Iceland ⛰🌋🇮🇸
Reykjavik
Reikiavik (in english) is the capital of Iceland. Whether you’re visiting to explore Iceland’s geothermal wonders or to experience its creative city life, Reykjavik has plenty to offer. From Barcelona is a 4 hours 45 minutes direct flight. Once you arrive at the International Airport of Keflavík, you have many options to go to the city center, depending on your budget and preferences.
• The cheapest and easiest one, is to take the 'Flybus' which is the airport transfer that has a cost of 27,29€. The bus stop is located right outside the terminal area, and it is scheduled to depart 35 to 45 minutes after every arrival. The best part is that all tickets are flexible on the date, and you can depart at a time most convenient for you. The Keflavík (KEF) airport is 45 minutes away from Reikiavik.
• If you prefer a private transfer, you can find many companies at Get Your Guide, and I reccomend you to book it in advance.
• If you are renting a car (which in my opinion is the best option to get to know this beautiful country), you just pick up the car at the airport and you're ready to enjoy the stunning landscapes that Iceland has to offer. As usual, you will find many car rental companies and don't forget to add the full insurance for a worry-free experience.
Iceland has one main road: the Ring Road, better known as Route 1, the Ring Road or the Iceland Circle. It is literally a circular road that circles the entire island.
What to visit
Now we are in this amazing country, let's start with what to visit for free around Reikiavik:
Budget-friendly option to eat in Iceland
The most common option for eating out in Iceland is to simply go to a local supermarket. You will find may supermarkets around the capital city, but the most affordable one (similar to Lidl in most countries) is Bónus.
Bónus is Iceland’s most popular discount supermarket chain, known for its iconic pink pig logo and affordable prices. With multiple locations across Reykjavik and other Icelandic towns, Bónus is a favorite among locals and budget-conscious travelers alike, offering a wide range of groceries, household items, and snacks at some of the lowest prices in Iceland.
Accommodation
Personally for this trip, I've chosen to stay at a Hostel. It was the cheapest option for traveling alone.
The Hostel was Loft - Hi Eco Hostel & Bar, located a few steps away from Laugavegur, Reykjavík's main social hub. Featuring a lounge, bar and a rooftop terrace with a city view, this eco-hostel is a really good option to stay at an affordable price in the capital city.
The staff is super friendly and they're always willing to give local recommendations.
Practical information
Currency & Payments
The currency is Icelandic Krona (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and cash is rarely needed.
Language
Icelandic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in Reykjavik.
Weather & Packing tips
The weather in Reykjavik is unpredictable, with frequent changes even within a day. Winters are cold and windy, while summers are mild but often rainy.
Make sure that you pack layers and waterproof clothing, especially for outdoor activities (most of the activities are outdoor); a windproof jacket and sturdy shoes and swimwear for geothermal pools like the Blue Lagoon.
Getting around
Public Transport: Reykjavik has an efficient bus system, Strætó, with single tickets available or discounted passes for multiple days. You can download the app and check from there all the schedules and directly buy the tickets before taking the bus.
While you're visiting the capital city, I reccommend you to walk around, for me is the best way to get to know a new city. You will find amazing spots!
Excursions & Activities
GOLDEN CIRCLE.
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous and accessible sightseeing route, featuring some of the country’s most stunning natural wonders within a short drive from Reykjavik. This loop covers three iconic sites: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall, each offering unique glimpses into Iceland’s geology, history, and natural beauty. It’s a popular day trip for both self-drive travelers and guided tours, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.
I did all my excursions with BusTravel. They were super professional and the buses are very comfortable.
Grand Golden Circle's first stop was Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as a living testament to Iceland’s rich history and geological significance. It lies in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, creating dramatic fissures and cracks in the landscape.
Next, I went to the Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur. This geothermal area is filled with hot springs, boiling mud pots, and steam vents.
Continuing the journey, I've visited the golden cascade of Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. First it seems to be a quiet place with literally nothing around, but as you get closer you start to hear the sound of the waterfall.
Last, but not least, the end of the tour is visit Kerið Crater - a striking volcanic crater filled with bright blue water. When I was there it was stunning but also scary, it is really big!
SOUTH COAST: WATERFALLS, GLACIER & BLACK SAND BEACH.
In Iceland, the landscape can change drastically within a few short kilometers. Its reputation as the “land of fire and ice” is well earned. Nowhere is this contrast more visible than on the south coast of the country. Landscape’s geological features and colors change from one moment to the next along this famously scenic route.
