Golden Circle to Vik: Routes, Travel Tips & More

Thorsmork (Þórsmörk) is one of the best hiking destinations in Iceland, known for its stunning landscapes comprising mountains, glaciers, forests, and ravines. You can easily take a trip to Thorsmork from Reykjavik by car or bus, although you can also take the scenic route by hiking between the two destinations. If you are traveling in a vehicle from Reykjavik to Thorsmork, you will encounter notable stops such as the majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the fascinating Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, and the picturesque town of Selfoss en route. At Thorsmork, or the Valley of Thor, you can take in the awe-inspiring beauty of this secluded mountain ridge whilst admiring the majestic Tindfjallajökull and the famous Eyjafjallajökull glaciers that it is tucked between. Read on to find out more about how to get to Thorsmork from Reykjavik on your Iceland trip.

The South Coast of Iceland offers countless sites of interest for travelers that must not be missed on your Iceland trip. From volcanoes to waterfalls to glaciers to lava fields, the area that stretches from Vik to Selfoss perfectly encapsulates Iceland’s moniker: ‘The Land of Ice and Fire.’ While in Selfoss, explore popular tourist attractions such as the Kerid Crater and Volcano Eyjafjallajokull. In your Vik tour, be sure to marvel at captivating landmarks such as the Skógafoss waterfall, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. From volcanic landmarks to seaside paradise, a trip from Vik to Selfoss unveils a series of natural wonders at every turn.

Iceland is a tempting travel destination for avid admirers of nature and landscapes. Decked up wall to wall with fascinating geysers, glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and ice caves, nature truly goes no-holds-barred with Iceland. Whether you crave the adrenaline rush of a glacier hike and ice-caving adventure in Vatnajökull National Park, seek the thrill of whale-watching in the Northern Atlantic waters of Húsavík, or yearn to explore the geothermal wonders of Geysir in the Golden Circle, Iceland promises an abundance of experiences. With several captivating options in front of you, planning a trip to Iceland may appear rather daunting. So, here’s our comprehensive guide to planning a trip to Iceland, covering everything from budgeting to itinerary suggestions.

Skogafoss, which literally translates to “forest waterfall”, is a true natural wonder, captivating visitors the world over. With a 60-metre flow of gushing water in a near perfect rectangular shape, Skogafoss is one the largest waterfalls in Iceland. One of Skogafoss’ signature characteristics is its ability to produce a beautiful single or double rainbow when the sun reflects off its constant, powerful spray. This unique sight also makes Skogafoss one of Iceland’s most photographed locations! Skogafoss, along with another stunning waterfall, Seljalandsfoss are two major highlights of the Golden Circle in Iceland. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your visit to Skogafoss waterfall, including a suggested itinerary so you can see all the incredible sights Iceland’s southern shore has to offer.

While traveling in a foreign land, relying on the local public transport systems is usually the easiest and cheapest way to get around. While it’s true that Iceland does have a public transport system called Strætó, it won’t get you much further than Reykjavik and the Golden Circle in a reliable fashion. Therefore, most visitors opt for car hire in Iceland instead. Renting a car in Iceland will give you the freedom you need to explore all that Iceland has to offer at your own pace. You could even travel the entire 1,332 km of the Route 1 ring road, the major artery of Iceland that connects most of the inhabited parts of the island. The twists and turns of Icelandic roads can often drive people mad, literally! But having the time to sightsee from the comfort of your own car is one of the best ways to take in the awe-inspiring Icelandic scenery. However, before you set out on your adventure, it’s important to know what to expect when it comes to driving in Iceland.

For many of us, Iceland is still a country surrounded in mystery and viking myths. The wild landscape is what lures most visitors on trips to Iceland but what about the Icelandic cuisine? Icelandic cuisine has changed little since the time of the vikings, and the basic ingredients have remained unchanged: lamb, skyr, potatoes, fish, and plenty of seafood. While the staples have remained the same, Icelandic chefs have added a generous dose of imagination to current Icelandic cuisine, resulting in creative twists but traditional dishes. Read on to learn how to expertly navigate your food palate while checking out Iceland’s food menus. To make sure you make the most of your trip to Iceland, we’ve rounded up a list of the top 12 things to do in Iceland to help you plan your all-important itinerary. If you are short on time to explore destinations outside of Reykjavik, read our top things to do in Reykjavik article as well.

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis as the scientific term goes, are one of the most captivating natural beauties one can witness in life. They were originally named after Aurora, the Greek goddess of dawn. And when witnessing them in person, one can definitely understand how they came to be associated with divine connotations. If you have never seen the northern lights in person or through image; picture a dark night sky with lengthy trails of neon green, blue, and violet blending together in a wonderful symphony. Ordinary rainbows are perhaps the closest natural phenomenon to this wonder, and a comparison to them really does not do the northern lights justice. They are definitely a sight that is necessary to witness at least once in everyone’s life.

With so many options, you might be wondering where to stay in Iceland. If you have travelled before, you know that taking care of the little things before you arrive at your destination saves a lot of time and stress. There's nothing worse than getting off your flight in a foreign country and not knowing where to go from there. Here are the 10 best places to stay in Iceland for your next visit, listed in no particular order.

Iceland’s inner cities feature some of the most underrated European bar scenes today. Aside from tourists, the locals themselves have been known to spend some time in their hometown bars. If you want to hit the bar after a long day of hiking, touring or even soaking in the hot springs of Iceland, we have gotten you covered! Here is a list of some of the best go-to bars to hit when on a trip to Iceland.

A trip to Iceland would be incomplete without embarking on a sightseeing tour to Reykjavik and visiting Vik’s wild and untamed beauty. If you want to embark on an unforgettable adventure, the Ring Road that stretches from Reykjavik to Vik is the ultimate route to take. Nestled along the captivating South Coast of Iceland, this scenic route is brimming with captivating sites that showcase the best of Iceland’s natural wonders. Marvel at the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, behold the awe-inspiring Reynisdrangar sea stacks and explore the incredible black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Admire the surreal landscapes of the Eldhraun lava fields and explore Vatnajökull National Park, home to the mighty Vatnajökull glacier.

Reykjavik and Selfoss are two must-visit destinations in Iceland. Reykjavik, the capital city, offers a vibrant cultural scene, diverse architecture, and rich history, whereas Selfoss provides a tranquil escape into the countryside, where you can immerse yourself in natural beauty and marvel at geological marvels. Make the most of your Iceland tour by exploring both destinations, which aren’t far apart, with just 60 kilometers between them. Set out on an enchanting trip from Reykjavik to Selfoss, exploring the wonders of southern Iceland along the way. Begin your adventure by visiting Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik, Iceland's largest church, renowned for its impressive architecture and panoramic views of the city. Continue to iconic destinations such as the Blue Lagoon and Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Arriving in Selfoss, a picturesque town on the banks of the Ölfusá River, don't miss the Kerid Crater—a volcanic caldera with a vibrant blue lake. Also, add Eyjafjallajökull Strokkur to your itinerary while exploring Selfoss.

With many of us taking longer trips away or even working and globe-trotting full-time, there’s never been a better time to travel. And, more and more evidence points to travel being good for our health and happiness. As well as cutting stress and the risk of heart disease, travel has some surprising benefits. These range from bolstering our relationships, to helping us define who we are. Read more about this, and the other positive effects travel can have below.