Iceland Day Trip Itinerary: Epic Stops — A Soul-Stirring Photo/Art Journey
Day 1: Keflavík → Reykjanes Coast → Seljalandsfoss → Vík (Reynisfjara) → Hotel Lambafell
Stop 1: Reykjanes Peninsula Coast (near Reykjanes Lighthouse)
Icelandair has this wonderfully sneaky “free layover” deal on flights to Europe. Free in the same way a “free puppy” is free—because Iceland is not exactly known for its bargain bins.
On our way to Ireland, Stacy and I stopped in Iceland to cash in on that “free” stopover. We stayed four nights, and my primary mission was simple: see the Northern Lights. Last time I came to Iceland (June, with the ex and the boys), the sun basically refused to clock out—no darkness, no stars, and definitely no aurora. This time, I came prepared… emotionally, physically, and with tons of space on my memory cards.
After an overnight in Keflavík (late arrival), I did what all loving partners do: I dragged Stacy out of bed early so we could road-trip toward the black sand beaches near Vík—the southern star of today’s route.
Before we committed to the long drive south-east, I had to pull over by the rocky coastline near Reykjanes Lighthouse. The waves here don’t “crash”—they body-slam the black volcanic rock like they’re trying to win a title belt. I’ve been here before and already made multiple paintings from this scene. “Left an impression” doesn’t really cover it.
This painting is a watercolor batik on Japanese rice paper. The original has sold. Fine art prints available:
Original painting and fine art prints are available:
Lunch Stop: Selfoss
We refueled with lunch at a newer food hall in Selfoss—because Iceland road trips are basically a rotating schedule of: drive → stare in awe → eat something comforting → repeat.
Stop 2: Seljalandsfoss (Yes, the one you can walk behind)
Next up: Seljalandsfoss—one of the few waterfalls in Iceland where you can actually walk behind/under the falls. Translation: it’s magical… and you will get wet. Even if you think you won’t. (You will.)
The approach is part of the drama: you can see the waterfall spilling over the cliffs from kilometers away. It was breathtaking the first time I visited, and it still hits just as hard.
Also: I ran into a secretary from Artspace I used to work with. I recognized her eyes—because the rest of her body was basically wrapped like a human burrito in cold-weather gear. Small world.
I have a small watercolor I painted from this scene years ago (original sold; prints available).
Stop 3: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (Vík)
We ended the day at the dramatic black sand beach near Vík (Reynisfjara). I’ll admit: I had mild PTSD from last time, when I confidently parked in the soft black sand… and then discovered I had booked a “push-the-car-like-a-peasant” experience. I knew I would have problems getting our Kia out of the soft sand. Shout-out to several unnamed Norwegians who helped rescue us.
Good news: there’s now a cement parking lot, plus a visitor center and café—major upgrade from the “good luck out there” vibes of a few years ago.
Reynisfjara is unreal. The sneaker waves are not a joke (YouTube has plenty of “I ignored the warning signs” content), and the geometric basalt columns rising above the black sand are jaw-dropping. We never have enough time here—especially in October, when daylight is on a tighter schedule. But we left with memories… and a ridiculous number of photos.
I’ve painted this scene multiple times from my previous trip, including one version where I intentionally made it look warmer than reality (because my fingers were frozen and my spirit needed comfort).
Prints of this images are available below:
I made this scene look warmer than it originally was (the reference photograph was shot in June ’22).
I painted a new one from this trip using more opaque paint for the mist—slightly non-traditional watercolor, but it nailed the atmosphere. This was a classroom demo using only three colors. Can you guess which ones I used?
Purchase the original painting and prints here:
https://ryanfoxpainting.com/products/black-sand-beach-reynisfjara-iceland-watercolor-original
Prints and original painting available
Dinner in Vík + The “Responsible Driver” Award
We finished the evening with a great dinner in Vík and found a gluten-free pizza spot we could both enjoy. Iceland (and Europe in general) does an excellent job labeling foods—making it surprisingly easy to find gluten-free and vegan options for my sweet girlfriend, whose body would prefer gluten didn’t exist. 🙂
We stayed the night at a self-check-in hotel (the current Icelandic trend: minimal humans, maximum codes). I wanted a beer with dinner, but those winding roads near Vík at night made the decision for me. In hindsight: skipping alcohol was the correct move. That drive was exciting enough, fully sober.
Rocky coast near Vik- original painting and fine art prints available:
References:
Hotels
Hotel Lambafell– near Skogafoss north of Vik. Self-check in hotel (code was sent in advance unlike my experience with hotel in Kirkjufell)
Hotel Kria– on the East side of city
Hotel Vík í Mýrdal – Cozy Iceland Hotel on the South Coast Near Black Sand Beach
Coffee
Coffee was provided at our hotel in the morning with a decent breakfast buffet.
Unfortunately, most bakeries and coffee shops in don’t open until 8 a.m(if you are in a place with access to a coffee shop). However, since we were in Iceland in October the sunrise wasn’t too early- we slept in most mornings were up for the good light around 7am.
Most hotels have sort of a breakfast buffee where you can load up on coffee starting at 6:30.
Tours
Find things to do in – day trips (museums and public transport), and more:
https://expedia.com/affiliates/expedia-home.h5p5bhV
Travel Guides
Here is the recently published Lonely Planet Guide. This is what I used to plan the trip (in conjunction with the all-beloved internet):
Another travel guide available for :
Flights:
Most international flights fly into Keflavik, a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. You can either take a bus from the airport into the city center (easy registration on your airplane before you arrive or desk when you land).
Trains:
There are no trains in Iceland. Nor public transit (except Reykjavik and Keflavik). Instead, rent a car:
https://expedia.com/affiliates/expedia-home.h5p5bhV
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Ryan Fox Painting
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