All Things Iceland

There are places in Iceland that are easy to visit. And then there are places that require a bit more effort, but reward you in ways you honestly don’t expect.

I’m sharing 5 places across the country that are absolutely worth the detour.

These aren’t your typical Golden Circle stops. These are the kinds of places that make people say: “Wait… THIS was in Iceland?!”

If you’re planning a trip and want to go beyond the basics, this list is for you.

Let’s be real for a second. To visit places like these, especially the Westfjords, Highlands, and North Iceland, you’ll need your own vehicle.

Public transport won’t get you to most of these locations, and guided tours often don’t go this far off the beaten path.

That’s where having the right rental car or camper van makes all the difference.

I personally use and recommend:

I’ve partnered with them for years because:

When you use my link:
gorentals.is/allthingsiceland

You’ll automatically get:

For Go Car Rental:

For Go Campers:

It’s one of those little things that makes a big difference when you’re traveling around Iceland.

If you’re craving something remote, raw, and wildly beautiful, this is it.

Látrabjarg is the westernmost point of Iceland, and is known for its dramatic sea cliffs and incredible birdlife.

You can use a 2wd to get here but a 4×4 makes the trip easier and smoother. This is exactly the type of destination where having the right vehicle matters.

This town feels like stepping into a completely different side of Iceland.

The drive into Seyðisfjörður alone is unforgettable. The winding road down a mountain pass into a peaceful fjord surrounded by waterfalls is incredible.

It’s only about 25 minutes from Egilsstaðir, making it a simple but rewarding detour in the East.

If you’ve heard of Landmannalaugar, think similar, but quieter and less crowded.

Hveradalir is a geothermal wonderland filled with steaming valleys and colorful rhyolite mountains.

This is where renting the right type of vehicle becomes essential.

Planning a trip here can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out what’s actually worth the detour.

The Westman Islands feel like a completely different world.

A ferry ride from the south coast takes you to a volcanic island shaped by a powerful 1973 eruption.

Siglufjörður is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem.

The drive, especially through the mountain tunnels, is part of the adventure. It’s a one lane tunnel for both car directions.

If you’re wondering how to actually connect these places into one trip, here’s a realistic way to do it.

This route works best in summer, when the Highlands and Westfjords are accessible.

From here, you’ll head toward your first detour.

Overnight on the island or return to the mainland.

This is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. Don’t rush it.

Take your time here. This town is all about slowing down.

Plan for flexibility because Highland weather can change quickly.

This is the most remote part of the trip, and honestly, one of the most rewarding.

This is exactly the kind of trip that can feel overwhelming to piece together on your own.

Inside my Iceland Map, I’ve already:

So instead of guessing, you can just plug things in and go.

Iceland is home to the largest puffin colony in the world, and many of them nest along cliffs like Látrabjarg.

At their peak, you can see millions of puffins around the country. But they spend most of their lives out at sea, only coming to land to breed.

Krókur (KROH-kur)
Meaning: a hook, bend, or detour

A perfect word for this post, because the best places in Iceland often require a little krókur.

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Þakka þer kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

The 2026 total solar eclipse is already drawing attention from travelers around the world, and for good reason. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in Iceland was in 1954, and the next one won’t happen again until 2196. 

This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN4ZKGJ7QYI

A total solar eclipse is when the Moon completely covers the Sun. Not partially, not mostly, completely!

And when that happens, everything changes.

But honestly?

The technical explanation doesn’t fully capture it. People who have seen total solar eclipses travel across the world to experience them again.

In this free guide you’ll know where to go for the best chance of seeing totality, how to plan around Iceland’s unpredictable weather, and how to turn this into an unforgettable Iceland adventure.

The 2026 eclipse path crosses a limited number of places, and Iceland is one of the most accessible and visually stunning locations in that path.

Imagine this for a second:

You’re standing near a black sand beach or next to a massive waterfall or in the middle of a volcanic landscape…then the sky goes dark.

That’s what makes Iceland different.

You’re not just watching the eclipse, you’re experiencing it in one of the most dramatic natural environments in the world.

On top of that:

But to be completely transparent, Iceland also comes with its challenges.

Planning early for this eclipse is not optional—it’s essential.

Here’s why:

Iceland already has limited places to stay. Small towns, fewer hotels, and high demand even in a normal year make in challenging during summer.

Now add a once-in-a-lifetime event? Things will book out fast!

Icelandic weather changes quickly. Like, very quickly.

You could have:

Which means if you stay in one place and hope for the best, you might miss it.

Iceland looks small on the map, but driving between places often takes longer than people expect.

So knowing:

…can completely change your experience.

