range. The building is comprised of three floors – the basement has a kitchen with two refrigerators, tables and a common area with games, and the first and second floors each have a bathroom and 5-6 rooms. It’s a cozy, family like atmosphere that feels like a townhouse! We’d recommend staying here if you’re on a budget conscious trip
They will email you a one time code to type into the keypad when you arrive. If you have any issues, there is a call button, but the pin we were given worked just fine. There are keys inside waiting for you when you enter the foyer.
Parking is free between 6pm-9am
Central Guesthouse Reykjavik has shared bathrooms – one for each floor. There is a shower in each and they are kept very clean, but should be noted that every room uses these shared bathrooms and there can be a short line at times.
Travel Time from Central Guesthouse Reykjavik to Hallgrimskirkja – 15 minutes (Walking)
Type: Nature Preserve
Arrival Time: 7:30pm
Departure Time: 7:40pm
Time Spent: 10 min
Cost: Free (Viewing Tower is $9 / 1,000 ISK)
Bathroom Available? Yes
Hallgrímskirkja church is Reykjavík’s main landmark and is visible throughout the entire city. This 244 ft tall masterpiece’s design was inspired by Iceland’s landscape, but focuses on features from Svartifoss Waterfall and Hálsanefshellir Cave. Directly in front of the church, there is a statue of Leifur Eiríksson, who was the first European to discover America. The church is free to enter, but admission to the tower is $9 / 1000 ISK. The tower provides a view over Reykjavík, but may not be worth the trip to the top.
Type: Nature Preserve
Arrival Time: 7:30pm
Departure Time: 7:40pm
Time Spent: 10 min
Cost: Free (Viewing Tower is $9 / 1,000 ISK)
Bathroom Available? Yes
Hallgrímskirkja church is Reykjavík’s main landmark and is visible throughout the entire city. This 244 ft tall masterpiece’s design was inspired by Iceland’s landscape, but focuses on features from Svartifoss Waterfall and Hálsanefshellir Cave. Directly in front of the church, there is a statue of Leifur Eiríksson, who was the first European to discover America. The church is free to enter, but admission to the tower is $9 / 1000 ISK. The tower provides a view over Reykjavík, but may not be worth the trip to the top.
Travel Time from Hallgrimskirkja to Sólfarið – Sun Voyager – 20 minutes (Walking)
Type: Sculpture
Arrival Time: 8:00pm
Departure Time: 8:05pm
Time Spent: 5 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No
Sólfarið – Sun Voyager is a sculpture by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. The iconic statue was unveiled in 1990 and is meant to portray a dream of hope, progress and freedom. It is located on the Reykjavík harbor near the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre.
Type: Sculpture
Arrival Time: 8:00pm
Departure Time: 8:05pm
Time Spent: 5 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No
Sólfarið – Sun Voyager is a sculpture by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. The iconic statue was unveiled in 1990 and is meant to portray a dream of hope, progress and freedom. It is located on the Reykjavík harbor near the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre.
Travel Time from Sólfarið – Sun Voyager to Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre – 5 minutes (Walking)
Type: Concert Hall
Arrival Time: 8:10pm
Departure Time: 8:20pm
Time Spent: 10 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No Public Bathroom
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is one of Reykjavik‘s greatest and distinguished landmarks. It is in the heart of the city and features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Reykjavik’s harbor. Harpa has won multiple architecture awards and is a powerful attraction that is a must-see when visiting the city.
Type: Concert Hall
Arrival Time: 8:10pm
Departure Time: 8:20pm
Time Spent: 10 min
Cost: Free
Bathroom Available? No Public Bathroom
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is one of Reykjavik‘s greatest and distinguished landmarks. It is in the heart of the city and features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Reykjavik’s harbor. Harpa has won multiple architecture awards and is a powerful attraction that is a must-see when visiting the city.
Travel Time from Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre to Dill Restaurant – 10 minutes (Walking)
Type: Restaurant
Arrival Time: 8:30pm
Departure Time: 11:00pm
Time Spent: 2 hours 30 min
Cost (7 Course Menu – Per Person): $125 / 13,900 ISK
Dill Restaurant is the real deal. It was founded by Gunnar Karl Gíslason in 2009, but is now in the hands of Ragnar Eiríksson, and is located in the heart of Reykjavík. Dill Restaurant became the first Icelandic restaurant to earn a Michelin star in February of 2017. The style of the restaurant’s food and its presentation, featuring authentic Icelandic cuisine, makes for a very unique experience and is highly recommended.
To be safe with your reservation, we highly recommend making your reservation 3 months in advance – this is how far the reservation calendar goes out.
It’s worth it! There is also a 5 course menu, which is the same menu, but the waiter will tell you which two courses are not included (for us, they mentioned it was #3 and #6).
Some of the dishes are on the smaller side, so make sure to savor every bite! We definitely didn’t leave hungry – there’s plenty of food during the course of the meal – but really experience all the flavors of the dishes.
While the drink pairing seemed interesting, we decided to get a bottle of wine. We chose to do this because we didn’t want to rush through our drinks with each course that came out and wanted to drink at our own pace.
Type: Restaurant
Arrival Time: 8:30pm
Departure Time: 11:00pm
Time Spent: 2 hours 30 min
Cost (7 Course Menu – Per Person): $125 / 13,900 ISK
Dill Restaurant is the real deal. It was founded by Gunnar Karl Gíslason in 2009, but is now in the hands of Ragnar Eiríksson, and is located in the heart of Reykjavík. Dill Restaurant became the first Icelandic restaurant to earn a Michelin star in February of 2017. The style of the restaurant’s food and its presentation, featuring authentic Icelandic cuisine, makes for a very unique experience and is highly recommended.
To be safe with your reservation, we highly recommend making your reservation 3 months in advance – this is how far the reservation calendar goes out.
It’s worth it! There is also a 5 course menu, which is the same menu, but the waiter will tell you which two courses are not included (for us, they mentioned it was #3 and #6).
Some of the dishes are on the smaller side, so make sure to savor every bite! We definitely didn’t leave hungry – there’s plenty of food during the course of the meal – but really experience all the flavors of the dishes.
While the drink pairing seemed interesting, we decided to get a bottle of wine. We chose to do this because we didn’t want to rush through our drinks with each course that came out and wanted to drink at our own pace.
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