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Iceland is a land like no other—an absolute bucket list destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. From jagged glaciers and steaming lagoons to thundering waterfalls, basalt cliffs, icy lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows, this Nordic island is packed with jaw-dropping natural beauty. And let’s not forget the adorable native sheep and shaggy horses you’ll see roaming the countryside.
I’ve been to Iceland twice — once for a quick trip, and once for a 10-day adventure — and this travel guide is packed with all my best tips for anyone visiting in the summer. Whether you’re planning to stay in Reykjavik or drive the Ring Road, consider this your go-to Iceland itinerary.
Why Visit Iceland in the Summer?
Each season in Iceland has its own magic, but summer is hands-down the best for outdoor exploration. During these months, daylight lasts 24/7—so you can chase waterfalls, hike to scenic viewpoints, or dip into a hot spring well into the evening after the tour buses have gone home. Temperatures can still hover around 60°F (or lower) and rain is frequent, so pack accordingly.
If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, you’ll want to plan a winter trip instead (since you can’t see these while it’s light out). Just keep in mind that winter means shorter days, more road closures, and limited access to some of the country’s biggest sights.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is walkable, charming, and absolutely worth spending 2–3 days in. When choosing a place to stay, go for something central so you can easily explore the city on foot.
- Luxury Pick: The EDITION Reykjavik — Iceland’s first 5-star hotel, with sleek design, mountain and water views, and top-tier service. ($600+/night)
- Boutique Pick: Hotel 101 — A design-forward hideaway for art lovers, right in the heart of the city.
- Charming Luxury: Kvosin Downtown Hotel — Feels like a luxe bed-and-breakfast with loads of personality.
- Group-Friendly: Eastern Reykjavik apartments with full kitchen; great for families or friend groups.
Pro Tip: Reykjavik is pricey, so having a kitchen to reheat leftovers or prep a simple meal can be a huge money-saver.
Top Things to Do in Reykjavik
- Climb to the top of Hallgrimskirkja Church for panoramic city views
- Snap a photo on the rainbow-painted street near Laugavegur
- Explore Reykjavik’s art scene, including the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture and colorful street art
- Wander the shops and restaurants along Laugavegur Street
- Visit the Sky Lagoon (just 15 minutes from the city!)
- Browse the weekend flea market and catch a show at Harpa Concert Hall
Where to Eat in Reykjavik
As a foodie, I really struggle narrowing this down — but here are my top recommendations, in Reykjavik and beyond:
- If you’re fancy and love a multi-course tasting experience, Ox and Dill in Reykjavik both have Michelin stars and are musts! Plan to spend at least 2 hours on a meal here, book far in advance, and optimally in groups of 2 (not more).
- Apotek Restaurant in downtown Reykjavik is pricy, but has been worth it to me both times I’ve been there (and to everyone I’ve recommended it to). They offer a full Icelandic tasting menu (which is honestly a lot of food) — but also have a fantastic Icelandic tasting platter option that includes lamb, whale, and puffin (the whale is an absolute must-try). I highly recommend doing the latter and then opting for their impeccable preparations of the lamb rack and duck platter, which are enough for 4 people.
- Sjavargrillid (Seafood Grill) in Reykjavik is perfect for a slightly more low-key (but still upscale) experience — and we had what was probably the best preparation of local cod here (and trust me, you’ll try a lot of cod dishes during your time in Iceland).
- ROK Restaurant in Reykjavik — which may self-describe as casual/rustic, but is very much boujee (in the best way). I love it for the unique local ingredients like reindeer, but paired with creative international flavors on the menu too, like Thai curry, for example.
- Slightly outside of Reykjavik — closer to the airport in Keflavik, KEF Bar & Restaurant at Hotel Keflavik also offers a fantastic showcase of local food. Try it on your way to/from the airport — or if you choose to spend one last night here before flying out!
- In the Golden Circle is a really cool and unique experience: an enormous tomato farm and greenhouse called Friðheimar, where you can have an entire tomato-focused meal inside the greenhouse. Worth it if you’re driving yourself around the Circle one day!
- My favorite little hidden gem of a restaurant in all of Iceland was a little langoustine spot on the waterfront about an hour south of Reykjavik (so a car is needed) — called Fjöruborðið. If you’re a fan of crawfish boils, this is the perfect spot for you!
- If you happen to find yourself in Vik on the South coast, definitely stop for lunch at The Soup Company and try their lamb and cod soups (some of the best versions of these you’ll find in Iceland). Smiðjan Brugghus is also a must-try in Vik — a brewery where you can try a wide variety of local beers (and their BBQ ribs are fantastic, for a break from all the lamb and cod).
- Another great little local spot for langoustines and seafood is Pakkhus, but it’s all the way in Höfn on the southeast coast of Iceland. They don’t take reservations and get filled up very quickly in the evening, so get here early if you can (before 6pm).
Shopping in Reykjavik
Where specifically would I recommend shopping for souvenirs — and what should you buy?
- Traditional lopapeysa wool sweaters are everywhere. If you’re fancy like me, check out a store downtown called Farmers Market / Farmers & Friends for a slightly less traditional, but more “fashion” version. I got one with a mix of alpaca wool (so it’s softer) and gold thread woven in. If you live somewhere that gets cold, Icewear has several locations and is a great place to stock up on new, unique winter gear (in addition to wool sweaters). The main store on Laugavegur is 3 stories tall — and the top floor has gear on sale for up to 80% off, while the bottom floor carries more of those wool sweaters.
