Luxury Icelandic Winter Road Trip

Iceland has been on my bucket list for years, and I finally made it happen. The land of fire and ice, where glaciers meet volcanoes, waterfalls crash into black sand beaches, and the Northern Lights paint the sky. This blog covers my 9-day itinerary, where the goal was simple: see as much as possible with the limited winter daylight we had.

Day 1: Arrival in Iceland – The Start of Something Epic

Stepping off the plane, the crisp Icelandic air hit me. It was like a wake-up call from nature itself, letting me know that this was going to be no ordinary trip. First things first, we headed straight to Hertz to pick up our ride for the journey—a 2024 Land Rover Defender. If there was ever a perfect car for Iceland, this was it. Rugged, powerful, and built to handle anything Iceland’s unpredictable roads could throw at us. With our gear packed and the Defender ready to roll, we hit the road. We drove from the air port to the capital city of iceland  were we checked into our hotel ( Rey Apartments ) as it was late in the evening and we needed to catch up on sleep for the big day tomorrow. 

Day 2: Checking into Hotel Ranga & The First Taste of Icelandic Beauty

After a quick stay at Rey Apartments, it was time to truly begin our Icelandic adventure. Today marked our first full day on the road, and we had an ambitious plan—to drive six hours straight to Stokksnes, one of Iceland’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. With the 11:30 AM sunrise, we were able to sleep in a little before setting off.

The drive itself was nothing short of magical—long stretches of open road, towering mountains, and landscapes so surreal they looked like something out of a dream. Every turn on the winding roads revealed a new, awe-inspiring view.

Upon arriving at Stokksnes, we spent about an hour capturing photos and videos, soaking in the beauty of Vestrahorn Mountain reflecting off the black sand. Reluctantly, we hopped back into the Land Rover Defender and slowly began making our way back, knowing there were still plenty of must-see stops ahead.

On the way, we stopped at some of Iceland’s most famous locations. Diamond Beach was first, where icebergs from the nearby glacier lagoon washed ashore, shimmering like scattered jewels on the black sand. Next, we visited the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, perched high on a cliff with sweeping ocean views, followed by the dramatic Reynisfjara Beach, known for its powerful waves and towering basalt columns. With Iceland’s short winter days, time was limited at each location, but every moment felt unforgettable.

As the daylight faded, our final stop was Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. The sheer power of the cascading water was mesmerizing, even though the area was packed with visitors. After a long day of exploring, we finally made our way to Hotel Ranga, our home for the next few nights.

This top-rated luxury lodge is pure perfection—a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, with an unparalleled location for catching the Northern Lights. Hotel Ranga offers an all-inclusive experience, featuring an incredible four-course dinner and a 10/10 buffet-style breakfast that exceeded all expectations. One of its most unique features is the Northern Lights wake-up call service—so you never have to worry about missing a magical display in the sky. To top it all off, the hotel has three outdoor hot pools, which I highly recommend using while watching the auroras dance above.

After an action-packed day, there was no better way to unwind than soaking in the hot pools, looking up at the night sky, and letting it all sink in—Iceland was already proving to be everything I had imagined and more.

Hotel Ranga, Featuing my buddies @juan.cortez3 & @haydengutteridge

Day 3: Snowmobiling Over a Glacier – An Adrenaline Rush Like No Other  

Waking up at Hotel Ranga, I knew today was going to be wild. By 10 AM, I was suited up and ready to embark on an epic snowmobiling adventure across a glacier. We had booked this six-hour excursion with South Coast Adventures, and from the moment the engine roared to life, the rush of adrenaline was immediate.

Speeding across the endless white expanse, with nothing but ice and sky stretching infinitely ahead, felt surreal—like something out of a dream. It was one of those moments where you pause, take it all in, and think, Yep, this is exactly why I travel.

Every minute on the glacier was exhilarating, and our entire group never wanted it to end. As we talked with one of the guides, he mentioned that it’s possible to do multi-day snowmobile expeditions across the Icelandic Highlands—something I had never even considered before. Now? It’s officially on the bucket list. If you're visiting Iceland in winter, this is an absolute must-do—worth every single penny.

After an entire day of snowmobiling, we made our way back to Hotel Ranga, still buzzing from the adventure. We warmed up with some of the best Icelandic cuisine, letting the day’s excitement sink in. As the night fell, we found ourselves unwinding in the hotel’s outdoor hot pools, watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky—the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.

Day 4: The Golden Circle  

Today was bittersweet—we had to check out of Hotel Ranga, but excitement was high as we were heading to a new region of Iceland, the legendary Golden Circle. Our next stay? Torfhús Retreats—a place so incredible, it redefined luxury for me. 