The glacier is known for its otherworldly ice formations and layers of volcanic ash embedded in the ice, which creates black streaks contrasting dramatically with the glacier’s natural blue and white ice.
Visibly impacted by climate change, the glacier receded more than 1 kilometer over the last decade. Walking along the path to the glacier, you can see markers that show how far the glacier once extended. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact of global warming on Iceland’s natural environment.
NORTHERN LIGHTS: THE JEWEL OF THE CROWN.
This phenomenon is quite simple to explain: it is created from a collision between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the atmosphere of the earth.
Statistically, spring (March/April) and autumn (September/October) have the highest level of aurora activity. However, you they are also spotted in November, December, January, and February.
You must know that when you buy this tour, it includes a free retry in case your first time turns to be unsuccessful. And this offer is valid for 3 years!
Well then, you should be aware that in order to 'catch' the famous Northern Lights, many conditions must be met at the same time.
First you need a place where the skies are dark and clear and far from light pollution, which means, away from the main cities. Peak time is between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. The appearance and intensity of the northern lights are controlled by the sun’s activity and their location depends on the earth’s magnetic field.
Then, you need to understand that the human eye is unable to distinguish the different shades that the Northern Lights present with the naked eye. That's why, all the tour guides will give you instructions to set up both your camera and phone, so you take pictures.
Ideally, you should have a tripod, this will keep the image stable and not shake. Night mode will be your new ally and please, don't even think about using flash. Set your camera for long exposures (10–20 seconds) to capture the colors and movement of the aurora.
There are many apps that will help you track the Northern Light activity (or KP-index), the most commonly used is 'Aurora'. Also, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (vedur.is) provides real-time aurora and cloud cover forecasts.
The KP-index is a scale which defines the strength of the Northern Lights activity for a certain time frame. The scale has a range of 0 to 9, with 9 meaning a strong Aurora and 0 meaning a weak Aurora.
Dress Warmly: Iceland’s winter nights are very cold, especially when standing outside for extended periods. Wear thermal layers, a warm hat, gloves, and waterproof outerwear. Trust me, it is really cold.
Finally, patience is key. The Northern Lights are unpredictable, and while Iceland is a great place to see them, there’s no guarantee. Sometimes, a bit of waiting and multiple attempts are needed. However, with a little patience and planning, experiencing the Northern Lights in Iceland can be a truly magical, once-in-a-lifetime event.
Lucky for me, I was able to see them twice! In my case, the driver took us to Langistígur, near the Thingvllir park, where after a long time, the guide told us that they were slowly starting to appear and it was amazing!
Although there wasn't much activity and they didn't seem very powerful, it was definitely a wonderful experience that I'm dying to experience again.
The second time I was able to see them (and this time greener than ever) was on board the plane back to Barcelona. Extra tip: always choose the window seat, you never know what you might find on the other side!
BLUE LAGOON
The perfect farewell to a mind-blowing country. Named one of 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic in 2012, the Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, known for its mineral-rich, milky-blue waters and luxurious spa experience. Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik and 20 minutes from Keflavik International Airport.
The lagoon’s water, heated by geothermal activity deep underground, stays around 37–39°C year-round. The water is rich in silica, algae, and minerals that are said to have therapeutic benefits for the skin, making it ideal for soaking and relaxation. Silica gives the water its signature milky-blue color, which creates a beautiful contrast with the surrounding black lava fields.
The basic one, which is the one I've chosen (Comfort) includes the entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask at the Mask Bar, use of towel and 1 drink of your choice. All tickets have a one-hour window of flexibility.
In winter, it’s possible to experience the Northern Lights from the lagoon on a clear night.
Swimwear is required, but you can rent towels, robes, and swimsuits on-site if needed.
The mineral-rich water can be drying for hair, so applying conditioner (provided in the showers) before entering the lagoon is highly recommended. However, when you get home you will notice that it will still be a bit difficult to untangle your hair, so I recommend using a lot of conditioner.
I went there before my way to the airport, and it totally worth it! Such a relaxed, unique and different experience.
Nevertheless, if you prefer to visit another hot spring less known and touristic, like Reykjadalur thermal river or Hrunalaug Hot Springs.
Iceland has definitely become one of my favorite destinations that I recommend you visit. It has everything to be a wonderful getaway: nature, stunning landscapes, volcanoes, hot springs, northern lights, and if you are a fan of street art like me, Iet me know if you would like to get an extra route near Reykjavik where you can find unique murals.
Made with love ♥︎ by Den.
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