Honestly, this is exactly why I created a free guide for this.

I’ve seen how quickly things can get overwhelming when planning a trip here, especially for something as big as a total solar eclipse.

So I put together a free 42-page guide to help you feel confident going into this.

By the time you finish it, you’ll know:

👉🏾 Grab the free guide guide here – https://allthingsiceland.com/iceland-total-solar-eclipse-guide-2026/

The longest possible total solar eclipse on Earth can last up to about 7 minutes.

In Iceland for 2026, totality will max be 2 minutes and 13 seconds,which makes timing everything.

Sólmyrkvi — Solar Eclipse

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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

If there were ever a holiday that felt personally designed for me, it’s Bolludagur, Iceland’s cream bun day and, in my opinion, Iceland’s most delicious holiday.

Bolludagur takes place every year on the Monday before Lent. And on this day, Iceland collectively agrees to eat an unreasonable amount of cream bun without guilt, without shame, and usually without stopping at just one.

A bolla is an Icelandic cream bun. Traditionally, it’s made from a light choux-style pastry that’s sliced open, filled generously with whipped cream and sometimes jam, and then topped with chocolate glaze or icing.

That’s the classic version, but modern Bolludagur has evolved far beyond that. These days, bakeries get wildly creative with flavors, fillings, and toppings, which is exactly why this day has become such a big deal.

Bolludagur is part of Iceland’s version of Carnival, leading into Lent. Historically, it was about indulging before a period of restraint, but in true Icelandic fashion, it turned into a full-blown pastry event.

Before we get into the bakeries, let’s talk price.

As of 2026, most Icelandic cream buns fall somewhere between:

575 ISK ($4.70) – 925 ISK ($7.56) per bun

Prices vary depending on the bakery, the size, and how elaborate the bun is. This is just an estimate based on current offerings — prices may be higher or lower in the future, so always check directly with the bakery.

Plantan is a plant-based favorite in Reykjavík, and for Bolludagur they’re going all in with six different cream buns this year:

If you’re vegan, plant-based, lactose intolerant, or just curious, Plantan is absolutely worth a stop.

One of Reykjavík’s most recognizable bakeries, Brauð & Co. is offering five varieties:

If you want something that feels both traditional and playful, this is a great place to check out

Passion Reykjavík wins for sheer variety. They’re offering 15 different cream buns, which is honestly impressive.

Some of their flavors include:

If you want options — a lot of options — this is the place.

Yes. IKEA.

IKEA in Iceland fully participates in Bolludagur and offers seven cream buns:

These are also typically the most affordable cream buns you’ll find.

Deig keeps things refined but flavorful with five varieties:

If you like pastries that feel a little more elegant, Deig is a solid choice.

Every year for Bolludagur, over one million cream buns are made and sold across Iceland — making it one of the most pastry-intensive days of the entire year.

Bolluvöndur – A decorated stick children use on Bolludagur to playfully “demand” cream buns by tapping their parents and chanting “Bolla! Bolla! Bolla!”

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Bríet Ísis Elfar is not just one of Iceland’s biggest music stars. She’s an artist who embodies fearlessness, authenticity, and constant reinvention. Her breakout English-language single In Too Deep in 2018 introduced her sultry, soulful voice to the world, but it was her 2020 album Kveðja, Bríet that catapulted her to national stardom. She won “Album of the Year” and cemented herself as one of the country’s most influential female musicians.

This interview is part of my In Bed With series, created in partnership with Center Hotels. Each conversation is recorded right in a bed at one of Center Hotels’ nine locations in downtown Reykjavík—keeping things cozy, relaxed, and a little unconventional. If you’re planning a stay in the city, you can use my code ATI25 to save 25% off at any Center Hotels location in Reykjavík.

Born in Reykjavík in 1999, Bríet grew up in a uniquely creative and spiritual household. Her father, Benedikt Elfar, taught her guitar and nurtured her love of jazz, while her mother, Ásrún Laila Awad, led sweat-lodge ceremonies infused with mantra chanting and deep emotional connection.

Raised in this world of music, ritual, and radical openness, Bríet developed both resilience and a powerful sense of self.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFeYJr4JdIk

From singing jazz in Reykjavík restaurants for a hamburger and 5,000 krónur, to debuting her original work on the stage of Sónar Reykjavík, Bríet’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She’s unapologetically experimental, whether making plastic “glass” dresses with her longtime fashion collaborator, diving into collaborative projects like 1000 orð with rapper Birnir, or writing songs that transform heartbreak into catharsis.

