Iceland 8-Day Wild Geothermal & Secret Waterfall Journey
Author
Jón
Editorial Note
The wind of Iceland has a kind of magic that can blow away all cluttered thoughts. This itinerary does not have the exhaustion of rushing, but is a healing recipe I organized for myself through countless turns of the steering wheel at the boundary of cold air and boiling spring water. From the curling white steam of wild geothermal rivers to waterfalls kissed by sunlight deep in crevices, this is a slow journey inviting you to slow down the pace and hear your own breathing again in the grand wilderness.
Day 1
Reykjadalur Wild Geothermal Hot Spring River Hike & Hot Springs
Arrive at Keflavík Airport in the morning. Jón highly recommends locking large luggage directly in the trunk of the rental car and setting off light for the geothermal river hike.
Hot Spring River Trailhead Parking Lot
Reykjadalur Geothermal Hot Spring River
This is a pure natural geothermal hot spring river hidden deep in the wild valleys of Iceland! Hike for about 1 hour through steaming geothermal landscapes to enjoy the warm river water in nature. With the sea breeze howling and your whole body soaked in the warm spring water, it has an epic sense of wild wasteland!
Drive back to the hotel in Reykjavík city center to check in and rest. Head to Fiskfélagið (Fish Company) restaurant at 18:30 for a seafood dinner.
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Fiskfélagið (Fish Company) Premium Design Seafood Restaurant
Highly recommended by Jón! This is a premium boutique seafood restaurant favored by Icelandic artists and designers. It features wild Atlantic cod caught on the same day and butter scallops with dill oil. The Nordic minimalist aesthetic space, blending concrete white walls and light solid wood, combined with quiet indie folk music, makes eating the crispy and tender cod the warmest and most exquisite culinary welcome in the Far North.
For the first night, it is recommended to stay at a Nordic minimalist design hotel in the Reykjavík city center, equipped with a cozy fireplace.
The Reykjavik EDITION
A luxury design hotel located next to the old harbor. The rooms feature massive wooden fireplaces, providing the ultimate warm comfort on polar cold nights.
Sand Hotel by Keahotels
A boutique design hotel located on the downtown shopping street, adjacent to the century-old bakery Sandholt. The decor is full of simple Nordic style, and you can enjoy freshly baked warm cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
Reykjavik Lights Hotel by Keahotels
A modern business hotel with design inspired by Icelandic natural light and the aurora. The rooms are bright and simple, fully capturing the cold Nordic geometric aesthetics, offering excellent cost-performance value.
Day 2
Geothermal Greenhouse Meals & Century-Old Geothermal Hot Spring Healing Journey
After checking out, lock large luggage in the trunk of the rental car. Today we head south and experience an outdoor geothermal bath and aurora dinner.
Rental Car Trunk
Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse Geothermal Restaurant
Highly recommended by Jón! This is a legendary boutique restaurant located inside a geothermal greenhouse, featuring dining surrounded by countless tomato plants in a glass house. Signature items include classic geothermal-baked rye bread and unlimited soup bar of hot, comforting wild mushroom and tomato cream soup. Sitting next to the lush tables, eating soft, sweet geothermal bread, it is extremely cozy and pleasant.
In the afternoon, drive for about 20-30 minutes to Secret Lagoon near Flúðir.
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Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)
Iceland's oldest and most authentic public geothermal hot spring! Opened in 1891, it is located on the plains near Flúðir. Unlike large commercial spa pools, there are actual active small geysers erupting right beside the pool, creating a misty and desolate atmosphere. The water temperature is stable and comfortable, with clean changing rooms and showers nearby. It is the most worthwhile healing secret spot to detour to on the Golden Circle route. Only 20-30 minutes' drive from Friðheimar, no backtracking at all!
After relaxing in the hot spring, drive for about 60 minutes along the southern Route 1 to the vicinity of Hotel Rangá for an aurora view dinner in the evening.
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Hotel Rangá Restaurant
Highly recommended by Jón! This is a premium view restaurant located by the Rangá River in the southern wilderness, famous for aurora viewing and excellent floor-to-ceiling window views. Signature dishes include grilled Icelandic lamb chops with wild lingonberry sauce and butter-sautéed lobster. Sitting under the warm panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoying piping hot lamb chops while gazing up at the polar starry sky, and if you are lucky, watching the green aurora dancing through the glass, it is an ultimate sensory enjoyment of warmth and luxury.