Over the years, I’ve stayed in hundreds of hotels, but Torfhús was hands down the most incredible retreat I’ve ever experienced. We stayed in their private villa, a seamless blend of elegance and rustic charm. Inspired by Iceland’s traditional torfhús houses, this villa was a masterpiece of design, offering four spacious bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, ensuring complete comfort. The living area was expansive and inviting, featuring plush seating, a full kitchen and dining area, and Smart TVs in every room. The villa even had its own private sauna, a cold plunge pool, and a geothermally heated basalt stone pool, making it the ultimate wellness retreat. 

What truly set Torfhús apart, though, was the in-villa culinary experience. We had our own private chef and butler, ensuring that every meal was an event in itself. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with welcome champagne, and every detail was curated to perfection. The personal bar was fully stocked with soft drinks, beer, tea, coffee, and snacks, adding another layer of indulgence to the experience. It was the kind of place where time slows down, and every moment is meant to be savored. 

Nestled in Iceland’s pristine wilderness, the villa’s spa experience embraced the country’s geothermal bathing traditions. The geothermally heated basalt stone pool was warm and inviting, a testament to the Earth’s inner heat. For contrast, the cold plunge pool delivered an exhilarating shock to the system, leaving us refreshed and energized. The sauna, built into the earth itself, was the ultimate sanctuary of tranquility. Every element of this experience was designed to create a profound connection between nature and well-being. 

As much as we didn’t want to leave the villa, we knew we couldn’t visit this part of Iceland without exploring the Golden Circle—one of the country’s most iconic routes. Our first stop was Þingvellir National Park, a place where you can literally stand between two tectonic plates, marking the divide between North America and Eurasia. Standing there, surrounded by history and raw geological power, felt surreal. 

Next, we headed to Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most breathtaking sights. The sheer force of the cascading water was mesmerizing, and even from a distance, I could feel the cool mist on my face. 

Finally, we made our way to Strokkur Geyser, where the Earth seemed to come alive, shooting boiling water high into the sky every few minutes. Watching it erupt over and over again never got old. 

After a long day of exploring, returning to Torfhús Retreats felt like stepping into a dream. Sinking into the basalt stone pool, surrounded by the untouched beauty of Iceland, I couldn’t help but think—this was one of the most unforgettable stays of my life.

Day 5: Exploring Landmannalaugar – A

Walk Through Another World

Waking up at Torfhús Retreats felt like a dream, and there was no better way to start the day than plunging into the icy cold waters of our private cold plunge pool. The sharp shock of the cold was invigorating, jolting every sense awake, followed by the comforting warmth of the basalt stone pool. It was the perfect contrast—pure adrenaline and pure relaxation, side by side.

Once refreshed, we headed inside for a fantastic breakfast, where fresh Icelandic salmon took center stage. The in-villa culinary experience never disappointed, and this morning’s meal was no exception. Perfectly prepared and packed with flavor, it was exactly what we needed before heading out for the day’s adventure.

Today’s plan was something truly special—a Super Jeep tour into Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland’s most breathtaking and remote highland regions. Our guide from South Adventure picked us up in a massive modified 4x4, built for tackling Iceland’s wild landscapes. As we left the paved roads behind, the scenery shifted dramatically. The farther we ventured, the more surreal it became—black sand deserts, lava fields, and multicolored rhyolite mountainsrising from the earth like a scene from another planet.

Landmannalaugar is famous for its geothermal hot springs, rugged peaks, and endless hiking trails, making it one of the most unique places in Iceland. Along the way, we crossed rivers and deep valleys, navigating terrain that felt completely untouched. The landscape was ever-changing—one moment, we were driving across vast fields of volcanic ash, and the next, we were surrounded by lush green moss-covered lava formations.

Once we arrived, we set off on a short hike, taking in the vivid colors of the mountains, which shifted between shades of red, orange, and yellow under the daylight. The contrast of the steaming geothermal vents against the cool mountain air was mesmerizing. After our hike, we had the chance to soak in the natural hot springs, surrounded by towering peaks and rolling hills—a surreal and peaceful experience that perfectly capped off the adventure.

By the time we returned to Torfhús Retreats, we were exhausted but exhilarated, sinking back into the warmth of our villa, already reminiscing about the unreal landscapes we had explored that day. Landmannalaugar had completely exceeded our expectations—a true highlight of the trip.

Day 6: Black Sand Beaches & Roaring Waterfalls  

Every day in Iceland feels like stepping into a new world, and today was no exception. We set out to explore Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, a place that looked like something straight out of a fantasy film. The dark volcanic sand, shaped by centuries of eruptions, stretched endlessly against the crashing waves of the North Atlantic. The towering basalt columns stood like a fortress, their geometric patterns carved by nature itself. With the moody Icelandic skies overhead and the relentless sea pounding against the shore, the atmosphere was nothing short of surreal. 