Known for her raw honesty, she has openly shared struggles with belonging, heartbreak, and personal growth. Yet through it all, her guiding philosophy remains simple: don’t take life too seriously, embrace failure, and always follow the intuition of the heart.

Today, Bríet stands at a new turning point—after years of acclaim, collaborations with major Icelandic artists like Ásgeir Trausti and Friðrik Dór, and millions of streams worldwide, she continues to chase the unknown.

Whether sitting next to global icons in Tokyo or returning to her roots in a sweat lodge in Iceland, Bríet carries a rare ability to turn both joy and pain into beauty.

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Thanks for listening. Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótega.

There’s a lot of advice about traveling to Iceland, and not all of it is helpful. In this podcast episode, I’m breaking down five common Iceland travel myths that end up quietly costing travelers time, money, and energy.

From unrealistic expectations about weather to misunderstandings around driving and seasons, this episode will help you spot the assumptions that derail trips before they even begin.

Iceland has a reputation for being brutally cold, but that’s not actually true year-round — or even most of the time. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, temperatures are often milder than people expect, especially along the coast. The bigger challenge for travelers is usually wind and changing weather, not extreme cold. When people assume “freezing,” they often overpack or misunderstand what conditions they’re really preparing for.

Many travelers assume they need expedition-level gear just to survive Iceland, which leads to overpacking and overspending. In reality, what matters most is layering properly, not wearing the heaviest gear possible. Waterproof and windproof layers are far more important than bulky items. Dressing smartly, not excessively, makes travel easier, more comfortable, and more flexible.

Winter driving in Iceland isn’t automatically dangerous, but it does require preparation and realistic expectations. Many visitors drive safely every winter by choosing appropriate vehicles, monitoring weather forecasts, and adjusting their plans when needed. Conditions vary significantly by region and day, which is why flexibility and local awareness matter more than fear. The real risk comes from underestimating the conditions, not from driving itself.

While daylight hours are shorter in winter, Iceland is not in total darkness. Even around the winter solstice, there are several hours of daylight, including long twilight periods. Many travelers are surprised by how usable the day still feels — especially when plans are adjusted to match daylight windows. Understanding how daylight actually works makes winter travel far less intimidating.

Winter is the most popular season for Northern Lights viewing, but it’s not the only time they appear. The aurora can be visible in late fall and early spring as well — whenever skies are dark enough and solar activity cooperates. The key factors are darkness, clear skies, and patience, not just the season itself. This myth often causes people to unnecessarily limit their travel options.

Most Iceland travel mistakes aren’t about bad decisions, they’re about bad assumptions. When travelers rely on oversimplified advice or viral content, they often plan trips that don’t match reality. Once those assumptions are corrected, Iceland becomes far easier and more enjoyable to explore.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information, I want to invite you to my Live Iceland Trip Planning Workshop happening on January 31st, 2026. It’s the first workshop of the year and is especially helpful if you’re planning a trip for 2026 or beyond and want a strong head start.

This is a live, interactive workshop where I walk you through how to plan your trip realistically — from driving distances and timing, to choosing the right season, and building an itinerary that actually works.

You’ll also be able to ask me your questions in real time, which is honestly one of the most valuable parts. I also do a giveaway at the end of the workshop, including Iceland-related prizes. One of those prizes is a one-on-one video trip consultation with me, which is usually fully booked since I only open a few slots each year.

If you want clarity, confidence, and a solid plan instead of stress, you can find all the details and sign up using the link in the show notes or here 👉🏾
https://all-things-iceland.teachable.com/p/iceland-trip-planning-workshop

Winter can be very dry in Iceland. I know that sounds strange since we often some sort of precipitation, like rain or snow, but the air is dry and that can wreak havoc on your skin. If you are prone to having dryness, make sure you double up on your moisturizer when you are here.

Goðsögn – myth

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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

If you’ve ever looked at a map of Iceland and thought,  “Oh wow, it’s tiny — we can totally see everything,” you are not alone.

I hear this all the time. And honestly? It makes sense.  Iceland looks small on a map, but traveling through it is a very different experience.

I’m going to explain why Iceland being ‘small’ is actually misleading, and how that misunderstanding causes a lot of travelers to overpack their itineraries, underestimate drive times, and end up more stressed than they expected.

https://youtu.be/H9-PBrpRFjA

Yes, Iceland is about the size of Kentucky.  But unlike many places, almost all travel happens on a single main road, and that road isn’t a straight highway from point A to point B.

Driving in Iceland involves:

For example, Reykjavík to Vík doesn’t look far, but that drive alone can take 2.5 to 3 hours, and that’s without stopping. And no one ever drives Iceland without stopping.