Tonight it is recommended to stay in a design cabin in the southern wilderness, enjoying the ultimate tranquility surrounded by nature.
Hotel Rangá
A wooden cabin located deep in nature, excellent for aurora viewing. Equipped with an outdoor geothermal hot tub, you can soak in the hot spring while looking up at the polar starry sky.
360 Hotel Boutique and Spa
A minimalist concrete-style hot spring hotel situated on a hill. It features panoramic glass windows offering a 360-degree unobstructed view of the southern plains, and has a pure geothermal spa for guests.
Arhus Cottage and Camping
Arhus Cottage and Camping is located 34 km from Seljalandsfoss, featuring a garden and BBQ facilities. The cozy wooden kitchen and floor-to-ceiling glass doors allow you to see the vast volcanic horizon of southern Iceland, chilly yet cozy.
Day 3
Wading Through Secret Canyon Waterfall & Spectacular Dyrhólaey Black Sand Beach View
After checking out, store luggage in the trunk of the rental car. Today we take a slow tour along the southern coast and stay in the town of Vík tonight.
Rental Car Trunk
Gljúfrabúi Secret Waterfall
Bypassing the tourist crowds of Seljalandsfoss, this is a secret waterfall hidden deep inside a massive rock crevice. Wade into the dim stone cave where the huge stream of water pours down from overhead, roaring like thunder, and the water spray refracts rainbows in the sunlight, giving an epic sci-fi shock of the earth's voice!
Drive about 45 minutes to Dyrhólaey promontory to look out over the spectacular black sand beach and coastline.
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Dyrhólaey Cape & Black Sand Beach View
Escape the bustle of Vík's main beach and climb to the top of Dyrhólaey cliff. From this height, you can see the endless black sand beach stretching in the wild wind, with the roaring North Atlantic white waves crashing against the black reefs and sea caves, reflecting a desolate and wild polar aesthetic! Please view from the safe platform and do not venture down to the closed, dangerous beach.
Drive about 24 minutes to Reynisfjara next to the black sand beach for a special lunch at the foot of the basalt column mountain.
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Black Beach Restaurant (Svarta Fjaran)
Recommended by Jón! This is a landmark restaurant nestled at the foot of the massive black basalt cliffs on Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. It features garlic butter pan-seared scallops and rich Atlantic cream lobster soup with hot rye bread. After walking on the windy black sand beach, stepping into this high-ceilinged glass window restaurant to drink a piping hot bowl of lobster soup while looking at the stormy black dunes outside makes your sense of happiness instantly burst.
In the afternoon, drive 15 minutes to the center of Vík, and head to the old stone house in the evening for a traditional lamb soup.
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The Soup Company
Highly recommended by Jón! This is a very famous soup restaurant in the town of Vík. It features the classic Icelandic traditional lamb stew (Kjötsúpa) served in a round rye bread bowl, and the popular 'Red Hot Lava' spicy beef goulash soup inspired by volcanic eruptions. In the chilly polar climate, tearing a piece of rye bread soaked in soup and putting it in your mouth gives the most authentic warmth of the Nordic wilderness. Note: This restaurant does not accept reservations; it is recommended to queue 20-30 minutes early.
Tonight it is recommended to stay in the southern town of Vík, convenient for heading to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon early tomorrow morning.
Hotel Kría
Adopting modern Nordic minimalist industrial style, massive floor-to-ceiling windows face the black sand beach and basalt mountain view, capturing the rugged wasteland aesthetic.
Vik Apartments
A highly modern boutique self-catering apartment, equipped with high-quality minimalist kitchenware. The door opens directly to Vík Church and the black sand beach coast, offering great freedom.
The Barn - Private Room
A design barn hostel highly recommended by international self-drive travelers. The double private suites feature a dark volcanic rock style, and the lounge has a cozy fireplace, perfect for hipster exchange.
Day 4
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Crystal Ice Cave & Dreamy Glacier Lagoon
After checking out, lock large luggage in the rental car. Today we drive east to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, the ice cave, and the glacier lagoon, staying in an eastern fishing village tonight.
Rental Car Trunk
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in the early morning without a soul is nature's perfect deconstructive geometric canvas! The towering green moss canyons on both sides are carved open by blue streams. Walking on the misty cliff path for stretching and meditation feels like stepping into an alien world—ultimate shock!
