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Wonderguide by

Alicja Lei

So you're coming to Iceland...yay!

and it's going to be AMAZING!! Planning your trip to Iceland can be OVERWHELMING...but basically I've collected all the awesome experiences you could have plus helpful articles..so now all you have to do is choose your own adventure!

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Car Rentals and Airport Shuttles 🚗

Did you know that Keflavik International Airport is a 45 minute drive from Reykjavik? Here's everything you need to make this easy and seamless!

Image - Road in Iceland
Story
How to get from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
Image - Airport shuttle image shutterstock
Story
Airport Shuttle Service
Alicja:There are lots of options. The Airport Direct Premium will drop you off right at your doorstep in Reykjavik.
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The Blue Lagoon 💙

You have to do it. And you will totally enjoy it as well. You can go to this link to read about recent seismic activities

Image - Blue Lagoon
Place
Blue Lagoon
Alicja:Be sure you book your time slot well in advance, and I would book it for either coming from the airport or on your way back to the airport.
Image - The Blue Lagoon
Story
Blue Lagoon: Everything You Need to Know
Alicja:Read this.

The boring but essentials 🛒💱

Grocery stores, banks and pharmacies. I've just listed on location here but they are all chains, so there are several locations of all of these throughout Iceland.

Image - Vínbúðin
Place
Vínbúðin
Alicja:The one and only place you can purchase alcohol. And they have limited locations and opening hours so just pay attention!
Image - 10-11
Place
10-11
Alicja:The most expensive place to buy groceries...do not eat from their salad bars.
Image - Landsbankinn
Place
Landsbankinn
Alicja:Icelands bank, but there is also Arion Banki, and Islandsbanki. Also Tomato ATMs are trustworthy.
Image - Lyfja
Place
Lyfja
Alicja:The other pharmacy
Image - Hagkaup
Place
Hagkaup
Alicja:Like Target or Fred Meyer....food and other things.
Image - Bónus
Place
Bónus
Alicja:Grocery closest to us. Best prices
Image - Kronan Supermarket
Place
Kronan Supermarket
Alicja:Best selection and they have ready made foods. This guide isn't selecting the nearest location which is very close to Bonus.
Image - Netto
Place
Netto
Alicja:Grocery store with a lot of health food selections. This guide isn't selecting our closest location but it is across the street from Bonus.

Restaurants 🍽️

The food in Iceland is amazing! Here's something to remember: - Always eat the bread - Fish of the Day is always a safe bet - You have to try Icelandic Lamb

Image - Forettabarinn
Place
Forettabarinn
Alicja:Traditional Icelandic cuisine but served tapas style. Make reservations.
Image - Hosiló
Place
Hosiló
Alicja:Very tiny restaurant that only has 2 options for 1st and 2nd courses. Must make reservations
Image - Matur og Drykkur
Place
Matur og Drykkur
Alicja:They've recently changed their chef...haven't been yet but heard it's really good.
Image - Jómfrúin - Scandinavian Kitchen
Place
Jómfrúin - Scandinavian Kitchen
Alicja:Danish open face sandwiches…Great place for lunch, and get a schnapps with your meal!
Image - Sumac Grill + Drinks
Place
Sumac Grill + Drinks
Alicja:Icelandic take on middle eastern cuisine and it's amazing! Make reservations.
Image - Messinn
Place
Messinn
Alicja:Lovely fish in a skillet...try the dish called Gellur. Make reservations.
Image - Raðagerði Veitingahús
Place
Raðagerði Veitingahús
Alicja:My new favorite restaurant. It's a pizza place at night but they also offer a great brunch. If you go for dinner, share everything and don't miss out on the meatballs.
more
Image - Skeið
Place
Skeið
Alicja:Nice restaurant with small plates
Image - ROK
Place
ROK
Alicja:Great quality food and great location

Bakeries and cafes 🥐☕

Icelanders do bread, and generally all baked goods really well.

Image - Brikk
Place
Brikk
Alicja:The bakery outside your door. You can get slices of bread and choose a spread. Try the tuna salad or the ostasalad.
Image - Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery
Place
Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery
Alicja:This is the bakery across the street in the hotel
Image - Brauð & Co
Place
Brauð & Co
Alicja:Try the cinnamon buns...they are life changing.
Image - Sandholt
Place
Sandholt
Alicja:Buy a loaf of sourdough and just keep it for your trip.. It's so good.
Image - Reykjavik Roasters - Kárastígur
Place
Reykjavik Roasters - Kárastígur
Alicja:Fancy coffee. All the dollar signs though $$$
Image - Te & Kaffi
Place
Te & Kaffi
Alicja:Iceland's answer to Starbucks.
Image - Kaffitar
Place
Kaffitar
Alicja:Iceland's answer to Seattle's Best?
Image - Bakeries of Reykjavík: the Early Bird's Delight
Story
Bakeries of Reykjavík: the Early Bird's Delight

Drinks & Nightlife 🍺🥂

Local beers, fancy cocktails or places to shake your booty. Also note that it's been about 2 years since I went "out" so there might better places to visit these days.

