Journey to the Edge of the Earth: Discovering Iceland

There are destinations you visit… and then there are destinations that transform you. Iceland is the latter — a land sculpted by fire and ice, where glaciers meet volcanic plains, black sand beaches stretch toward wild Atlantic waves, and waterfalls seem to pour endlessly from the sky.

At roughly five times the size of Hawaii, Iceland may look small on a map — but to truly experience its dramatic diversity, you’ll want two full weeks to circle the island at a relaxed, immersive pace.

When to Go

May–August: Nearly 24 hours of daylight. Endless golden evenings and optimal road trip conditions.

September–March: Northern Lights season. Long, dark skies create the perfect canvas for aurora magic.

April–May: Birthing season — Icelandic horses with their foals, puffins returning, and arctic foxes emerging. A magical shoulder season for wildlife lovers.

Getting There & Getting Around

Fly into Keflavík International Airport via Icelandair with direct routes from major North American and European cities.

From there, rent a 4WD vehicle — essential for exploring Iceland’s rugged terrain and remote fjords. And one important driving tip: watch for sheep. They roam freely and often wander onto the roads without warning.

Reykjavík: The Coolest Capital

Charming, creative, and cruise-friendly, Reykjavík is compact yet cosmopolitan — a blend of colorful rooftops, Nordic design, and innovative cuisine.

Where to Stay

• The Reykjavik EDITION – Sleek, modern luxury with waterfront views and a buzzing rooftop bar.

• Hotel Borg – Art Deco elegance in the heart of the city.

• Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton – Sophisticated Scandinavian design near historic landmarks.

What to Do

• Wander the Old Harbor for whale watching excursions.

• Explore the National Museum of Iceland and the Reykjavík Art Museum.

• Browse treasures at Kolaportið Flea Market.

• Visit Thingvellir National Park where tectonic plates meet.

• Stand in awe at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic cascades.

• Grab sourdough at Brauð & Co. bakery.

• Dine inside a greenhouse at Friðheimar (the famous “Frogman” greenhouse experience).

Western Iceland: Lava Fields & Luxury Retreats

A short drive from Reykjavík, Western Iceland offers geothermal landscapes, black pebble beaches, and volcanic drama.

Where to Stay

• The Retreat at Blue Lagoon – A private lava-field sanctuary beside geothermal waters.

• ION Adventure Hotel – Rugged countryside design with a geothermal spa near Thingvellir.

What to Do

• Soak in the mineral-rich waters of Blue Lagoon.

• Experience oceanfront serenity at Sky Lagoon.

• Explore glaciers and dormant volcanoes.

• Walk along black pebble beaches on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Eastern Iceland: Untamed & Unexpected

Often overlooked, Eastern Iceland rewards travelers with winding fjords, charming fishing villages, and dramatic coastlines shaped by ancient lava flows.

Where to Stay

• Fosshotel Eastfjords – Surrounded by volcanic plains and serene fjord views.

Here, you’ll find quiet roads, grazing reindeer, and landscapes that feel almost otherworldly.

Southern Iceland: Glaciers & Waterfalls

Southern Iceland is pure cinematic beauty — home to vast glaciers, thundering waterfalls, and some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

Where to Stay

• Hotel Ranga – Countryside luxury with exceptional stargazing.

• UMI Hotel – Boutique comfort minutes from Skógafoss and glacier hikes.

What to Do

• Feel the mist at Skógafoss waterfall.

• Walk black sand beaches like Reynisfjara.

• Hike on glaciers with certified guides.

• Go whale watching along the southern coast.

• Explore dramatic volcanic landscapes shaped by centuries of eruptions.

The Iceland Experience

Iceland isn’t just a destination — it’s a landscape in motion. Glaciers shift. Volcanoes reshape the earth. Waterfalls carve new paths. Horses gallop across moss-covered lava fields under endless summer light.

Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights in winter, road-tripping under the midnight sun, horseback riding across volcanic plains, or soaking in geothermal waters beneath the stars — Iceland delivers raw beauty at every turn.

Two weeks. A 4WD vehicle. An adventurous spirit.

And a land that feels like nowhere else on Earth.