There’s something about Iceland that always felt quietly magnetic to me — a place that seemed untouched, still, almost otherworldly. I had been longing for a real pause in my life, and one day, I just decided: I’m going.
What followed was a solo journey filled with soft landscapes, dramatic skies, and small moments of calm that reminded me how healing travel can be — especially when done gently.
✈️ Landing & Letting Go: Blue Lagoon Arrival
I landed early in the morning and went straight to the Blue Lagoon. It was the perfect way to shake off the travel fatigue. I had pre-booked my transfer from the airport, my lagoon timeslot, and transport to the hotel afterward.
I stayed at Fosshotel Reykjavik, a modern, centrally located hotel with great views and tour pickups right outside. The first evening, I just wandered slowly around Reykjavik, soaking in the mood.
🌪 South Coast Storms (And Still, Beauty)
On my second day, I joined a South Coast small group tour. The weather was wild — fierce winds and heavy clouds made it impossible to see rainbows at the waterfalls. The black sand beach was particularly intense, with gusts that could literally move you off balance.
Even though the skies weren’t clear, the landscapes were still unforgettable. A raincoat isn’t optional here; it’s essential.
🚶♀️ Slow City Days: Reykjavik Walks & Food
Reykjavik is incredibly walkable, and I spent my in-between days exploring it at my own pace. Highlights included:
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Rainbow Street
- A cozy Lava Show
And the food? Surprisingly delightful:
- Café Loki became a favorite — I had the Baldur dish twice, and their rye bread ice cream is something I still think about.
- Sandholt Bakery was amazing for breakfast — try their grilled cheese.
- Pósthús Food Hall & Bar had good casual variety
- And for ice cream: Valdís is a must.
These local moments — food, walking slowly, people-watching — grounded me just as much as the landscapes.
🌋 Golden Circle, Highlands & Lava Fields
I did three major day tours from Reykjavik, each offering a very different feel:
Golden Circle + Kerid Crater
This one included a tomato greenhouse stop, geysers, and the dramatic rift at Þingvellir. The tomato soup was simple and lovely — a small, memorable detail.
Landmannalaugar in a 4×4
Otherworldly terrain. The drive itself was an adventure, and the colorful mountains made me feel like I was walking on a different planet. The hike was steep — I only did part of it and wandered on my own instead. Would only recommend this with proper shoes and flexibility.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
This was perhaps my favorite. Coastal cliffs, lava fields, Mt. Kirkjufell — it was a quieter kind of epic.
🐧 Puffins, Pastries & Soft Endings
On one of my slower days, I took a puffin-watching boat tour. They’re such odd, beautiful little birds, and seeing them up close was unexpectedly emotional. That day, like others, ended with ice cream, warm pastries, and a slow walk back to the hotel.
Some tours were long and packed, so I always tried to balance with easy mornings, café time, and doing nothing in particular.
🎒 A Few Takeaways
- Raincoat, gloves, layers, and waterproof boots — even in summer
- A power bank, especially on long day tours
- I didn’t use public transit — walking was enough within Reykjavik
- I booked all my tours in advance
- Reykjavik was safe, calm, and perfect for solo exploring
- I ended up extending my trip by two days because I didn’t feel ready to leave — and I’m glad I did
🧭 Want My Full Itinerary?
If you’re looking for a simple day-by-day breakdown of my route, check out my Iceland 8-Day Solo Itinerary (No Car Required). It has everything I booked, day tours, and how I spaced things out.
🌥 Final Thoughts
Iceland didn’t overwhelm me — it gently pulled me back to myself. The weather wasn’t perfect, the tours were sometimes tiring, but the rhythm I chose made it all manageable. If you’re looking for a trip that mixes wild landscapes with moments of peace, Iceland might be what you need too.
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