*The incredible views of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon*

We had just 72 hours in Iceland—but somehow, it felt like we lived a whole adventure in that short time. From soaking in the milky blue waters of the famous Blue Lagoon to strapping on crampons for a glacier hike, every moment was packed with awe. We chased waterfalls that seemed to pour straight out of the sky, explored landscapes that looked like another planet, and ended with a thrilling zodiac boat tour through a lagoon filled with towering icebergs. Iceland was dramatic, raw, and absolutely unforgettable. Here's how we made the most of three whirlwind days in the land of fire and ice.

After months of planning and anticipation, our family of four touched down in Iceland at 6:30 AM, just five hours after departing Minneapolis, groggy-eyed but buzzing with excitement. We picked up our campervan from Iceland Campers—our cozy, mobile home for the next three days because hotel prices were insane —and hit the road in true Icelandic style.

Day 1 + First Stop: The Blue Lagoon

Just 20 minutes from the airport, the Blue Lagoon was the perfect way to ease into Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes (and shower after our flight). As we drove, the scenery shifted dramatically. Steam curled up from the ground, and the roads—some partly washed out or obscured by hardened lava—hinted at the raw power beneath the surface.

Walking toward the entrance, we were greeted by the lagoon’s ethereal waters: a creamy teal color that looked almost unreal. After changing in the locker rooms, we entered the steamy pools where relaxation took on a whole new meaning. Between the clown masks, I mean, silica face masks, warm waterfalls, and bursts of mist, we felt like we’d landed on another planet. Our welcome smoothies—green and peach-colored—added a fresh, fruity touch.

We waded and soaked until Bennett turned to us looking woozy. He’d gotten too warm and needed to cool off fast. For a tense moment, we thought that green smoothie might make a reappearance among the lava rocks—but luckily, he made a swift exit and recovered just fine.

After about an hour and a half of soaking, we took that as our cue to move on.

Exploring Reykjavik

Next up was a 40-minute drive to Reykjavik. Still running on travel adrenaline, we wandered the colorful capital on foot. We visited Hallgrímskirkja, the towering church that’s visible from nearly everywhere in the city, and strolled down Rainbow Street, which lived up to its name with bright, cheerful hues.

We wandered shops full of woolly knits, puffin souvenirs, and local treats like Braud & Co. famous cinnamon rolls —but with daylight fading (Iceland’s version of it, anyway), we decided to make our way to a campsite in Selfoss, where we parked our campervan for the night. Campgrounds in Iceland are so EASY! There is so much land, that you just show up whenever you want, and there will always be a site. No need to reserve in advance, which is convenient when you aren’t sure how far you’re wanting to travel in a day.

We ended up crashing for the night at 6:30 pm, proud we had made it through a full day of travel with only a few hours of sleep the night before. And without meltdowns (Chip’s mostly!).

Day 2: Mele Kalikimaka in Iceland?!

Sometimes the most magical travel moments happen when you’re just trying to find a bathroom. At 2:50 AM, I stumbled out of our camper and was greeted by a stunning Icelandic sunrise (or who knows, maybe it was a sunset) —soft pinks and oranges stretching across the horizon. I couldn’t believe the sky never truly darkened in Iceland (thank you, eye masks!). I jumped back into the camper and dozed for a couple more hours, but the excitement of the day ahead had already taken hold.

Chip and I found ourselves awake before the boys, which, if you know our family, is a rare event. So, in true celebratory fashion, we did what we always do on such occasions: blasted “Mele Kalikimaka” on the speaker. The boys woke up groggy and thinking it was Christmas morning—and in a way, it was. We were waking up in Iceland, with a full day of waterfalls and glaciers ahead.

A quick shower, some brown sugar oatmeal in the camper, and we were off, heading east along Highway 1 toward Vík and the South Coast of Iceland, chasing waterfalls (though it turns out, in Iceland, the waterfalls find you).

Waterfall Wonderland

We quickly learned that you don’t have to go far in Iceland to see a waterfall—they’re everywhere, pouring down mountain faces, sneaking through mossy crevices, and bursting from seemingly every cliff edge.

Our first stop was Urriðafoss, Iceland’s most voluminous waterfall. Located on the powerful Þjórsá River, it has the highest average water flow in the country. It wasn’t the tallest or flashiest, but its sheer power was awe-inspiring.

From there, we made our way to Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrafoss, which ended up being our favorite waterfall stops of the day. Seljalandsfoss is striking even from the road, but the real magic happens up close. You can walk behind the waterfall, following a path along the mossy rock walls, completely enveloped in spray and thunderous sound.