From the dramatic coastline, we made our way to two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls—**Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss**. Seljalandsfoss offered a truly unique experience, as we were able to walk right behind the cascading water, feeling the mist on our faces and watching the landscape through a curtain of falling water. Skógafoss, on the other hand, was pure power—an immense, roaring waterfall that made everything else seem small in comparison. Standing at its base, surrounded by the towering cliffs, was a humbling moment. 

From black sand beaches to thunderous waterfalls, today was yet another reminder that Iceland never stops surprising you.

Day 7: Hot Springs & A Helicopter Adventure Over Iceland

Hvammsvik Hotsprings

Today, we checked out of Torfhús Retreats and made our way back to Reykjavík, but not before making a stop at Hvammsvík Hot Springs—one of the most serene and unique geothermal bathing experiences in Iceland. Nestled along the wild and rugged coastline of Hvalfjörður, Hvammsvík offers eight natural hot springs, each blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The pools are fed by a mixture of geothermal and seawater, creating a mineral-rich soak with stunning panoramic views of the fjord and mountains.

Soaking in the warm waters, surrounded by untouched Icelandic nature, was the perfect way to unwind before heading back to the capital. And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, we indulged in a 10/10 brunch at Hvammsvík’s on-site bistro, featuring locally sourced ingredients and flavors that made for one of the best meals of the trip.

Feeling completely refreshed, we continued our drive back to Reykjavík and checked into Reykjavík Lights Hotel—a stylish, modern stay that felt like the perfect home base for our last leg of the trip. But the adventure wasn’t over yet.

After settling in, we headed to the local airport for something truly special—a helicopter tour with Norðurflug Helicopters. Within minutes, we were soaring over Reykjavík, taking in breathtaking aerial views of the colorful rooftops and iconic landmarks below. From there, we ventured beyond the city, flying over the dramatic landscapes of the Icelandic Highlands, where volcanic craters, glacial rivers, and endless mountains stretched into the horizon.

The 45-minute flight felt like a surreal dream, offering a whole new perspective on the wild beauty of Iceland. If there’s one experience I’d highly recommend booking, it’s a heli tour over Iceland—seeing this country from the sky is an experience unlike any other.

As we landed back in Reykjavík, the day felt like the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, a reminder of just how diverse Iceland’s experiences can be.

Day 8: A Change of Plans & A Magical Northern Lights Experience

Originally, we had planned to head out on a whale-watching tour with Special Tours, but unfortunately, the unpredictable Icelandic weather had other plans. Due to rough seas, the sailing was canceled, leaving us with an unexpected free day in Reykjavík. Instead of dwelling on the change, we embraced the opportunity to slow down, relax, and explore the city.

We spent the day wandering through Reykjavík’s charming streets, stopping at local cafés, boutique shops, and iconic landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church. It was a refreshing contrast to our previous action-packed days, allowing us to soak in the city’s unique atmosphere and enjoy its vibrant culture.

As evening approached, we geared up for a final adventure—an unforgettable Northern Lights experience at Aurora Basecamp. Located about 30 minutes outside Reykjavík, this was the perfect spot to witness the magic of the aurora away from the city lights.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed into a cozy atmosphere where we could sip on hot chocolate and learn about the science behind the Northern Lights before heading outside. As we stepped into the cold night air, the sky suddenly came alive with swirling green and purple hues—a breathtaking natural performance that felt like the perfect grand finale to our trip.

Watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky, surrounded by the Icelandic wilderness, was nothing short of surreal. It was the kind of moment that makes you pause, appreciate the world’s beauty, and realize just how special this country truly is.

With that, our time in Iceland was coming to an end, but the memories of this trip—filled with adventure, stunning landscapes, and unexpected surprises—would last a lifetime.

Day 9:Leaving Iceland

As I boarded my flight home, I found myself replaying every moment of this trip—from the rugged volcanic landscapes to the serene hot springs, the adrenaline-fueled adventures, and the unforgettable Northern Lights shows. Iceland wasn’t just another destination; it was an experience that awakened every sense.

Each day brought something entirely new—one moment, I was racing across a glacier on a snowmobile, the next, soaking in geothermal pools under a starlit sky. The sheer diversity of landscapes and experiences made every second in Iceland feel surreal, like stepping into a different world with every turn.

This country teaches you to embrace the unpredictable—from its constantly changing weather to its untamed beauty, Iceland reminds you that the best adventures are the ones where you let go and immerse yourself completely.

Would I return? Without a doubt. There are still untouched highlands to explore, remote fjords to discover, and new adventures waiting beyond the horizon. But for now, I leave with memories that feel larger than life, a camera roll filled with unreal landscapes, and a heart that will always belong, just a little, to this incredible land of fire and ice.

If Iceland has ever been on your bucket list, let this be your sign—it’s time to book that trip. I promise, it will change you.