Start your trip in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland. In the morning, explore the city's charming streets, visiting landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja Church and the colorful houses of Old Reykjavik. In the afternoon, take a relaxing dip in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. As evening approaches, head to Perlan, a glass dome offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Hallgrimskirkja Church: Free, 1-2 hours
Blue Lagoon: Price varies, 3-4 hours
Perlan: Price varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Sandholt
This charming bakery and cafe in Reykjavik offers a wide selection of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. Average cost for a breakfast meal is about 1500 ISK per person.
Lunch: Café Loki
Café Loki is a traditional Icelandic restaurant located near Hallgrimskirkja Church. They serve delicious local dishes like rye bread with smoked trout, Icelandic meat soup, and fermented shark. Average cost for a lunch meal is about 2500 ISK per person.
Dinner: Grill Market
Grill Market is a trendy restaurant in Reykjavik that specializes in grilled Icelandic cuisine, including dishes like lamb, Arctic char, and dry-aged beef. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options. Average cost for a dinner meal is about 6000 ISK per person.
Wednesday, August 21: Golden Circle Tour
Embark on the famous Golden Circle Tour, starting with Thingvellir National Park, where you can witness the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. In the afternoon, marvel at the powerful Gullfoss waterfall and visit the geothermal area of Geysir, where you can see Strokkur erupt every few minutes. Wrap up the day with a relaxing soak in the Secret Lagoon.
Thingvellir National Park: Free, 2-3 hours
Gullfoss Waterfall: Free, 1-2 hours
Geysir: Free, 1-2 hours
Secret Lagoon: Price varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Loki, located near Thingvellir National Park. Delight in traditional Icelandic dishes such as rye bread with smoked trout or their famous Icelandic pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 1800 ISK per person.
For lunch, head to Fridheimar, a restaurant situated near the Golden Circle route. Enjoy their unique tomato-themed menu, featuring dishes like tomato soup, tomato salsa, and tomato cheesecake. Average cost for a meal is about 2500 ISK per person.
In the evening, indulge in a fine dining experience at Grillmarkaðurinn in downtown Reykjavik. With a focus on Icelandic ingredients, this restaurant offers a range of dishes including grilled lamb, seafood, and vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 9000 ISK per person.
Thursday, August 22: South Coast Adventure
Explore Iceland's stunning south coast. Start your day with a visit to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, where you can even walk behind Seljalandsfoss. In the afternoon, visit the black sand beach of Reynisfjara and marvel at the unique basalt columns. End the day with a hike to the Solheimajokull glacier.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: Free, 1-2 hours
Skogafoss Waterfall: Free, 1-2 hours
Reynisfjara Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Solheimajokull Glacier: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Loki for traditional Icelandic cuisine with a twist. Try their delicious rye bread with smoked salmon and fermented shark. The average cost for a meal is about 1500 ISK per person.
For lunch, stop by Black Beach Restaurant for a taste of fresh seafood. Enjoy their catch of the day and panoramic views of the black sand beach. The average cost for a meal is about 3000 ISK per person.
For dinner, dine at Grillmarkadurinn for a gourmet experience. Indulge in their succulent Icelandic lamb or their famous langoustine soup. The average cost for a meal is about 7000 ISK per person.
Friday, August 23: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Travel east to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a breathtakingly beautiful spot where you can witness floating icebergs. Take a boat tour to get up close to the icebergs and maybe even spot some seals. Afterward, explore the nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up on the shore like glistening diamonds.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Free, 2-3 hours
Boat Tour: Price varies, 1-2 hours
Diamond Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Loki, a cozy cafe known for its traditional Icelandic dishes. Try the "lokabollur," a traditional sweet pastry, or the "rúgbrauð," a delicious dark rye bread. Average cost for a meal is about 15-20 USD per person.
For lunch, visit Skaftafell Bistro, a charming restaurant with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, such as the Arctic char or the lamb stew. Average cost for a meal is about 20-30 USD per person.
For dinner, dine at Grillmarkaðurinn, a stylish restaurant that specializes in grilled Icelandic cuisine. Don't miss the tender grilled lamb or the succulent langoustine. Average cost for a meal is about 35-50 USD per person.
Saturday, August 24: Akureyri
Head north to Akureyri, the "Capital of the North." Start your day by exploring the charming town, visiting landmarks like Akureyrarkirkja Church and the Botanical Gardens. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall. Enjoy the evening in Akureyri, known for its lively arts scene and cozy cafés.
Akureyrarkirkja Church: Free, 1-2 hours
Botanical Gardens: Free, 1-2 hours
Goðafoss Waterfall: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, visit Café Berlin, a cozy café that offers a delicious selection of pastries and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try Bautinn, a popular restaurant serving traditional Icelandic cuisine. Enjoy their fresh seafood dishes and hearty soups. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For dinner, dine at Rub23, a trendy seafood restaurant known for its creative sushi rolls and grilled fish dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Sunday, August 25: Lake Myvatn
Visit the otherworldly landscapes of Lake Myvatn. Start your day with a visit to the geothermal area of Hverir, known for its bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. Explore the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir and take a relaxing dip in the Myvatn Nature Baths. In the evening, keep an eye out for the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
Hverir: Free, 1-2 hours
Dimmuborgir: Free, 1-2 hours
Myvatn Nature Baths: Price varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Lake Myvatn is Cafe Gamli Baukur, serving delicious traditional Icelandic dishes such as smoked salmon and skyr. The average cost for a meal is about 2000 ISK per person.
For lunch, head to Vogafjos Cowshed Cafe, located on a dairy farm near Lake Myvatn. Enjoy farm-to-table meals featuring local ingredients such as homemade cheese and fresh milk. The average cost for a meal is about 2500 ISK per person.
For dinner, try the cozy restaurant Fjallasel in Reykjahlid. This local gem offers a variety of Icelandic and international dishes, including freshly caught fish and tender lamb. The average cost for a meal is about 5000 ISK per person.
Monday, August 26: Return to Reykjavik
Head back to Reykjavik, making stops along the way at any missed attractions or hidden gems you discovered during your journey. In the evening, enjoy a final meal at one of Reykjavik's excellent restaurants and reflect on the incredible adventure you had chasing the Northern Lights.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Reykjavik, don't miss the opportunity to visit the quirky Icelandic Phallological Museum, dedicated to the study and display of penises from various animals. For a unique culinary experience, try the local delicacy of fermented shark, known as hákarl. It's an acquired taste, but an authentic Icelandic experience.