Geirabakarí Kaffihús

Active volcanoes. Dancing northern lights. Gushing geysers. Massive glaciers. Thermal hot springs. Thundering waterfalls. Iceland is the ultimate adventure destination. How have you not been here yet? It’s finally time. Start in the northernmost capital in the world. Reykjavik is a hip, modern city. Then start exploring the wild coastline, the sheep-filled countryside, the icy interior, and the peaceful islands. There are plenty of black-sand beaches, small fishing villages, turf-roofed houses, and epic hikes along the way. Just remember to pack layers. Sometimes, the Gulf Stream provides moderate temperatures. Other times, it’ll feel like you’re in the Arctic. Also don’t forget the long, dark winters and the 24-hour daylight during the short summers. If you take advantage of Icelandair’s free stopover program—a great excuse to visit Helsinki, Copenhagen, and even Paris—you can keep returning to discover which season you like best. This detailed guide includes: Places: regions, cities, islands, peninsulas, towns, neighborhoods Stay: hotels Eat: bakeries, cafés, coffee shops, food carts & trucks, food halls, ice cream, Michelin stars, pizzerias, restaurants, soup Drink: beer bars, breweries, cocktail bars, wine bars Shop: beauty products, bookstores, Christmas stores, chocolate shops, clothing boutiques, flea markets, knitwear, outdoor wear, record stores, vintage clothing, wool products Do: art museums, bays, beaches, bridges, caves, churches, concert venues, cultural centers, fjords, geothermal areas, geysers, harbors, hikes, history museums, horseback riding, hot springs, lagoons, lakes, lighthouses, memorials, mountains, national forests, national parks, natural wonders, nature reserves, parks, peace stones, ponds, roads, rock formations, rocks, rootless cones, scenic drives, sculptures, shipwrecks, sports venues, squares, streets, swimming pools, thermal baths, tunnels, valleys, viewpoints, volcanoes, walks, waterfalls Transportation: airports, bus terminals, car rentals, ferries, parking lots, transfers Note: I travel to Iceland frequently, so this guide is updated often.

When you head north from Reykjavík, it doesn't take long to leave the Capital Region and enter West Iceland. The city immediately feels very far away. This area is home to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Snæfellsjökull National Park. It's filled with sleeping volcanoes, receding glaciers, thundering waterfalls, lupine-covered valleys, small fishing villages, black churches, and isolated lighthouses. There's a lot to see within relatively short driving distances. It's a good place to start your real Icelandic adventure. This detailed guide includes: Places: cities, peninsulas, towns Stay: hotels Eat: cafés, coffee shops, food trucks Do: beaches, bridges, churches, fjords, horseback riding, lagoons, lighthouses, national parks, natural wonders, rocks, sculptures, shipwrecks, viewpoints, waterfalls Transportation: ferries

🇮🇸 The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is one of the most magical places in Iceland, maybe the world! 😍 It’s visually stunning, with lava fields, a massive volcano domed by a glacier, waterfalls, and a fairytale mountain. 👍 It’s less visited by tourists than more popular areas like the Golden Circle and Iceland's South Coast. 🚗 This self-paced road trip can be completed in two days: 👉 Or you can rush through the highlights in a single day. ✌️ Suggest at least two full days to linger and truly enjoy all that the Snæfellsnes peninsula has to offer. 😊 The self-paced road trip guide includes: 🌟 Must-See places. 💎 Hidden Gems. 👉 Insider info for every stop. ⏰ How long to stay at each spot. 🚗 Drive times. 🏡 Best places to stay. 🍦 Local food. 📸 Photography tips. ❤️ Wandering Sophia’s 2-Day Itinerary, plus hiking options. 🚘 Iceland car rental information. 🇮🇸 While it’s possible to visit Iceland anytime of year, suggest visiting between March and October when there’s sufficient daylight to truly enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty.