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Parent and child walking across a volcanic landscape in Iceland

Iceland: A Week in the Land of Fire and Ice

Our week-long adventure to the land of fire and ice was nothing short of magical, leaving us with a deep appreciation for this extraordinary country and a longing to return someday. Iceland captured our hearts, and we knew that this would not be our last visit.

Length of stay: 7 days 

Time of year: March

Airbnb:  4 nights in Mosfellsbær and 3 nights in Grundarfjörður

Flight: Play

Transportation: rental car

What we did:

Things we would have loved to do if we had had more time:

  • Kerið, a volcanic crater lake
  • Lóndrangar Rauðfeldsgjá
  • Hestalanda Farm to ride an Icelandic horse
  • Waterfalls of Hraunfossar
  • Geysir 
  • Blue Lagoon
  • Black Sand Beach
Child walking on cooled lava near the volcano by Grindavík, Iceland

Day 1: As we landed in Iceland, the cold March air greeted us, setting the tone for an exciting week ahead. After picking up our rental car, we made our way to Mosfellsbær, our home for the next four nights. We spent the evening getting groceries and exploring the charming surroundings, eager to start our Icelandic journey.

Digging up geothermal rye bread at Laugarvatn Fontana, Iceland

Day 2: Our first full day in Iceland was filled with natural wonders and unique experiences. We visited the Þingvellir National Park, where we marveled at the stunning landscapes and learned about the country’s history. Next, we headed to Laugarvatn Fontana for a relaxing soak in the geothermal baths before embarking on a one-of-a-kind bread-baking experience. The smell of freshly baked bread emerging from the hot black sand was a sensory delight, and tasting it with Icelandic butter was a very unique experience.

Day 3: Today was all about exploring the geological marvels of Iceland. We visited the hot springs of Gunnuhver and walked across the Bridge Between Continents, straddling the divide between the European and North American tectonic plates. Our journey continued to the volcano near Grindavík before we made our way to Reykjavik for a thrilling whale-watching tour, where we caught sight of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Steam rising from the Gunnuhver hot springs in Iceland
Path through mossy lava fields in Iceland

Day 4: The road trip to Grundarfjörður was a scenic adventure, with a stop at a pool along the way to relax and make the drive more enjoyable for the kids. Arriving at our farm stay, we were greeted by friendly horses and sheep, much to the delight of the kids, who were eager to experience Icelandic farm life.

Icelandic horse at our farm stay near Grundarfjörður

Day 5: Exploring Grundarfjörður and the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula was a highlight of our trip. From dramatic cliffs to picturesque fishing villages, this region captivated us with its rugged beauty and rich history.

Child looking out over the Snæfellsnes Peninsula coastline in Iceland

Day 6: Our visit to Ytri Tunga provided a close encounter with nature as we observed seals basking on the shore and discovered a whale skeleton, a reminder of the marine life that thrives in Icelandic waters.

Sun over the rocky shore at Ytri Tunga, Iceland
Whale skeleton on the beach at Ytri Tunga, Iceland

Day 7: Our final day in Iceland was spent immersing ourselves in Viking history at the Viking Museum in Reykjavik, where we learned about the legendary sagas and myths that have shaped Icelandic culture.

As we said goodbye to this land of fire and ice, we carried with us memories of breathtaking landscapes, unique experiences, and the warm hospitality of the Icelandic people.

Volcanic landscape in Iceland