Drive 80 minutes to Vatnajökull Glacier to meet your professional guide and prepare to explore the crystal ice cave.
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Skaftafell Crystal Blue Ice Cave
This is not an ordinary ice cave, but a crystal palace deep inside the ancient Vatnajökull Glacier! Led by a professional guide, step into an all-transparent, deep blue world of ice and snow. The massive wave-shaped ice walls refract the weak polar daylight into a breathtaking sapphire blue—simply ultimate shock!
After the ice cave adventure, drive 45 minutes to the glacier lagoon side to enjoy afternoon tea at a scenic food truck.
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Jökulsárlón Food Trucks
Highly recommended by Jón! In the parking lot next to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon visitor center, several super-popular polar food trucks gather. The most famous include 'Heimahumar (Local Lobster)' truck, featuring hot, delicious Icelandic lobster soup and pan-seared lobster hot dog with special dill butter sauce, and a truck specializing in fresh, crispy-fried Atlantic cod and chips. After watching the pale blue floating ice by the chilly lagoon, holding a hot fried fish or lobster soup and tasting it while exhaling white steam is an irreplaceable warm experience in the polar ice field.
In the afternoon, drive along the eastern Route 1, arriving at the eastern fishing village by evening for local Nordic cuisine.
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Pakkhús Restaurant
Highly recommended by Jón! This is a legendary restaurant housed in a century-old harbor warehouse red pine building next to Höfn harbor. It features premium pan-seared lobster (Langoustine) caught in the southeastern waters, and wild reindeer steak with wild blueberry juniper berry sauce. The interior preserves ancient thick red pine structures and dim iron kerosene lamps. Eating delicious lobster while facing the shimmering fjord is the most soulful taste feast in eastern Iceland.
Tonight it is recommended to stay around Höfn in the Eastern Fjords, living close to the sea.
Fosshotel Vatnajökull
Equipped with huge viewing windows, it brings the views of Vatnajökull Glacier and mountain reflections right inside, fully capturing the rugged Nordic warmth.
Hotel Höfn
A classic wooden hotel next to Höfn harbor. The decor features elegant old-school maritime minimalist style, and you can enjoy premium Icelandic lobster dinner directly at the on-site restaurant.
Milk Factory
A fresh design hotel converted from an old milk processing factory. The rooms are largely white and bright, directly facing the glacier mountains, with free organic rye bread breakfast.
Day 5
Crossing the Highland Wilderness to Mývatn Geothermal Area & Volcanic Landscapes
After checking out, store luggage in the rental car. Today we cross the eastern highlands to the northern Mývatn volcanic area, staying in Akureyri tonight.
Rental Car Trunk
Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
This is the most jaw-dropping alien lava landscape in northern Iceland! Giant black lava pillars, arches, and caves formed by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago gather beside Lake Mývatn. In Nordic mythology, it is said to be the home of trolls and elves. Walking among the bizarre rock formations, every turn is a new geological wonder, like stepping on another planet—extremely desolate and unique!
Mývatn Nature Baths
Known as the 'Blue Lagoon of the North', but quieter, more authentic, and more primitive! Emerald blue geothermal water quietly raises steam in the wilderness, with dark gray volcanic hills in the distance. Soaking in the mineral-rich geothermal water, gazing at the panoramic view, and breathing the cool northern air is the most perfect soul-warming moment.
Goðafoss Waterfall Tour
Known as the 'Waterfall of the Gods', Goðafoss is northern Iceland's most magnificent semi-circular horseshoe waterfall! The massive stream of water crashes down through basalt walls, kicking up huge sprays. Standing on the grand rock platform, you can feel the pure and sacred majesty of nature!
In the evening, drive 35 minutes to northern Iceland's largest port city, Akureyri, for a refined Nordic creative dinner.
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Rub 23
Highly recommended by Jón! This is a boutique creative Nordic seafood restaurant popular with Akureyri artists and designers. The design features warm dark solid wood and modern concrete with minimalist aesthetics. Signature dishes include slow-cooked Atlantic salmon, creative arctic char nigiri sushi, and wild mushroom risotto. Listening to Nordic folk music while enjoying tender fish fillets is the ultimate cozy healing after crossing the highlands.
For tonight and tomorrow, it is recommended to stay in a design hotel in the old district of Akureyri, the largest city in the north.
