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Ultimate Guide to Iceland- Do, Eat, Stay, and Pack

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Follow this guide on your Iceland Trip to get the best of all the wonders- the food, the comfort, nature, and the luxuries.
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Food Recommendations

 
Elle Blair profile picture
Best Croissant in Reykjavik! This place is legit 10/10
280 Bakery
 
Elle Blair profile picture
Incredible dinner and stay while here in Hveragerdi! We had the beef tenderloin, halibut, arctic char, and reindeer carpaccio. This was one of the best dinners we had in Iceland.
Frost & Fire Hotel: Home
 
Elle Blair profile picture
A must stop for lunch or a snack while in Reykjavik! We ordered it “the iceland way” which is with mustard and crunchy onions- delicious!!
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
 
Elle Blair profile picture
This was our first dinner in Reykjavik and it did not dissapoint! We got the ginger coconut soup, Halibut, and Seafood Pasta. They have incredibly fresh tasting ingredients and have a beautiful, open kitchen right when you walk in.
MAR Seafood Reykavík
 
Elle Blair profile picture
Great almond croissant and coffee!
Baka Baka
 
Elle Blair profile picture
We had the teriyaki pork tacos and nachos, both of which were SO delicious! We influenced our friends to try them too and they also loved them. 10/10
The Taco Wagon
 
Elle Blair profile picture
A cozy, experiential restaurant that prepares traditional icelandic and viking fare. I ordered the duck for my entree, and it was so delicious! The dish had many components, including bacon lentils, which were unknown to me prior but surprisingly del...
Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant

Stays

 
Elle Blair profile picture
We enjoyed our stay here with the very comfortable beds/pillows and complimentary breakfast buffet in the morning
Sand Hotel – A luxury boutique hotel in Iceland
 
Elle Blair profile picture
Fantastic stay and perfect place to see the northern lights! While it was too cold to go out to use the saunas, we loved the availability and proximity to hot springs.
Frost & Fire Hotel: Home

Must Do

 
Elle Blair profile picture
Get ready to see the most incredible views of mountains and glaciers as you ride in a super jeep to a natural wonder- the Katla Ice Cave. After experiencing the incredible cave, the tour guide took us on a ride down the black sand beach- what a treat...
Katla Ice Cave, Southern Region, Iceland - Book Tickets & Tours
 
Elle Blair profile picture
Our group arrived just before sunrise, unsure of how incredible this special of the season tour would be. We experienced the magic of the Icelandic horses over a frosted and foggy landscape and saw the sunrise as it peaked over the mountains and reve...
Eldhestar: Horse-riding tours in Iceland since 1986
 
Elle Blair profile picture
This low-cost experience is high-value in every regard. Not just a museum, but a planetarium, and full sensory experience. Ride the elevator to the top floor and experience views like no other, a panorama of the ocean and Reykjavik, all while enjoyin...
Perlan
 
Elle Blair profile picture
The largest waterfall on the golden circle and the most picturesque! Experience the expansive mountain views over this vast waterfall and gorge. This waterfall is located as far north as you can go on the golden circle before the roads turn to gravel...
Gullfoss Waterfall Travel Guide
 
Elle Blair profile picture
A perfect mid-day stop on the golden circle, with a leisurely and accessible walk to the geysir, and an expansive center and cafe nearby. Charge your electric car while you stop for your lunch and excursion, and return to be ready for the rest of you...
Geysir Geothermal Area Travel Guide
 
Elle Blair profile picture
Reynisfjara is the most iconic beach in Iceland, and for a reason! We arrived just as sunrise was peaking around 9:30 am, which was a fantastic time to see the beach during the early November time. The tides quickly rise by the afternoon in November,...
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Travel Guide

Pack

 
Elle Blair profile picture
I chose this winter jacket for iceland because of the many pockets, waterproof exterior, and drawstrings to lock down the hood for windy weather. The long tail covers your bum and keeps you so warm. As a photographer, I need lots of pockets to store ...
Women's Burton Snowboard Jackets & Winter Coats
 
Elle Blair profile picture
I love these shoes because they allow proper foot room while having great traction. I wore these for light hikes, and days with a lot of walking. In Iceland you never know when you will be on icy surfaces or gravel, so shoes with traction are a MUST.
Lone Peak 9 Women's Trail Running Shoe
 
Elle Blair profile picture
Whether you are going in the blue lagoon or want to get close to some waterfalls (both of which I did on my trip!), you will need a waterproof phone pouch so that you can still get those photos and videos while not having to worry about damaging your...
Phone Pouch
 
Elle Blair profile picture
The cold in Iceland can really chill you to the bone, fingers first! I used handwarmers when outside for extended periods of time, like when I did astrophotography in the middle of the night. The wind and damp cold weather definitely call for these r...
OCOOPA Magnetic Rechargeable Hand Warmers 2 Pack
 
Elle Blair profile picture
Don't forget to buy an outlet converter when traveling to Iceland, especially if you have a lot of things to charge! This two pack was convenient and worked perfectly.
2 Pack TESSAN US to Europe USB C Adapter
 
Elle Blair profile picture
These merino wool socks are so warm and so cushy- your toes will thank you! Wear these especially for hiking and horseback riding.
Smartwool Women's Classic Hike Crew Socks
 
Elle Blair profile picture
This headband is perfect to wear on the plane or whenever you want to also have earbuds in as it has side slits for tech to be worn comfortably. Wearing your hair up for a hike is easy with this headband and will keep your ears warm.
Columbia Unisex Trail Shaker Headring
 
Elle Blair profile picture
I purchased these primarily for the plane due to their nose cancelling capability and compact nature. Easy to charge and store away, I will choose these over headphones any day.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, ANC, USB-C
 
Elle Blair profile picture
Knowing where your bags, passport, or precious items are is essential when you travel overseas. Never wonder where your luggage is again!
Apple AirTag - Track Keys, Wallet, Luggage
 
Elle Blair profile picture
a merino wool baselayer is essential to any outfit in Iceland. It keeps you warm and wicks away any moisture. Merino Wool also lasts longer for wears in between washes, as it does not absorb odor. Repeating outfits is your friend here!
Smartwool Women's Classic Thermal Merino Crew
 
Elle Blair profile picture
Look great and stay warm, too. You will want a few pairs of these leggings for Iceland, thank me later.
CRZ YOGA Fleece Lined Thermal Leggings