Eating My Way Through Iceland (With a Few Waterfalls Along the Way)

Sometimes three days are all it takes for a place to completely capture your heart.

Our quick stopover in Iceland turned into something much more than a layover. From breathtaking landscapes to unforgettable meals and some of the kindest people we met along the way, this beautiful island country left me already plotting my return before we even boarded our flight home.

We packed a lot into three days, and somehow it still didn’t feel like enough.

Travel Tip: the transit in Iceland is fantastic. When we arrived at the airport we booked a Flybus. They schedule their buses to coincide with arriving aircraft’s. So, once we got our luggage we only had to wait a few minutes until we were on our way. They were so efficient and made the process so easy!

Day 1: Reykjavík, Rainbow Streets, and the Best Seafood Chowder of My Life

We started our trip exploring Reykjavík, easing into Iceland with good food and long walks through the city.

Breakfast was at Sandholt Bakery, where I had the most incredible salmon avocado toast on homemade sourdough. Fresh, simple, and perfectly done. It was the kind of breakfast that sets the tone for a whole trip.

From there we wandered down Rainbow Street, popping into shops and soaking up the colorful charm of the city. Reykjavík feels cozy but creative, with bold street art and clean Scandinavian design sitting side by side.

Lunch at Pósthús Food Hall completely stole the show. I had a bowl of seafood chowder that I’m still thinking about. Rich, creamy, loaded with fresh seafood. Easily the best I’ve ever had.

We walked over to admire the striking Harpa Concert Hall, its geometric glass façade reflecting the sky and harbor. It is even more beautiful in person.

Dinner was at ROK for Icelandic tapas and a rhubarb lemonade that I wish I could bottle and bring home. We ended the night the right way, with traditional street food from Víkinga Pylsur. A classic Icelandic hot dog is non negotiable.

Day 2: Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches, and Ice Caves

We started early with a cappuccino and a kleinur, an Icelandic donut, from BakaBaka. Soft, slightly sweet, and exactly what you want before a long adventure day.

We booked a southern coast tour through GetYourGuide with Gravel Travel, and it turned out to be the most magical day of the trip. Our first stop was Seljalandsfoss waterfall. The mist, the wind, the dramatic scenery. It felt like stepping into another world. Iceland’s weather keeps you humble, but the moodiness adds to the magic.

Next was the windswept black sand beach at Vikurfjara. The contrast of jet black sand against the crashing Atlantic waves is surreal. We had lunch nearby before heading off road toward Mýrdalsjökull, the fourth largest glacier in Iceland.

Exploring part of the Kalta ice cave was unreal. The blue ice, the textures, the sheer scale of it all. It is one thing to see glaciers in photos, and another to stand inside one.

On our way back to Reykjavík, we stopped at Skógafoss waterfall and were lucky enough to see a rainbow stretching through the mist. It felt almost staged, like Iceland wanted to give us one last perfect moment for the day.

Dinner was fresh fish and chips from Reykjavík Fish. Simple, crispy, and exactly what we needed after a long day outdoors.

Day 3: Blue Lagoon Bliss

Our final morning started with Icelandic skyr and fruit, light and refreshing before a full day of relaxation.

We took a bus to The Retreat at Blue Lagoon and spent hours soaking in the geothermal waters. The milky blue water against the dark lava rock is just as stunning as the photos suggest. After two packed days of exploring, it was the perfect way to unwind. There is something surreal about floating in warm mineral rich water while cool Icelandic air brushes against your face. Before we knew it, it was time to head to the airport and fly home with Icelandair.

Travel Tip: the Blue Lagoon offers a shuttle service to drive you to and from the retreat. You can choose from pick up and drop off locations all over Reykjavík and the Keflavik Airport. We decided to use the service to be picked up in Reykjavík and dropped off at the airport after our session. This will save you money in the long run on a taxi, plus they have free baggage storage once you arrive.

Already Planning the Return

Three days in Iceland felt like a teaser. Enough to fall in love, not enough to feel finished.

From waterfalls and glaciers to seafood chowder and rhubarb lemonade, this trip had the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. Iceland surprised me with how much we could see and do in such a short time, and how deeply it would stay with me after we left.

I already know I will be back.