Now add:

Suddenly, “just one more stop” becomes the thing that breaks your day.

This is where travelers get tripped up — they plan based on distance, not time.

I’ve seen itineraries that say: “Golden Circle in the morning, South Coast in the afternoon.”

Technically? Possible.
Realistically? Exhausting.

Even after living in Iceland for years, I still plan conservatively. Not because I can’t do more, but because I’ve learned the hard way. There have been a few times when I stuffed my itinerary so much that I felt tired, stressed, and annoyed. Traveling felt more like a chore than an adventure.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there, I want to invite you to my Live Iceland Trip Planning Workshop happening on January 31st, 2026. It is the first one of this year and is extremely helpful for getting a head start on planning your trip in Iceland for 2026 and beyond.

This is a live, interactive workshop where I help you understand how to plan your trip realistically, from driving distances and timing, to choosing the right season, and building an itinerary that actually works.

You’ll also be able to ask me your questions in real time, which is honestly one of the most valuable parts. I also do a giveaway of Iceland related prizes at the end of the workshop. One prize is a one-one video consultation with me, which is normally all booked up because I have few slots open for that throughout the year.

If you want clarity, confidence, and a solid plan instead of stress, here are is where you can secure your spot for the live workshop.

The total length of the ring road or route 1 is 1,322 kilometres (821 mi), making it the longest ring road in Europe. It connects the majority of towns together in the most densely populated areas of the country.

Tími (tee-mi) — Time

A perfect reminder that in Iceland, planning by time, not distance, is what makes or breaks a trip.

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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

If you’re searching for the perfect Christmas gift for that Iceland-obsessed friend in your life, I’ve got you covered. As someone who lives in Iceland and shares all things Icelandic year-round, I’ve rounded up a curated list of meaningful, cozy, and delicious gifts that will make any Iceland lover light up this holiday season.

Here are some wonderful Iceland-inspired ideas (links included):

Nothing says “I love Iceland” quite like a beautifully hand-knit lopapeysa. Made from Icelandic wool, it’s warm, breathable, and naturally water-resistant. Plus, each pattern carries a piece of Icelandic heritage—making it a functional and sentimental gift.

This seasonal favorite ale is only available around the holidays and has a comforting malt-forward flavor that Icelanders adore. It’s a festive, fun, and very Icelandic way to toast the season.

Iceland’s chocolate makers craft incredibly smooth and flavorful treats, often using local ingredients. Whether it’s classic milk chocolate or artisanal small-batch bars, this gift never fails to impress sweet-toothed Iceland enthusiasts.

Perfect for cozy winter mornings, these mugs let your Iceland-loving friend enjoy their coffee or tea with a little nod to their favorite country. They’re great for holiday decorating too!

Coffee culture is strong in Iceland, and local roasters create rich, aromatic blends inspired by the island’s landscapes and traditions. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who starts their day with a warm cup in hand.

From craft beers to unique Icelandic spirits like Brennivín, these beverages offer a fun taste of Iceland’s brewing and distilling traditions. It’s a great way to share a little Icelandic cheer from afar.

Iceland punches far above its weight in literature! Whether your friend loves mysteries, folklore, poetry, or Icelandic sagas, gifting a book from a local author is a beautiful way to connect them to Iceland’s storytelling roots.

Icelanders know how to stay warm, dry, and stylish in unpredictable weather. Jackets, hats, and other outerwear from local brands, like 66 North, make incredible gifts—practical, high-quality, and authentically Icelandic.

Music is a huge part of Icelandic culture, and gifting a vinyl record or album from a local artist is a beautiful way to share the country’s creative spirit. Whether it’s ethereal vocals, indie rock, contemporary pop, or traditional Icelandic sounds, this gift connects your friend to Iceland through artistry and emotion.

It’s my first Christmas as a mom and I’m so excited! 

Today’s Icelandic word is: “Jólagjöf” (yo-la-gyöv) — which means “Christmas gift.” You’ll hear Icelanders using this word everywhere in December. So now, when you’re picking out that perfect jólagjöf for your Iceland-obsessed friend, you can throw in a little Icelandic too.

I hope this episode sparks some great ideas for thoughtful, meaningful Christmas gifts inspired by Iceland. If you want links to any of the items I mentioned, check the show notes for this episode at allthingsiceland.com/iceland-christmas-gift-ideas

If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who also loves Iceland. And of course, you can follow me on social media @allthingsiceland for more Icelandic content, tips, and inspiration.

