Editor-approved spots for a quick trip to the land of fire and ice.
With black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls and geothermal pools, Iceland is one of the few destinations where nature still feels raw and untamed. An ideal short trip blends culture and wilderness: spend a night or two in Reykjavík, browse markets and design shops, savour inventive Nordic cuisine, and venture out for experiences that range from the iconic to the quietly off-the-radar.
Where to Eat
Dill, Reykjavík’s pioneering modern-Nordic restaurant, was the first in Iceland to earn a Michelin star in 2017, regaining it in 2020 along with a Green Michelin Star for its sustainability practices. It champions seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and techniques rooted in Iceland’s foraging and preserving traditions. Book well in advance.
For something more laid-back but equally creative, Skál! began as a stall in Reykjavík’s Hlemmur Mathöll food hall and has since evolved into a convivial wine-bar-bistro. The frequently changing menu leans on local produce, pickling and fermenting, complemented by a strong natural-wine list and craft cocktails.
Natural Attractions
The Blue Lagoon (pictured) is Iceland’s most famous spa for good reason: its opaque, mineral-rich waters hover around 39 °C year-round, and its location between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík makes it an easy stop before or after a flight.
On the Golden Circle route, Friðheimar Farm showcases Icelandic ingenuity — its geothermally heated greenhouses produce tomatoes year-round despite the short growing season. Guests can tour the greenhouse, learn about sustainable farming and enjoy lunch among the vines.
For a less-visited wonder, head east to Stuðlagil Canyon, where turquoise glacial water flows between towering basalt columns. The canyon emerged only in recent years after a hydroelectric project lowered water levels, revealing the dramatic formations. Remote but rewarding, the views from the east bank are worth the trip.
Where to Shop
Kolaportið Flea Market, Reykjavík’s largest and most famous, is open on weekends near the Old Harbour. Stalls sell vintage clothing, records, books, antiques, handmade crafts and local delicacies like dried fish. It’s one of the few places in the city where bargaining is still part of the experience.
For a distinctive souvenir, visit Fischersund, a family-run perfumery founded by the lead singer of Sigur Rós. The downtown shop has the feel of an apothecary, with hand-blended perfumes inspired by Icelandic nature and often made with sustainably harvested botanicals. Scented candles and art pieces round out the collection.
Where to Stay
Opened on the Old Harbour beside Harpa Concert Hall, The Reykjavík EDITION is a luxury stay that pairs clean-lined Nordic design with warm lighting and curated artwork. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame harbour and mountain views, while multiple dining venues, a rooftop bar and a spa with a hammam make it tempting to linger — even though you’re just steps from the city’s best galleries, cafés and nightlife.
If you have more time, Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll is a destination in itself. Opened in 2023, this remote highland lodge is about four hours from Reykjavík, surrounded by rust-toned rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs. Accommodation ranges from hotel rooms to cabins and A-frame huts, all connected to the main lodge, which houses a restaurant serving hearty Icelandic fare.
