48 Hours in Iceland: A Whirlwind Adventure

When a long layover in Iceland popped up on our radar, I couldn’t hit that ‘book’ button fast enough. With just 48 hours to soak up all that this incredible destination has to offer, we crafted an action-packed itinerary, and here’s how our adventure unfolded! 

Day 1: Touchdown early in the morning, we swiftly grabbed our rental car and set our sights on Reykjavík. As we drove into the capital, we were greeted by a tapestry of brightly colored buildings set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and serene waters. It’s hard to believe that around 60% of Iceland’s population calls Reykjavík home; the cozy atmosphere made it feel like a charming village rather than a bustling city. 

Our first stop? A mouth-watering treat from Braud & Co. The moment we stepped inside, the heavenly aroma of freshly baked goods enveloped us. It was the perfect start to our day, but soon enough, a bathroom emergency sent us darting to a nearby brewery for an early lunch. Bastard Brew and Food proved to be a fantastic pitstop, serving up hearty meals featuring generous portions of onions. 

Refreshed and refueled, we delved into downtown Reykjavík. The highlight for the kids was undoubtedly the rainbow street, where they joyfully dashed along, all while catching a captivating view of Hallgrimskirkja, our next destination. This striking church, inspired by the shape of Thor’s hammer, captivated us with its distinct architecture. 

Being summer, we couldn't miss out on puffin season. We booked a boat tour to explore their breeding islands up close. Surrounded by these chirpy little birds, we were treated to fantastic photo ops. Now, I’ll admit – I’m not a fan of small boats, and perhaps Jamie and June share my aversion, but our knowledgeable guides kept the momentum going with fun puffin facts and cuddly stuffed animals. 

No visit to Reykjavík would be complete without indulging in a famous Icelandic hot dog from Baejarins – and wow, did it live up to the hype! Tasting this local delicacy was a hit with the entire family. 

Our home for the night was a secluded AirBnb, about a 15-minute drive from Selfoss. The picturesque Icelandic landscape enveloped us, and I convinced Scott to seize the opportunity of the midnight sun for a trip to Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Walking behind the cascading waters was a magical experience, even if we emerged thoroughly soaked—a highlight for sure! 

Day 2: Ready for another day of adventure, we set out to conquer the iconic Golden Circle, exploring some of the major highlights on the island's southwest. A peculiar haze greeted us as we drove, a result of a local volcano’s activity, which added an air of mystery to our journey. 

Our first destination was the Secret Lagoon, the perfect family-friendly thermal pool. While many of the hot springs have restrictions for kids under 2, this spot welcomed everyone. With warm waters and floaties for the kids, we lounged in what is claimed to be the oldest swimming pool in Iceland—definitely a must-visit! 

Next on the agenda was Gullfoss. The breathtaking views here came at a price, however, as the steep paths and numerous steps challenged us, especially with two little ones in tow. We persevered, pushing through nap time, and soon found ourselves at Stokkur Geysir. We settled in to witness the eruptions, and after a few minutes of anticipation, we were rewarded by watching its powerful waters shoot into the air, much to Jamie’s delight. 

To celebrate our busy morning, we stopped at Efstidalur Farm. Here, we connected with friendly horses and cows before savoring delicious farm-to-table burgers and divine ice cream. It was a wonderful chance for the kids to burn off some energy before continuing our journey. 

Next up was Þingvellir National Park. Though this vast area was slightly overwhelming, I was determined to walk the trail that lies between the tectonic plates of Europe and North America. Time was against us, and before we knew it, our visit turned brief. 

Our final stop was the stunning Kerid crater, with its striking blue lake nestled in its center. Unfortunately, both kids were napping when we arrived, so I stayed in the car while Scott hopped out for some photos. The sun was beginning its descent, softening the water’s vibrant hue. 

In just 48 hours, we packed in an incredible array of experiences and sights. Our Icelandic escape was a resounding success, leaving us with memories to cherish and a longing to return for more exploration of this enchanting island!