Just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, we followed a narrow trail into a mysterious crevice—little signage, no expectations. These are my favorite travel moments. As we tiptoed across stepping stones through a shallow stream, the walls around us grew higher and darker. Then suddenly, we were face to face with the stunning Gljúfrafoss, pouring into a secret mossy chamber. The boys climbed a massive boulder for a better view, while I stayed below, happily snapping photos and soaking it all in. The best part? We had it nearly to ourselves. Starting early paid off.

Glacier Adventure

Back on the road, the scenery shifted once again. We began catching glimpses of something massive and white in the distance—glaciers! 269 of them dot Iceland’s landscape (which blew our minds—we had guessed maybe 20).

*Glimpses of glaciers…so many more along the road to come!*

Fittingly, our next adventure was going to bring us up close with one: the Sólheimajökull Glacier. As we prepared for the glacier hike, that we had booked through Arctic Adventures, we realized we’d underestimated how chilly it could get. Okay, Chip was not worried. But me, the mother, was worried the boys would be whining with the cold. So, we made a quick pit stop for hats and a snazzy new winter jacket for Reid.

After, we pulled into the parking lot for Sólheimajökull feeling excited. This glacier is actually an outlet tongue of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, which itself hides one of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes: Katla—a mighty presence that last erupted in 1918. We chose this glacier hike with Arctic Adventures as opposed to others, because it was cheaper and a better stop for us along highway 1. We also read that no matter what glacier hike you pick, the size doesn’t matter once you’re hiking on it. They all feel huge! (Chip edit: “That’s what she said”).

With crampons strapped to our boots, ice picks in hand, and helmets secured, our guide took us straight onto the ice. The glacier is a surreal mix of white, blue, and ash-black layers—formed by years of volcanic eruptions and compressed snow. As we moved higher, the guide pointed out deep crevasses and the shifting surface of the glacier itself. It’s constantly moving, melting, and reshaping—a reminder that glaciers are alive in their own way.

*Once on top of the glacier, looking back towards the lagoon and length of the glacier*

*Dirt cones help insulate these pyramid ice shapes on the glacier.*

Remember all those warm clothes we bought? Well, turns out, we didn’t really need them after all. By the time we got moving, we were warm from the exercise, and the glacier's icy air actually felt refreshing (similar to Colorado weather!). Our guide shared with us that today was the most ideal weather day. Sun, hardly any clouds, warm, and no wind or rain. This apparently only happens a couple times a year on the South Coast of Iceland!

As we continued hiking, next came one of the simplest, yet most memorable moments of the entire trip: we straddled over a stream of flowing water and planked/push-up’d our way down to slurp up some fresh glacier water. It was the purest, coldest water we’ve ever tasted. No filters, no bottles—just snow that fell hundreds of years ago, now melting into a crystal-clear stream beneath our bodies. At this point, the guide challenged Chip to a one handed push-up down to the water for a refund of the trip. Which in his words “there’s no fucking way.” However, this resulted in a new challenge for him for the next six months. Text me January 1st to see if he met his goal.

Three hours had passed, and the hike was wrapping up. But not until one last look back at the mighty glacier that we learned may be completely gone within 50 years. I sure hope the scientists are wrong. We headed back to the van, we were tired in the best way—legs got a workout, minds buzzing, and hearts full.

Dyrhólaey lighthouse

After our glacier adventure, we made a stop at the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse—a spot that turned out to be one of the most breathtaking views of the trip. Perched high above the crashing Atlantic waves, the lighthouse overlooks dramatic black and green cliffs and the iconic arch-shaped rock formation jutting into the sea. Just offshore, towering sea stacks rise from the water. As if that wasn’t enough, we were lucky enough to spot tons puffins nesting and soaring along the cliff side. Their bright orange beaks and fluttery wings were such a thrill to see up close—especially knowing how rare they can be to spot. If drunk penguins could fly, this is what they would look like! In other words, cute. It was a perfect combination of rugged scenery and wildlife wonder, and we were so glad we didn’t miss it.

For the night, we made our way to the Vík campground, tucked snugly between the town and towering green cliffs. Another campground where you show up, park your van, enjoy the amenities, and here, really admire the views. The scenery around us was nothing short of spectacular. The cliffs were a vibrant shade of green, with rolling hills that seemed to go on forever. The sight of them, particularly as the sun began to dip lower in the sky (at midnight!), felt like the perfect way to end our adventurous day.