- Taste of Iceland for beautiful local salts like black lava salt. Fun fact: unlike refined table salt, which is stripped of many of its natural minerals, Icelandic black lava salt retains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Epal for sleek Nordic home decor and playful puffin/sheep statues.
Pro Tip: Save your receipts and ask for a tax refund form when shopping. You can get 12–14% back at the airport (at Change Group before security).
I also have an Instagram video reel showing you some of my favorite shopping finds in Reykjavik.
Should You Rent a Car in Iceland?
Short trip? You can skip the car. Use airport shuttles or taxis and stay in Reykjavik. Book day tours to hit Golden Circle sights.
Longer stay? Absolutely rent one. A car gives you more freedom, lets you beat the crowds, and helps you access remote gems. Just note: driving the full Ring Road is a lot, so plan to have 2 drivers if you can. We used Blue Car for our rental and very much liked it.
Must-Do Activities in Iceland
- Horseback ride on Icelandic horses
- Glacier hikes or boat tours on glacial lakes in the east
- Relax at Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
- Visit epic waterfalls, lava fields, fjords, black sand beaches, and basalt clif
This list could honestly go on and on and on, so I tried to narrow it down to my top activities. We enjoyed a private horseback trip on local Icelandic horses the most — so if you’re at all into horseback riding, this is a must. If you’re going all the way East, then a boat tour on a glacier lake and a glacier hike are both fantastic options, depending on the level of exertion you’re looking for. At least one of the lagoons is a must-visit, of course — with Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon being the two most famous locations. Otherwise, there are tons of sights you can drive up to see, from cool cliff formations, to canyons and fjords, to lots of amazing waterfalls.
Below is a map of a some of my aforementioned recommended restaurants and shops, as well as notable outdoor attractions along the West and South coasts where we went.
Where to Stay Beyond Reykjavik
If you do end up driving around Iceland, here are some places I’d recommend stopping (if you choose to stay in cities, vs. more remote bed-and-breakfasts closest to the outdoor attractions on your itinerary, which is also an option). In counter-clockwise order from Reykjavik:
- At the least, the picturesque town of Vík í Mýrdal, or Vik, in the middle of the southern coast is a great spot to spend a night or two. It’s right in the middle of tons of outdoor attractions and a great central stopping point on the south coast. We loved the luxurious, but affordable, Hotel Vik i Myrdal here — and don’t miss the fantastic Smidjan Brugghus (brewery), which not only serves up a large array of delicious beers, but also has some of the best wings and BBQ ribs (which is a nice break from all the lamb and cod). The Soup Company is also a great lunch spot there that really stood out.
- On the southeast coast after you pass all the glaciers, there’s also the super cute fishing village of Höfn — making it a great stopping point after some glacier lake cruises or glacier climbs. There’s a great seafood restaurant in the harbor (serving langoustines, among other dishes) called Pakkhús.
- If you keep going around the island — just in terms of driving distance, you will want to squeeze in a stop between Höfn (in the Southeast) and Akuryeri (in the North), and it could be any of the little villages all near each other on the northeast part of Iceland: Seydisfjordur, Egilsstaðir, Neskaupstadur. These are all close to the famous puffin colonies in eastern Iceland — which you won’t want to miss — as well as the free-roaming reindeer, if you’re lucky to see them.
- Centrally located on the the north coast, you have the city of Akureyri (where the Forest Lagoon is a must visit). This is a big enough city to also have a main street with cute shops and restaurants to walk around and explore.
- You’ll probably want to pick a stop between Akuryeri and Reykyavik on the northwest part of Iceland, too. It’s just such a long drive otherwise. Hvammstangi is a good option — or Ísafjörður if you plan to hit that very northwestern corner. We had a few things we wanted to see on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, so we actually stayed at the somewhat-remote, but beautiful Hotel Búðir there.
A Last Tip in Regards to Alcohol
Something Iceland is known for — but perhaps not to you — is how expensive it is to drink alcohol there. A cocktail will cost you a minimum of $15 if you don’t watch for happy hours, and don’t even try to buy a bottle of alcohol at the state-run liquor stores (the only place you can buy liquor in Iceland once you leave the airport) — where the government imposes as much as 85% in taxes, making the markups pretty incredible. It’s only been since 2023 that breweries are even allowed to sell their beer directly to consumers. This is why you will see a line of locals and tourists alike buying alcohol at Keflavik Airport duty-free after they land. The tax used to be only 10% here, and it’s been 20% since 2023 — but that’s still better than prices you’ll see outside the airport. So if you plan to be in Iceland for awhile and popping any bottles with the family or friends, stock up at the airport when you land!
Ready to Plan Your Iceland Adventure?
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, riding Icelandic horses, soaking in lagoons, or shopping for stylish wool sweaters — Iceland is a dream destination that’s every bit as magical as it looks. From the colorful streets of Reykjavik to the rugged cliffs of the south coast, there’s something unforgettable around every corner.
Need help planning the perfect Iceland itinerary? As a certified travel planner, I’d love to help you design a seamless, personalized trip that fits your style and wishlist. Just reach out!
