Once upon a time, Iceland was a remote, mysterious land full of volcanic activity and black-rock moonscapes.
Then the stopover program happened, and now you’re more likely to find a bar full of Americans in Reykjavik than anything resembling a local. But that doesn't mean Iceland is any less glorious to visit, you just have to know how to do it while avoiding the stopover masses.
The city is worth checking out for a few days, but the best way to see Iceland is on the road. And we’ve scoped out some of Iceland’s best road trips, from a few days to a couple of weeks. You can get dirty and check out the rugged drives along Iceland’s F-roads, or go in the winter and seek out the northern lights. Your first stop will likely be the thermal baths at the Blue Lagoon, but you’ll find plenty of other spas across the island. Read on for all the best stuff to do in Iceland, and find an adventure that’s literally all your own.
Peak Northern Lights and fewer crowds up north.
Disconnect to reconnect with yourself.
Northern lights and wild horses. Perfect!
There are unlimited opportunities to spend time in nature.
The trip was designed with easy opportunities to socialize, so it wasn't hard to put myself out there.
Views worth every degree of winter chill.
The complimentary service is available every night.
On the Laugavegur Trail, you should expect all types of landscapes and all types of weathers.
From the iconic Sonar festival in Reykjavik to tiny gatherings in caves, we follow leading Icelandic musicians and artists to learn how this country of only 300,000 has such an outsized impact on music worldwide. Filmmaker and host Kelly Noecker is our guide on this artful, bass-heavy, and weirdly wonderful journey.