Hotel Kea by Keahotels
Located next to the iconic Akureyrarkirkja (Akureyri Church). Blending marble and dark wood, it offers minimalist beauty and extremely comfortable beds—a perfect energy replenishment stop.
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri
A boutique hotel blending modern bohemian and minimalist styles. The courtyard features an outdoor fire pit, perfect for gathering with other travelers under the northern sky.
Akureyri Backpackers - Private Room
A super-popular design hostel located in the heart of the old street, with private suites blending wood and industrial steel. The first floor hosts one of the coolest craft beer bars in town, offering a great atmosphere.
Day 6
Akureyri Hipster Slow Living & Northern Fjords Exploration
Continue staying at the Akureyri boutique hotel. Today we travel light in the north and chase the aurora without moving luggage.
Cafe Berlin Akureyri
Jón's private pocket list! This is a cozy hand-crafted brunch cafe full of artistic vibes hidden in a corner of Akureyri old street. Featuring smoked salmon avocado poached egg sourdough bread, homemade cinnamon rolls, and pour-over craft coffee. Surrounded by green plants, a long solid wood table, and a second-hand vinyl record player playing warm Nordic folk, eating crispy sourdough bread and enjoying the most relaxing and quiet morning light in northern Iceland.
Drive about 10 minutes to Forest Lagoon on the opposite bank of Akureyri for a luxury geothermal hot spring bath.
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Forest Lagoon
This is a luxury geothermal hot spring pool hidden on the opposite bank of Akureyri, surrounded by volcanic rocks and dense forests! The pool faces the glowing fjord view. Soaking in the steaming hot spring while enjoying snow-capped peaks and sunset is extremely warm and stress-relieving!
After relaxing, drive about 5 minutes to the old stone house by the fjord, preparing to enjoy a creative halibut dinner.
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Strikið
Highly recommended by Jón! This is a beautiful rooftop view restaurant in Akureyri, featuring pan-seared Arctic char with lemongrass butter sauce and slow-roasted lamb chops. The restaurant has massive panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop terrace facing the peaceful and wide fjord. At night when lights are dim, enjoying delicate Arctic char while admiring the fjord water shimmering in faint light offers an exceptionally elegant and quiet atmosphere.
Stay at the same hotel.
Day 7
Traversing Northwestern Coast Turf Houses & Return to Reykjavík
After checking out, store luggage in the rental car. Today we set off from Akureyri, driving along the northwestern coast back to Reykjavík, visiting turf houses and canyons on the way.
Rental Car Trunk
Glaumbær Historical Turf Houses
This is Iceland's best-preserved and most representative historical turf farm! 13 turf houses built from thick turf, wood, and turf-mud are connected to each other. Walking among them feels like traveling back to 18th-century rural Iceland. The interiors preserve ancient farming tools and daily life settings, capturing the historical atmosphere of Northern Europe. There is also a cozy Áshús tearoom, perfect for stopping by for coffee and cake.
Drive west along Route 1 for about 70 minutes to Kolugljúfur Canyon and the giant waterfall hidden in the valley.
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Kolugljúfur Canyon
This is a magnificent canyon hidden in the northwestern wilderness! Cold river waters crash between layered basalt rocks, forming the wide Kolufossar waterfall. Walking on the small bridge over the canyon with the roaring sound below captures the wild beauty of nature. Perfect for a short walk and picnic lunch here.
In the afternoon, drive about 3 hours back to Reykjavík city center. Upon arrival, check in at the boutique hotel, unload luggage, and rest briefly. At 20:30, walk to Messinn for a classic cast-iron pan seafood dinner.
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Messinn
Highly recommended by Jón! This is a classic cast-iron pan seafood bistro loved by Icelandic locals and gourmands. It features steaming pan-seared Atlantic sea bass, butter-caramelized honey garlic cod, and dill potato salad. Sitting next to the warm solid wood tables, eating tender pan-fried fish served directly in the skillet is the most perfect finale to the Iceland loop trip!
For the last night, it is recommended to stay at a boutique design hotel in the Reykjavík city center, reliving the ultimate luxury of the first night.
The Reykjavik EDITION
A luxury design hotel located next to the old harbor. The rooms feature massive wooden fireplaces, providing the ultimate warm comfort on polar cold nights.