Image - Kaldi Bar/Café
Place
Kaldi Bar/Café
Alicja:A true locals hang out...especially at HH on Thursdays and Fridays.
Image - Kaffibarinn
Place
Kaffibarinn
Alicja:A nice place to get a drink, quiet before 10, but after 1 am it gets cray.
Image - Röntgen Bar
Place
Röntgen Bar
Alicja:It's mellow before 11 and then the music turns up.
Image - Kíkí Queer Bar
Place
Kíkí Queer Bar
Alicja:The best place to shake your tail feather to super cheesy music.
Image - Cocktail
Story
5 Unique Icelandic Cocktails That Use Local Ingredients
Image - Eimverk Distillery
Story
Whiskey Tasting in Reykjavik: Trying Iceland’s First Whiskey
Image - Reykjavik Nightlife
Story
A Guide to the Reykjavik Nightlife
Image - Litli Barinn
Place
Litli Barinn
Alicja:Close to the apartment and nice to get a drink here

The Golden Circle 💛

The Eiffel Tower of Iceland...one of the most popular destinations with 3 primary stops: Þingvellir National Park (I would spend 30-45 mins at this stop), Gullfoss (15 mins) and Geysir (15 mins). But I've added some must-do stops to make it special.

Image - Geysir
Story
All You Need to Know about the Golden Circle
Alicja:Scan through this article first.
Image - Snorkel Between Continents In Silfra | Free Photos _116049
$ 145
Experience
Snorkel Between Continents In Silfra | Free Photos
Alicja:They say you can touch two tectonics plates under the water, but since an earthquake a couple years ago, it's just out of arms reach.
Image - Friðheimar
Place
Friðheimar
Alicja:Stop here for lunch. Make reservations. You won't regret it.
Image - Secret Lagoon Hot Spring
Place
Secret Lagoon Hot Spring
Alicja:Definitely make this hot spring a stop. Float on a noodle, have a beer and enjoy.

South Coast 🏔️

Here I've gathered the stops you should take. And I added activities that you could consider booking to do along the way.

Image - Seljalandsfoss
Place
Seljalandsfoss
Alicja:You can walk right behind this waterfall and it's awesome!
Image - Skógafoss
Place
Skógafoss
Alicja:I would suggest walking straight to the base of this waterfall. You could climb to the top, but I think it's much more cool from the bottom.
Image - Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
Place
Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
Alicja:Be sure not to miss this look out point! Its so spectacular.
Image - Sólheimajökull
$ 145
Experience
Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk
Image - Reynisdrangar
Place
Reynisdrangar
Alicja:The famous black sand beach. STAY AWAY FROM THE WATER! Away away. People get swept out to see every year and the waves sneak up on you!
Image - Fjaðrárgljúfur
Place
Fjaðrárgljúfur
Alicja:Otherwise knows as Bieber Canyon! Although this might be closed right now as they build infrastructure for visitors.
Image - Jökulsárlón
Place
Jökulsárlón
Alicja:Glacier Lagoon and it's so beautiful!
Image - Zodiac Tour on Glacier Lagoon Iceland
$ 109
Experience
Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Tour
Alicja:A beautiful ride around the glacier lagoon, and you get up close to the glacier as well.
Image - Ice Cave - Inside The Largest Glacier_50449
$ 159
Experience
Ice Cave - Inside The Largest Glacier
Alicja:A chance to see the Ice Cave
Image - South Coast Iceland
Story
Everything You Need to Know about the South Coast of Iceland
Alicja:Check out this article
Image - Justin Bieber
Story
Justin Bieber Locations in Iceland: The Gorgeous Sites of "I’ll Show You"
Alicja:In case you wanted to know.

Snaefellsness 🗻

Forget Disneyland, the Snaefellsness peninsula is the most magical place in the world. I've marked towns and stops to make.

Image - Hellnar
Place
Hellnar
Alicja:This magical little village is nestled in between the sea and a glacier and they say there is an ENERGY there! I feel it.
Image - Arnarstapi
Place
Arnarstapi
Alicja:You can take a beautiful coastal walk to this village from Hellnar. But be sure to find the arch photo op.
Image - Snæfellsjökull
Place
Snæfellsjökull
Alicja:You can hike it, or ski it or snowmobile on it. Or just marvel at it from a distance.
Image - Djúpalónssandur
Place
Djúpalónssandur
Alicja:The other black sand beach.
Image - Rauðfeldsgjá ravine
Place
Rauðfeldsgjá ravine
Alicja:You can hike into this ravine, but you might need waterproof shoes.
Image - Game of Thrones Iceland
Story
Game Of Thrones Locations in Iceland
Alicja:A fun little article and one of the mountains is in Snaefellsness.
Image - Flatey
Place
Flatey
Alicja:This magical little island is an escape to tranquility!
Image - Hvammsvik Nature resort & Hot Springs
Place
Hvammsvik Nature resort & Hot Springs
Alicja:This is on your way to Sneafellsness. About 45 min drive out of Reykjavik and it is my number one recommendation for a hot spring here.

