Fire & Ice
My Full Iceland Itinerary from my October 2025 Trip
Why Iceland Should Be on Everyone’s List
Iceland belongs on every wander-list not because it’s just another destination, but because it’s a place where the planet seems to pause and shape itself in front of you. From roaring glaciers and black-sand beaches to steaming hot springs and electric skies, the island delivers raw adventure at every turn. And the best part? Despite its mythic landscapes, it’s easy to see so much — grab a rental car, hit the open road, and in a few hours you can move from thundering waterfalls to serene geothermal lagoons. It’s bold, it’s beautiful — and for the heart-led traveler, it’s unmissable.
What makes Iceland so magnetic is how different each season feels — almost like visiting separate countries. Summer brings the midnight sun, green highlands, and endless hikes under 24-hour daylight. Come fall or winter, the island transforms under a softer light and a quieter mood — the northern lights dance, ice caves open, and solitude reigns. Certain mountain roads and trails are only passable in summer, while glacier tours and frozen waterfalls exist only in the colder months. Iceland rewards repeat travelers because each season writes a completely new story.
Day 1 | Arrival & Reykjavík
7:00 AM: Arrive in Iceland. Pick up rental car and drive ~45 mins to Reykjavík.
8:30 AM: Breakfast at Brauð & co. — sourdough heaven.
9:00 AM: Walk to Hallgrímskirkja Church and explore Reykjavík’s colorful downtown.
11:00 AM: Grab Iceland’s most famous hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.
1:00 PM: Lunch at Messinn — skillet-served local fish.
3:00 PM: Check in to Storm Hotel Reykjavík.
4:00 PM: Stock up on snacks and road-trip essentials.
7:00 PM: Dinner at Fish Market — creative fine-dining take on Icelandic seafood.
💤 Stay: Storm Hotel Reykjavík
💡 Tips: Reykjavík is walkable, AMEX isn’t widely accepted, and the harbor area is perfect for an evening stroll.
Day 2 | Reykjadalur → South Coast → Vík
7:00 AM: Early coffee.
8:00 AM: Depart Reykjavík for Vík (~2 hrs).
10:00 AM: Visit waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, and nearby Nauthúsagil Canyon.
Stop by Markarfljót River valley for views of Þórsmörk.
Visit the DC-3 Plane Wreck.
2:00 PM: Lunch stop on the road east.
4:00 PM: Explore Vík area: Dyrhólaey sea cliffs and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.
7:30 PM: Dinner at Smíđjan Brugghús.
💤 Stay: Airbnb Vík
💡 Tips: Expect high winds near the beaches — never turn your back on the waves. Daylight fades fast in October, so start early. Also, your waterproof pants and jacket will come in handy today as you hike behind waterfalls.
Day 3 | Vík → Glaciers → Vík
7:30 AM: Hit the road east (~2h15m).
10:00 AM: Glacier Horseback Riding — unreal views and gentle Icelandic horses.
12:00 PM: Hike Múlagljúfur Canyon.
1:30 PM: Visit Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
2:30 PM: Lunch at Northern Light Bite food truck.
3:30 PM: Zodiac Boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Lagoon — arrive 30 min early.
5:00 PM: Stop at Diamond Beach.
7:00 PM: Return to hotel.
8:00 PM: Dinner at Fosshotel Skaftafell restaurant.
💤 Stay: Fosshotel Skaftafell
💡 Tips: Glacial tours are weather-dependent; confirm same-day. Pack windproof layers and gloves — even mild temps feel icy here.
Day 4 | Foss → Reykjavík via Golden Circle
7:30 AM: Depart early (~2 hrs).
9:30 AM: Katla Ice Cave Tour — surreal ice caverns beneath Mýrdalsjökull.
1:00 PM: Lunch at Smiðjan Brugghús Vík or a roadside hot dog stand.
2:00 PM: Head toward Reykjavík (~2.5 hrs). Stop at Seljavallalaug Pool.
6:00 PM: Check into Fosshotel Reykjavík.
6:45 PM: Dinner at Skál! — vibrant farm-to-table spot.
After: Drinks at ÖX Speakeasy or Annað Bar.
