Iceland is an island of extremes. Fire and ice, wind and silence, geysers and glaciers – everything in one place. From the very first moments it feels less like a normal travel destination and more like a separate world.
February and the Northern Lights
I chose February for the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Every day I checked the forecast in an app – the probability was only about 20%.
One evening I woke up with a strange certainty that “it’s tonight”. At 11:30 p.m. the sky began to dance with green and violet lights – one of the most hypnotic sights you can experience on Earth.
Elves and the “hidden people”
Icelanders believe in the so-called hidden people – elves and nature spirits. During road and building construction, areas believed to be their homes are often avoided. It is a beautiful example of coexistence between people, nature and local beliefs.
Iceland – a 5-day itinerary from Reykjavík
This route lets you see the highlights of south-western Iceland without rushing too much.
Day 1 – Arrival & geothermal spa
Keflavík → Blue Lagoon → Reykjavík
- Blue Lagoon – bathing in milky-blue water in the middle of a lava field
- Drive to Reykjavík
- Evening walk: Hallgrímskirkja, the harbour, the old town
- If the weather allows – first attempt to spot the Northern Lights
Day 2 – Golden Circle
Reykjavík → Þingvellir → Geysir → Gullfoss → Kerið → Reykjavík
- Þingvellir National Park – the meeting point of tectonic plates
- Geysir / Strokkur – active geysers
- Gullfoss – one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls
- Kerið crater – red slopes with turquoise water inside
Day 3 – Southern waterfalls & black beaches
Reykjavík → Seljalandsfoss → Skógafoss → Reynisfjara → overnight in Vík
- Seljalandsfoss – a waterfall you can walk behind
- Skógafoss – a powerful wall of water
- Reynisfjara – black beach with basalt columns
- Overnight near Vík
Day 4 – Glaciers & Diamond Beach
Vík → Fjaðrárgljúfur → Jökulsárlón → Diamond Beach → back towards Reykjavík
- Fjaðrárgljúfur – a scenic canyon
- Jökulsárlón – glacier lagoon with floating icebergs
- Diamond Beach – black sand with ice fragments shining like diamonds
Day 5 – Glymur waterfall or Reykjanes Peninsula
Option A:
- Glymur – a hike to one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls
Option B:
- Reykjanes Peninsula – raw lava fields, cliffs, hot springs and lighthouses
Return to Keflavík Airport.
This itinerary covers Northern Lights, geysers, volcanoes, glaciers, black beaches, canyons and hot springs – the very essence of Iceland in one intense but realistic plan.
Iceland is a country that tests your limits – of endurance, courage and awe. I would go back in a heartbeat… but next time, in a warmer season.
Malvina Dunder 
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