Hiking 🥾

Breath in the freshest air while you climb your way to unforgettable views. Below are articles about local hikes and links to guided hikes for the more adventurous!

Image - Glymur Waterfall
Place
Glymur Waterfall
Alicja:Only a 45 drive from Reykjavik and a beautiful hike...you'll have to cross the river, so be prepared for sharp rocks on your bare feet.
Image - Esjan
Place
Esjan
Alicja:Only a 10 minute drive from the center and will give you beautiful views over Reykjavik.
Image - Reykjadalur
Story
The Reykjadalur Hot Spring Hike on Your Own
Alicja:This is my favorite hike! Make sure the trail is open. Bring your bathing suit and towel and be rewarded with a hot river at the top!
Image - The 5 best mountains to hike around Reykjavik
Story
The 5 Best Mountains to Hike around Reykjavik
Image - Fimmvörðuháls Hike_57354
$ 291
Experience
Þórsmörk Hike with a Local Guide
Alicja:I haven't done it, but it looks amazing and it's something I really want to do.
Image - How to Hike the Fimmvörðuháls Mountain Pass in Just One Day
Story
How to Hike the Fimmvörðuháls Mountain Pass in Just One Day

Northern Lights 💚

Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a bucket list item, but it's by no means a sure thing. Weather, solar activity, temperature, light pollution...it will all have effect how you see the lights. That being said your best chance to see it is here in Iceland.

Image - Northern Lights
Story
The Best Time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
Alicja:A very helpful article

Things to do in Reykjavik 🎨

From viking legends to modern art, get to know the deeper side of Iceland.

Image - Einar Jónsson Sculpture garden and museum
Place
Einar Jónsson Sculpture garden and museum
Alicja:This is right next to Hallgrimskirkja and its really worth checking out...especially the garden (which is free).
Image - Ísbúð Huppu
Place
Ísbúð Huppu
Alicja:Ice Cream is serious business here and this, according to my ice cream loving husband and step-daughter, there is no place better than Huppa. You'll need a car to get here. Get ice cream called gamli is (pronounced gam-lei ees) and pick 3 toppings for them to make a blizzard. It is yum.
more
Image - Sólfarið
Story
Outdoor Art in Reykjavík
Image - Ásmundarsafn
Story
Ásmundarsafn: Reykjavík’s Contemporary Sculpture Museum
Image - braud og co.
Story
Street Art in Reykjavik: A Colourful World
Image - Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir
Place
Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir
Alicja:Also a great place to stop for a coffee and they have an indoor play area for kids
Image - Whale Watching_153
$ 95
Experience
Whale Watching Reykjavik
Alicja:When we went out on this tour, we saw dolphins and puffins and birds! No whales for us, but was still cool.
Image - Vesturbæjarlaug
Place
Vesturbæjarlaug
Alicja:This is our local pool, but the pools in Iceland are famous. So be sure to find one closest to you and enjoy. They are all heated to varying degrees. Just remember to follow the washing instructions...ie shower naked before entering the pool!
more

Wonderguide map

  1. Blue Lagoon
  2. Vínbúðin
  3. 10-11
  4. Landsbankinn
  5. Lyfja
  6. Hagkaup
  7. Bónus
  8. Kronan Supermarket
  9. Netto
  10. Forettabarinn
  11. Hosiló
  12. Matur og Drykkur
  13. Jómfrúin - Scandinavian Kitchen
  14. Sumac Grill + Drinks
  15. Messinn
  16. Raðagerði Veitingahús
  17. Skeið
  18. ROK
  19. Brikk
  20. Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery
  21. Brauð & Co
  22. Sandholt
  23. Reykjavik Roasters - Kárastígur
  24. Te & Kaffi
  25. Kaffitar
  26. Kaldi Bar/Café
  27. Kaffibarinn
  28. Röntgen Bar
  29. Kíkí Queer Bar
  30. Litli Barinn
  31. Snorkel Between Continents In Silfra | Free Photos
  32. Friðheimar
  33. Secret Lagoon Hot Spring
  34. Seljalandsfoss
  35. Skógafoss
  36. Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
  37. Reynisdrangar
  38. Fjaðrárgljúfur
  39. Jökulsárlón
  40. Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Tour
  41. Ice Cave - Inside The Largest Glacier
  42. Hellnar
  43. Arnarstapi
  44. Snæfellsjökull
  45. Djúpalónssandur
  46. Rauðfeldsgjá ravine
  47. Flatey
  48. Hvammsvik Nature resort & Hot Springs
  49. Glymur Waterfall
  50. Esjan
  51. Þórsmörk Hike with a Local Guide
  52. Einar Jónsson Sculpture garden and museum
  53. Ísbúð Huppu
  54. Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir
  55. Whale Watching Reykjavik
  56. Vesturbæjarlaug

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