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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

Aldís Amah Hamilton is a trailblazing Icelandic actress, writer, and cultural icon. Born in Germany and raised in Reykjavík, she has starred in hit shows like The Valhalla Murders, Netflix’s Katla, and co-created the gripping series Black Sands. In 2019, she made history as the first woman of color to embody the Fjallkonan, Iceland’s national symbol on Independence Day in Reykjavík, which is the largest celebration and is televised around the country.

Beyond the screen, Aldís lends her voice to video games like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and Echoes of the End, and leads as chair of the Vegan Association of Iceland—advocating for plant-based living while shaping Iceland’s cultural landscape.

The “In bed with” series is sponsored by Center Hotels and the interviews are recording at one of their hotels while I chat with my guests in a bed. They have 9 hotels in the center of Reykjavik and each of them is unique. To save 25% on your stay with Center Hotels use my code ATI25.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyWfVs_j36A

I was very fortunate to interveiw Aldís Amah Hamilton years before her acting career took off. Learn more about her childhood in Iceland by checking out that interview here – https://allthingsiceland.com/aldis-amah-biracial-iceland-interview/

✨ Breaking barriers in the Icelandic acting world
✨ Making history as the Fjallkonan
✨ Life as a vegan and her role in Iceland’s vegan community
✨ What drives her authenticity on and off screen

On Saturday, October 4th, 2025, I’m hosting a Live Iceland Trip Planning Workshop. Get local expertise to help cut through confusion and plan your trip with ease.

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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

If I could go back to my very first trip to Iceland in 2013, knowing what I know now after living here for over nine years and traveling extensively around the country, there are three major things I would do differently. And I think these are going to help you as you’re planning your own adventure here.

When I came here for the first time, I knew the days were shorter in winter, but I wasn’t prepared for how short they were. Imagine only having four hours of daylight in December, with the sun rising around 11 a.m. That completely changes how much you can see and do in a day. Had I planned with that in mind, I could’ve maximized my time so much better.

This one surprised me the most. Iceland looks small on a map compared to other countries, but trust me, it’s not as quick to get around as you think. For example, the stunning Stuðlagil canyon in East Iceland? It’s about a seven-and-a-half-hour drive from Reykjavík. That’s just one of the hundreds of incredible places you might want to see. If you don’t account for drive times, you’ll either be rushed or miss out on places you were hoping to experience.

Icelandic weather can change dramatically no matter the season. A severe windstorm or heavy snow could shut down access to an area, which means your plans may need to pivot. The good news is, with the right approach, you can build in alternatives, so your trip is still amazing even if the weather forces you to adjust.

Now, these are just a few of the things I’ll be diving into in my Iceland Trip Planning Workshop happening on October 4th. In this one-hour live, interactive session, I’ll walk you through a proven framework for creating your own 5-day itinerary in Iceland—without spending hours scrolling blogs and piecing together random tips from social media.

In just one hour, you will:
✅ Cut through the confusion and know exactly where to start
✅ Learn a proven framework for planning any 5-day Iceland trip
✅ Get insider tips from someone who actually lives in and travels around Iceland
✅ Walk away with practical steps you can put into action immediately

Use this link to save your seat at the workshop – https://all-things-iceland.teachable.com/p/iceland-trip-planning-workshop

And because I love to reward action-takers, the first 50 people to register will get 15% off the workshop price with the code “Save15”.

So if you’ve been dreaming of Iceland but feel overwhelmed with where to start, this workshop will save you time, stress, and confusion—and help you make the most out of your trip.

I had no idea at the time in 2013 that I would for sure move to Iceland but I do know that the visit left such a profound impact on me that I was adamant about visiting again in June of 2014. 

Námskeið – course or in this case I am using it for workshop, such as the Iceland Trip Planning Workshop

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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

Since bursting onto the scene in 1993, Páll Óskar—also known as Paul Oscar—has been turning heads, moving hips, and breaking boundaries. He’s not just a singer. He’s a performer, a provocateur, a fearless icon who has never shied away from being exactly who he is—openly gay, genre-bending, and unapologetically fabulous.

And let me tell you, he’s not slowing down anytime soon. His music and style have evolved over the decades, but his bold spirit and commitment to authenticity have never wavered. Whether he’s belting it out with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra or dancing down Reykjavík’s Laugavegur during Pride on a sparkling unicorn float (yes, really!), Páll brings all the drama in the best way possible.

https://youtu.be/Xvow55EE6ak

This episode is sponsored by Center Hotels, who is also a proud sponsor of Pride in Reykjavík.

To save big when you stay in any of their 9 hotels, use code ATI25 for 25% off.

If you want to dance to awesome Icelandic pop music spanning from the 90s until present day, check out Páll Óskar’s music here.

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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.