Sand Hotel by Keahotels
A boutique design hotel located on the downtown shopping street, adjacent to the century-old bakery Sandholt. The decor is full of simple Nordic style, and you can enjoy freshly baked warm cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
Reykjavik Lights Hotel by Keahotels
A modern business hotel with design inspired by Icelandic natural light and the aurora. The rooms are bright and simple, fully capturing the cold Nordic geometric aesthetics, offering excellent cost-performance value.
Day 8
Plant-Based Soul Food & Volcanic Lava Landscapes Perfect Ending
After checking out, store large luggage directly in the trunk of the rental car and head to the Blue Lagoon. After enjoying the geothermal landscape meals, you can head straight to Keflavík Airport, saving backtracking time.
Rental Car Trunk
Mama Reykjavik
Reykjavík's most soulful 100% plant-based restaurant! Located on the vibrant second floor of Bankastræti shopping street (the extension of Laugavegur), full of green plants, art installations, and community warmth. Main dishes feature world-flavored 'soul foods': Indian spiced lentil soup (Dhal a la Mama), beetroot chili sin carne, hummus platter, raw cakes, and raw vegan cheesecakes. Golden turmeric latte and vegan hot cocoa are fragrant and charming—a gentle farewell nourishment for your body on the last morning.
After checking out, lock luggage in the trunk and drive about 45 minutes to Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
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Blue Lagoon
Iceland's most iconic landmark and the world-famous pale blue silica-mud geothermal spa! Immerse yourself in warm, misty mineral waters, apply a complimentary white silica-mud mask, and admire the surrounding surreal black volcanic lava terrain. With a cold sea breeze and boiling spring waters, it is the ultimate soothing baptism for both body and soul.
LAVA Restaurant
Highly recommended by Jón! This is a luxury panoramic geothermal restaurant built directly onto a volcanic lava cliff, featuring slow-roasted lamb saddle with truffle juice and Atlantic pan-seared scallops. The restaurant has massive floor-to-ceiling glass windows facing the misty Blue Lagoon. After enjoying the warm embrace of the hot spring, sitting here watching the steam rise among volcanic rocks while enjoying refined tea or delicious food is the most luxurious and elegant end to the trip.
Returning home by flight today, no accommodation needed. Wish you a pleasant journey!
Trip Essentials
Visa Policy
Taiwanese travelers enjoy visa-free entry to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Note: The EU ETIAS travel authorization is expected to launch at the end of 2026; until then, no application is required.
Entry Card
No arrival card required.
Taxes & Fees
The Icelandic government has reinstated the 'Accommodation Tax'; an environmental tourism tax of approximately 600 Icelandic Króna (ISK) per night is charged per hotel room or campervan.
Customs Cash
Carrying cash or equivalent assets valued over 10,000 EUR in total when entering or leaving Iceland must be declared to customs.
It is recommended to use 4G/5G eSIM cards from local Icelandic carriers like Síminn or Nova, which provide the best signal coverage along Route 1.
Iceland is 100% cashless; card payments or Apple Pay can solve everything including car rental, refueling, paying for toilets, or buying hot dogs. There is no need to exchange any Icelandic Króna (ISK) cash.
Iceland travel must be planned in advance; peak season car rentals and accommodations are in high demand
Car Rental (4WD Required)
Book at least two months in advance during peak season; 4WD is required for highland mountain roads in Iceland
Blue Lagoon Entry Tickets
Almost sold out year-round; be sure to book tickets online in advance, including the mud mask package
Aurora Tracking Guide
Hire a professional aurora guide to track forecasts in real time and go to the best observation spots
Golden Circle Parking Fees
Geysir and Þingvellir National Park have free admission, but only the latter requires paying for parking on site
Vatnajökull Crystal Blue Ice Cave
Limited to winter and spaces are scarce; you must book a professional guide tour online months in advance to enter
Iceland self-drive on-site survival rules to ensure a safe and smooth journey
Check Weather Anytime Veðurstofa
Iceland's weather changes instantly; check the official weather app before setting off, and driving is prohibited on red alert days
Refuel Early at Gas Stations
Gas stations are scarce and far apart in remote areas; always top up when you see one, don't wait until you run dry
Aurora Time After 22:00
The aurora is usually strongest after 22:00 in the deep night, with a high probability of visibility when the KP index is 3 or above
Daily Estimated Survival Budget
Iceland has extremely high prices; excluding accommodation, it is recommended to prepare $180 USD daily for dining and fuel
Off-Road Driving Strictly Prohibited
Icelandic laws strictly prohibit off-road driving; deviating from the road will result in heavy fines