💤 Stay: Fosshotel Reykjavík
💡 Tips: Bring towel and swimsuit for Seljavallalaug. Roads near Katla can close quickly — check forecasts before heading out.
Day 5 | Golden Circle + Northern Lights
7:30 AM: Breakfast at De Í Ís Donuts.
9:00 AM: Drive Golden Circle route:
Kerið Crater (~1h from Reykjavík)
Friðheimar Tomato Farm — lunch in a greenhouse
Geysir Hot Springs
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
5:00 PM: Back to hotel, freshen up.
6:00 PM: Dinner at Dill Restaurant.
9:00 PM: Northern Lights Tour — meet at Bus Stop #11 Snorrabraut 37.
💤 Stay: Fosshotel Reykjavík
💡 Tips: Dress warmly and bring a tripod for aurora photos. Pick a clear-sky forecast night — locals use the Vedur.is app for real-time aurora conditions.
Day 6 | Sky Lagoon + Reykjanes + Home
9:00 AM: Sleep in and slow down.
10:30 AM: Sky Lagoon — 7-step ritual with ocean views.
3:00 PM: Drive to Reykjanes Peninsula (45 min): explore
4:50 PM: Return rental car, head to airport.
✈️ Depart Iceland.
💡 Tips: Sky Lagoon’s infinity edge is a perfect farewell shot. Keep your phone dry — they sell waterproof pouches on site.
Essential Tips for Any Season
Rent a car: It’s the best way to explore Iceland freely — tours can’t touch what self-driving gives you.
Driving: Expect gravel roads, wind gusts, and occasional frost — drive cautiously and check road.is for conditions.
Fuel up early: Gas stations thin out in remote areas; fill up before you need to.
Cards: Visa & Mastercard accepted almost everywhere; AMEX rarely works.
Currency: Always select ISK (Icelandic króna) on card readers — it gives a better conversion rate.
Weather: Iceland can have all four seasons in one day — layer up, waterproof everything.
Daylight: Hours vary drastically by season; in October expect roughly 10–11 hours of light.
Language hack: -jökull = glacier, foss = waterfall — you’ll see these everywhere.
Restrooms: Use them when you can; long drives mean unpredictable stops.
Food on the go: Gas station hot dogs are a national treasure — don’t skip them.
Dining: Outside Reykjavík, book dinner early; many restaurants close around 8 PM.
Respect nature: Don’t step on moss, cross ropes, or get close to waves — Iceland’s beauty is wild for a reason.
Weather checks: Use vedur.is (weather & aurora forecasts) and safetravel.is (road alerts) daily.
Lamb tip: Anywhere you see lamb on the menu — order it. Even if you “hate lamb because its gamey”. Icelandic lamb has been roaming free since the year 874; read that again. It’s one of the oldest, purest meat traditions on the planet. I’ve eaten lamb across the globe — nothing compares. It’s also why those famous hot dogs are so addictive.
October-Specific Tips
Pack for everything: Expect rain, wind, and occasional snow — waterproof layers and boots are non-negotiable.
Northern Lights season: Long nights + mild access = one of the best months to catch the aurora.
Watch daylight hours: Plan big hikes and long drives during daylight; sunset sneaks up fast.
Changing roads: Some highland “F” roads and mountain routes close as snow arrives — always check before going off-pavement.
Shoulder-season perks: Fewer crowds, cheaper stays, quieter attractions, and moody, cinematic light for photos.
Be flexible: Weather can cancel ice-cave or glacier tours; build slack into your schedule.
Early frost: Expect slippery mornings; keep an ice scraper and gloves in your car.
Hot springs: Cooler temps make natural pools like Hrunalaug or Reykjadalur even better — bring a towel and swimsuit.
Photo magic hour: October’s soft, low sun gives unreal lighting for photography all day long.
Bonus: Bring a reusable water bottle — Icelandic tap water is glacially pure (and cold enough to shock you).
*Also, hotdogs are a delicacy here. You don’t know it yet, but you will crave them immediately when you return home. Do your self a favor, and abide by the 1 dog a day rule. You’ll thank me later… and no, they never repeat on you.
If you would like a custom Iceland or anywhere trip Itinerary that is as much as an adventure as this, you can email me for those services here: matthew@theartofeating.info