*This is the Vik Campground - Can you believe these views? Can you spot the Vík í Mýrdal Church, one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks?*

Day Three: Glaciers, Icebergs & SPARKLING diamonds

We were up late for this trip—around 8:00 a.m.—but the pace felt just right. After a quick breakfast, Reid and I wandered off from the campsite and climbed up a narrow chasm near the tent campers. At the top, we were rewarded with panoramic views stretching across the surreal landscape, including the Vik i Myrdal Church. Iceland continues to deliver those quiet, unexpected moments that make you feel small in the best possible way.

*Reid and I climbing up a steep chasm at the campground and enjoying the most magical silence and views*

We packed up and hit the road again, heading further east toward our next tour: a zodiac boat ride through an iceberg filled lagoon. The drive itself was a showstopper. We passed glacier after glacier along Highway 1—so many that we eventually lost count. Yet somehow, each one managed to look completely different from the last. Some cascaded down valleys like frozen rivers, others loomed high and jagged, glowing faintly in the morning light. They were all beautiful in their own distinct way, and the drive became one long, awe-filled silence broken only by the occasional jib speak: “Check out that drippy glacier!”

*We believe this to be Falling Glacier, or Falljokull, as taken from the van window, but who the hell knows. There are too many!*

*Another “holy shit, this glacier is awesome” along the side of the road*

THEN came the moment that truly took our breath away. As if we needed another one of those moments by this point.

*Jökulsárlón Lagoon and bridge as seen from Diamond Beach*

As we approached a narrow, one-lane bridge, the landscape suddenly opened up to the left. What we saw felt like something out of a dream: a massive glacial lake, glittering with turquoise icebergs of every imaginable shape and size. Some were towering and jagged, others smooth and rounded, all drifting gently on the surface like frozen sculptures. And beyond that—like the backdrop to some cinematic masterpiece—sat the glacier itself: Jökulsárlón. An enormous ice wall stretched across the horizon, feeding the lake with fresh shards of blue ice. It was one of the most spectacular sights we’ve ever seen.

Next up, our zodiac boat tour, with Guide to Iceland Tours, where we suited up in giant, puffy snowsuits—part Michelin Man, part astronaut—and climbed into the small but sturdy boat. The lagoon was scattered with glowing blue chunks of ice, and we floated past seals lounging lazily on their frozen thrones. Eventually, we reached the base of Jökulsárlón glacier. I asked our boat driver how often pieces calve off the glacier. “Maybe once every 60 trips,” he said.

And then it happened.

First, a small chunk cracked off and fell. Then another. And then—BOOM—a massive piece broke loose, splashing into the water with a roar. A wave began building and rushing toward us. Our driver turned the boat to face it, and we rode it out like a frozen rollercoaster. It was thrilling, humbling, and completely unforgettable. Right place, right time. If only Chip had his surfboard (and a thick-ass wetsuit).

*Stopping to say hello to the local lagoon residents*

Diamonds are forever…Or until they melt

After we docked—still riding the high of that wild moment—we wriggled out of our snowsuits and took the path from the lagoon to visit Diamond Beach. It’s where the icebergs from the lagoon are carried out to sea, then washed back up onto shore. The black sand beach is scattered with chunks of ice that glitter like diamonds—some crystal-clear, others glowing blue. The contrast of ice on jet-black volcanic sand was surreal. We wandered, took photos, held the ice, and just soaked in the strange beachscape. Yes, there were tourists by the time we arrived (afternoon) but we still found it a unique quick stop before hitting the road. And by we, I mean me and the jibs. Chip was unimpressed with the diamonds, assuring me that the same scene happens along Lake Eerie in Ohio in the winter. I’ll believe it when I see it!

Eventually, it was time to start the long drive back—five hours west. We made a pit stop in Vik to unwind at the local rec center pools and prepare grilled cheese sandwiches on our camping stove, then later, pulled into the Iceland Campers lot late and crashed for the night in the van.

The next morning came quick. At 6 a.m., the kind owner of Iceland Campers gave us a lift to the airport for our next big adventure—a 3-hour flight to Paris! But to wrap, Iceland, you are wild, dramatic, humbling, and unforgettable. What a way to spend our time in this land of fire and ice.

Until Next Time, iceland!

Our 72 hours in Iceland were nothing short of magical. Even with such a short window, we packed in glacier hikes, otherworldly hot springs, thundering waterfalls, and one of the most unforgettable boat rides of our lives. Every turn in the road along the South Coast revealed something new—an endless series of jaw-dropping landscapes that made us feel like we were traveling through a dream.

What surprised us most wasn’t just how much we saw, but how deeply we felt it all. Iceland has a way of grabbing your attention and holding it. It’s raw, untamed, and wildly beautiful—a place where nature truly takes center stage.