Into the Wild - Iceland by Car
This summer, we were craving cooler temperatures, a respite from the heat, and a holiday that blended adventure with the great outdoors. Iceland was calling, and in July 2026, we packed our four-season gear (although you can never pack enough for Iceland!) and headed to the Land of Fire and Ice. What followed was a 10-day self-drive adventure through some of the most extraordinary landscapes we had ever seen. From photographs to reality, Iceland unfolded before us in all its wild, untamed beauty.
Our journey began at Keflavík Airport, where we collected our rental car and hit the road. Our first three nights were at Grímsborgir by Keahotels in Selfoss, our base for exploring the Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, Kerið Crater, Brúarfoss Waterfall and Geysir. Iceland wasted no time reminding us who was in charge. Our very first day brought torrential rain. After much deliberation, we finally ventured out to Þingvellir, only to discover that half the car park seemed to be waiting for the rain to stop too. Eventually, we all surrendered to the weather and stepped outside. We returned to our hotel drenched from head to toe, but our day wasn't over. An evening soak at Sky Lagoon was just what we needed.
Next, we headed to Vík, stopping at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall along the way. Staying at Vík Apartments, just across from the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach, gave us front-row seats to one of Iceland's most dramatic coastlines. It also gave me a very personal lesson in sneaker waves. Despite thinking I was at a safe distance, I was caught by one, came out completely drenched and lost the use of my iPhone for the next couple of days. Take it from me: sneaker waves are real, and the ocean deserves your respect.
Our next stop was the magnificent Glacier Lagoon, where we spent two nights at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. Glacier hiking, sailing between icebergs at Jökulsárlón and wandering across Diamond Beach were unforgettable highlights. But one of my favourite moments was soaking in the hotel's outdoor hot tub, overlooking the grasslands as the summer breeze rustled through the grass and sheep wandered past. It felt like a dream.
On our way back towards Reykjavík, we broke the journey with an overnight stay at Anna Boutique Hotel in Höfn. The following morning, we stopped at Dyrhólaey Peninsula to see the puffins. A total pinch-me moment! The towering cliffs and vast views of the wild Atlantic were every bit as spectacular as the photographs promised.
We ended our adventure with two nights at Frón Hotel in Reykjavík, exploring the colourful capital on foot and heading out from the harbour for a whale-watching tour and a soak at the iconic Blue Lagoon before returning our rental car and flying home. Iceland is a destination that refuses to be predictable. The weather, the landscapes and even the ocean have a way of reminding you that nature calls the shots. You can plan your route, pack every layer imaginable and book every experience, but the magic often lies in the unexpected. Ten days, countless memories and a whole lot of wild beauty. Iceland was everything we had hoped for, and so much more.
