A Beginner's Guide to Iceland

A Beginner's Guide to Iceland

Katya Wasylkevych
A simple guide to exploring Iceland for the first time
Updated ago
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Iceland is a natural beauty. With vast and various landscapes, eclectic places to eat, and an endless amount of activities, Iceland is made for the adventurer and nature lover.

Having visited once before, I felt like I was experiencing life on a alien planet. A mixture of snow and moss covered mountains, winding roads leading from one terrain to the next. The unexplored landscape fueled my love for travel and photography.

Contact Email: katya.wasylkevych@fora.travel

Custom Itineraries: Perfect for the traveler looking for a full itinerary for their trip. Let me know the destination, your travel preferences and I’ll create a full itinerary.

The Sights: You’ve chosen your travel destination but are looking for a list of things to do, sights to see, where to eat but don’t want to do the research yourself? I’ll create a list or activities, sights, restaurants and more based on your preferences.

Where to Stay

101 hotel
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A boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. Its high-end, minimalist rooms offer a comforting place to lay low after exploring outdoors.
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Umi Hotel
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A family-owned stylish hotel located along the southern coast. Its unique utilitarian design and cozy rooms provide a one-of-a-kind stay.
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Where to Eat

Reykjavik Roasters
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A go to stop for freshly roasted coffee as well as amazing pastries.
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Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
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Did you know Iceland is known for its hot dogs? I'll have one with everything on it!
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Baka Baka
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An artisinal bakery praised for its pastries and bread made with Icelandic stone-milled flour. Stop by in the evening for a menu of Italian inspired wood-fired pizzas.
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Drangar Restaurant
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A modern menu focusing on Iceland cuisine
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The Soup Company
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The delicious soup and freshly baked bread is sure to keep you warm if the weather takes a turn.
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Skál!
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Combining seasonal dishes with high quality ingredients in a casual setting
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What to See & Do

Iceland has beautiful terrain and various changes in weather throughout the seasons. You could explore in early Spring and go ice climbing and soak in geothermal pools or visit in theSummer and go horseback riding, ATV riding and chasing waterfalls. The landscape makes a great experience for nature photographers too!

Ice climbing on the glaciers is practiced year-round and takes place mainly on the Sólheimajökull and Falljökull outlet glaciers in the south of Iceland, to which day trips are offered from Reykjavík (and Skaftafell).

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or on horseback is a great way to explore the black sand beaches of the South coast.

If you're a movie lover, Iceland as hosted many film crews over the years. Here's a website to help you explore more when you're there.

Skógafoss
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A great stop if you're traveling the south coast. Free parking. 10 minute walk to the base of the waterfall.
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Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
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Reynisfjara Beach
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The world famous black sand beach, beautiful but please do not go near the ocean waves! Many have lost their lives. Travel Safely!
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Gullfoss Falls
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A great day trip/ tour from Reykjavik.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Katya Wasylkevych
A high school trip to London gave me the travel bug and years later Ive explored 8 countries and various spots in the US. My travel style is the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. I'm all about curating unique itineraries for extraordinary experiences. As a photographer and devoted foodie I’m here to help you find delicious spots to eat and beautiful sights to see. Whether it's exploring a cities architecture, strolling through a market, or lounging on the beach. When it comes to accommodations, I aim for great deals with a central location to the must-see sites. And if the stay boasts stunning interior design, great service and a chill atmosphere, even better! England hold special place in my heart as my go to destination, but I've been fortunate to discover the beauty of Iceland, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, France, Scotland and various spots around the US. My travel passion is deeply rooted in a love of nature, food, curiosity, connection, and creating a life filled with meaningful, once in a lifetime memories. Whether you're looking for trip full of adventure or a relaxing stay, I'm here to help curate a smooth, well planned and memorable travel experience for you through guides, curated recommendations or one on one planning services!
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