After a wonderful first day exploring West Iceland, we started early on our second day from Reykjavik, even though the sky was a bit gray and gloomy. Almost immediately, we ran into a small problem, one of our back tires was low on air. After almost an hour of back-and-forth calls and WhatsApp messages with the rental company at the airport, it became clear they weren’t going to replace the car and it wasn’t worth driving all the way back there. Their advice? Just fill it up at a nearby gas station. So that’s what we did: a quick check, filled the tire, grabbed some snacks and water, and finally hit the road.
With our itinerary ready, we began our Golden Circle route.
Thingvellir National Park – Where Nature Meets History
Our first stop, around 9 am, was Þingvellir or Thingvellir National Park. Walking among tectonic plates, volcanic gorges, cliffs, waterfalls, and clear streams, it is the perfect spot where Iceland’s stunning landscapes and rich history come together. Standing between continents felt surreal and set the tone for the day ahead. (More info here).
Gullfoss – Iceland’s Golden Waterfall
About an hour’s drive later, we arrived at the iconic Gullfoss waterfall around noon. The roar of the cascading water, mist hanging in the air, the vast gorge below, crisp fresh air, wildflowers, and lush green valley surrounding it …. It was absolutely breathtaking and one of the most powerful waterfalls we’ve ever seen. (More info here).
Geysir Geothermal Area – Fire and Water in Motion
After soaking in Gullfoss, we drove about 10 minutes to the completely contrasting world of the Geysir geothermal area, arriving a little after 1 pm. Hissing geysers, bubbling pools, steaming vents, the smell of sulfur in the air, it was a wild and unreal landscape. Watching Strokkur shoot water high into the sky was amazing. (More info here).
Kerið Crater – A Burst of Color
After coffee and hot chocolate, we continued our extended Golden Circle route with a 30-minute drive to Kerið Crater, arriving around 3:00 PM. The vibrant red volcanic walls, patches of bright green moss, and deep blue crater lake created a striking contrast and made this stop especially memorable. (More info here).
With the Golden Circle complete, we headed south along Route 1 toward Iceland’s iconic waterfalls.
Seljalandsfoss – Walking Behind the Falls
After just over an hour of driving, we reached Seljalandsfoss around 4:30 pm. Its tall, elegant drop, framed by green cliffs and wildflowers, was stunning, and walking behind the waterfall was a fun and unforgettable experience. No wonder it’s one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. (More info here).
Rútshellir Cave – Hidden History in Mossy Rocks
Along the way, we made a quick stop at Rútshellir Cave, a tiny, ancient looking stone house built into the base of a massive moss-covered rock formation. Everything around us was so green and quiet, and we loved how peaceful it felt. We spent a few minutes exploring and taking photos before continuing on to Skógafoss.
Skógafoss – Power and Beauty Combined
Our waterfall chasing continued with a 30 mins drive to Skógafoss, arriving around 6 PM. Even with the rain, the falls looked amazing — wide, huge, and graceful, surrounded by lush green cliffs. The mist and raindrops made everything feel even more magical as the water thundered down into the valley below. (More info here).
Sólheimajökull Glacier – Ice, Ash, and Contrast
Just 15 mins from Skógafoss, we reached Sólheimajökull Glacier around 6:30 PM. It felt like stepping into an entirely different world….towering ice, volcanic ash, black sand, yellow-green moss-covered valleys, waterfalls, and floating icebergs in lagoons. We spent about an hour taking in the dramatic scenery before leaving around 7:30 PM. (More info here).
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck – A Roadside Glimpse
Right after turning onto Route 221, spotted the famous Solheimasandur Plane Wreck. While it’s popular and featured in music videos and films like Dilwale (that’s what we remembered), we skipped the 4 miles round-trip walk, especially in the rain, and grabbed a few photos from the roadside pull-off.
Reynisfjara Beach – Black Sand and Crashing Waves
We tried to visit Dyrhólaey, but it was closed due to bird-nesting season when we arrived around 8:00 PM.
Instead, we continued to Reynisfjara Beach. Even in the rain, the black sand, towering basalt columns, and powerful Atlantic waves created an unforgettable and dramatic scene. It was a brief but unforgettable stop before we finally made our way to our stay in Vík for the night, where the views were calm, peaceful, and really refreshing. (More info here).
Mapping Our Journey: Golden Circle to Iceland’s South Coast
To give a better sense of our route, these maps shows our journey starting in Reykjavík, looping through the Golden Circle — Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, and Kerið, and continuing along the South Coast to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Reynisfjara Beach, and finally ending the day in Vík.
Conclusion: A Day of History, Waterfalls, Ice, and Black Sand
By the end of the day, our legs were tired, our cameras were full, and our hearts were even fuller. From tectonic plates and roaring waterfalls to glaciers and black-sand beaches, June 20, 2025, gave us an unforgettable glimpse into Iceland’s wild and ever-changing beauty. It was a long day with a lot to see, but starting early and traveling in summer made it completely doable. The midnight sun gave us extra daylight and the freedom to explore at a relaxed pace, even with a few hiccups along the way, making it a day we’ll never forget.
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