If Iceland has been sitting on your bucket list, this trip with Collette was honestly such an incredible way to experience it, from the stunning landscapes, unique culture and unforgettable moments, all without ever feeling rushed.
The journey began in Reykjavík, a city that blends colourful charm with modern design so effortlessly. Wandering through the old streets, checking out landmarks like Parliament House and the harbour, and seeing the glass façade of Harpa Concert Hall up close really set the tone. It was easy to explore and super welcoming, plus a great introduction to Icelandic food, with fresh, local flavours everywhere.
From there, we headed out along the famous Golden Circle, and this is where Iceland really started to show off. Walking between two continents at Þingvellir National Park was surreal, followed by the power of Gullfoss waterfall and watching Strokkur geyser erupt right in front of us. It almost didn’t feel real at times. We also got a taste of local life with geothermal “lava bread,” baked underground, simple but so yummy!
Exploring the west coast brought a completely different vibe, with stops in places like Akranes giving a glimpse into Iceland’s fishing history. Think rugged coastlines, quiet harbours and those classic lighthouse views. Visiting Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and meeting the friendly Icelandic horses at a family-run farm made it all feel really personal.
We based ourselves in Borgarnes for a few nights, which was perfect for slowing things down a bit, and keeping an eye out for the Northern Lights. Luckily for us they appeared on the first night, watching them turn from a glow on the horizon into ribbons of green dancing across the sky was surreal, and easily the standout memory of the trip. This area also delivered some real highlights, from visiting a goat farm helping preserve a rare Icelandic breed, including a memorable lunch shared with the family, to heading up onto Langjökull Glacier. Going “Into the Glacier” through a tunnel carved into bright blue ice was something else. Not far from there, the Hraunfossar waterfalls were just as impressive, with water flowing through old lava fields.
One of the standout days was exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in miniature” and it really lived up to that. Black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, volcanic landscapes and tiny fishing villages all in one day. Arnarstapi was a favourite for its coastal views, and seeing Kirkjufell mountain in person was a definite highlight.
Back in Reykjavík, we had some time to explore at our own pace before wrapping things up. To finish, we could either relax in the warm waters of the Sky Lagoon or take a virtual flight over Iceland, both incredible in their own way.
We chose to soak in the Sky Lagoon, and with a glass of wine in hand, it felt like the perfect way to end our Iceland adventure. With sweeping ocean views and steam rising into the crisp -11°C air, it was a beautiful moment to pause, reset, and take it all in.
In terms of pace, this trip sat at a moderate activity level, perfect if you enjoy being out and about and making the most of each day. There was quite a bit of walking (often a few hours at a time), some uneven terrain, and days where we were on the go, balanced nicely with downtime to relax. It’s best suited to travellers who are comfortable staying active and moving between different types of transport, but nothing felt overly strenuous.
One thing to be prepared for is Iceland’s ever-changing weather. We experienced everything from sunshine to wind and rain, sometimes all in one day! Having good waterproof shoes and layering up with warm, windproof clothing made all the difference and meant we could enjoy every experience comfortably.
Looking back, what truly made the trip unforgettable was the mix of landscapes and experiences. From glaciers and lava fields to geysers, charming small towns, and incredible food, Iceland offers something remarkable at every turn. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left!