Hello brave souls who aren’t afraid of a little chilly weather! If you’re planning a trip to Iceland in March, you’re in for a treat – and maybe a bit of a frosty shock. March is one of the best times to visit Iceland if you want to avoid the summer crowds and witness some stunning winter landscapes. I thought this was the perfect time to explore the wild beauty of the country. So If you’re looking for a quick guide to Iceland in March. Read all about my 5 day experience!
Planning
First things first. Let me explain how I ended up booking a trip to Iceland in March. I was browsing Google flights last fall…like I frequently do…and I found a deal to Iceland for $300 direct flights during my step-daughter’s spring break. I had enough Chase UR points to cover the flights and rental car, so we booked it on a whim! I booked first, and then researched.
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In this itinerary, we’ll cover a five-day road trip that will take you to some of the most stunning sights and hidden gems in Iceland.
Day 1 – Arrive!
After landing at Keflavik International Airport, your first priority will be to pick up your rental car. You will also want to find a grocery store if you plan on stocking up on snacks or meals. Bonus and Kronan stores are well known for their discount prices. We stocked up on sandwich supplies, protein bars, protein donuts, and snacks.
There are gas stations and restaurants scattered throughout, but we wanted to have breakfast and lunch options on hand to save time. We planned to eat dinner out every night. We were pleasantly surprised by all of the protein bar options! I fell in love with the Barebells Banana Dream and ProPud Chocolate Popcorn bars. I was so disappointed to see that I couldn’t order them or find them in the US when I got home.
Reykjanes Peninsula
If you have the time and you want to check out a rugged landscape of volcanic fields, geothermal hot springs, and craggy coastline head on over to Reykjanes Peninsula. There is a gorgeous coastline with moss-covered rocks that set a gorgeous, yet moody tone. There is also a cute lighthouse there.
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head on to Hrunalaug hot spring. This natural hot pool is tucked away in a valley, surrounded by snowy mountains and steam rising from the water. Note that this spot can get crowded, so arrive early to have it all to yourself. We arrived here around midday and it was extremely crowded. It threw the ambiance off and we didn’t even change into our swimsuits. (Catch Day 3 itinerary where we made it back!)
Háifoss and Gjain valley
Unfortunately, due to a sudden blizzard warning and road closure, we weren’t able to visit Háifoss or Gjain valley. I did NOT really understand how to read the road updates very well. We ended up traveling to the roads leading to the trailheads of each of these, only to be disheartened when “Impassable” signs were posted at the roads.
But that’s the beauty of Iceland – there’s always something new to discover, even when plans change. I can NOT stress how important it is to frequently check the road statuses. (To keep from making the same mistake, read my blog about Driving in Iceland.)
Accommodations
We found accommodations in Hella on our first night at the Stracta Hotel. We stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment that offered a kitchenette and a private hot tub. The hot tub was nice for aurora watching. Sadly, we didn’t see any this night. The Stracta also offers a bistro restaurant, a free breakfast buffet, public hot tubs, dry saunas, as well as a wakeup call for northern light spotting!
Food
There was a restaurant on site in our hotel, but honestly we didn’t want to sit through a formal dinner. We grabbed some pizza at a food truck called Lava ’47. It was AMAZING. Icelanders are known for putting jam on their pizza, but we didn’t realize that we needed to ASK for the jam! Consequently, we missed out on the jam experience this night.
Day 2 – South Coast
Are you ready for a jam packed day with some seriously epic scenery? Get ready for waterfalls, a plane wreck, black sand beaches, and even a secret cave
Seljalandsfoss
After a hearty breakfast, hop in your rental car and hit the road. Our first stop is Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. What sets this one apart is the fact that you can actually walk behind the falls – just make sure you’re wearing waterproof gear, because you will get soaked. When we arrived, the aforementioned blizzard had happened the day prior. The area behind the falls was closed. This was disappointing, but probably a blessing in disguise that we didn’t start out soaking wet at 8 am. Also, side note, wear your crampons! If you want to see what else I recommend packing for an Iceland vacation in winter, read this blog.
Gljufrabui
Next up is Gljufrabui waterfall, a hidden gem that requires a bit of an adventurous spirit. To get there, you’ll need to wade through a shallow river and duck into a narrow canyon. But trust us, it’s worth it – this waterfall is straight out of a fairy tale. Since you do have to duck into a narrow canyon, not many people can fit at once. This gives a nice feeling of privacy.
Skogafoss
Continuing along the South Coast, we come to Skogafoss waterfall, a towering beauty with a powerful roar. Some of you may recognize this famous waterfall from a Game of Thrones scene between Jon and Daenerys in Season 8. Climb up the stairs…the very steep stairs…for a bird’s eye view, or get up close and personal with the mist at the base.
Kvernufoss
For a quieter experience, check out Kvernufoss waterfall. This hidden gem is tucked away behind a farm, but it’s well worth the detour. With a serene pool at the bottom and mossy cliffs on either side, this is a peaceful oasis in the midst of all the tourist crowds. I feel like Kvernufoss is extremely underrated! It is beautiful and you can also walk behind this one. The traffic is much less due to everyone flocking to it’s neighboring fall Skogafoss.
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
But wait, there’s more! If you’re up for a little adventure, drive down to the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck. This abandoned plane has become an iconic sight in Iceland, and the eerie landscape only adds to the atmosphere. The hike from the parking area to the plane is 3.8 km (2.36 miles) each direction.
You can also take this shuttle that runs every 30 minutes. You can pre-book the shuttle, or you can pay at the parking lot. We decided to pay for the shuttle because the wind was extremely brutal and the long walk would have taken hours off of our pressed schedule. If you’re looking to tour from Reykjavik, this tour includes the plane wreck as well as many of the waterfalls we visited on this day.
Dyrholaey and Loftsalahellir Cave
Next, head to Dyrholaey for sweeping views of the coastline and the chance to spot puffins. Sadly, no puffins came out to play on the day we were there. For a truly magical experience, visit the Loftsalahellir Cave. This hidden gem is accessed by a short hike and a steep climb, but the payoff is a cozy little cave with a skylight to the sky above. Brooklyn and I hiked this cave while Shane played around with the drone.
Black Sand Beach
Finally, end the day at the famous black sand beach. The contrast between the dark sand, the crashing waves, and the nearby cliffs makes for some stunning photo ops. There are two different popular access points to this famous beach.
Reynisfiara black sand beach is located in Vik i Myrdal (the southernmost village on the Iceland mainland). This is where you can get the famous Instagram worthy photos with the basalt columns. This beach is dangerous! Sudden and dramatic shifts can occur with the tides and the beach is famously known for “sneaker” waves that can wash people out to sea.
Vikurfjara black sand beach is located in the town of Vik and gives a gorgeous view of the Reynisdrangar rocks at sunset. We wandered here after our dinner in the town of Vik. The sun was setting and it was such a serene picture.
Food
We had dinner at Halldorskaffi this night. I had the Lamb sandwich, Shane had the President Burger, and Brooklyn had the pizza….wait for it…with JAM! It was all amazing, but that pizza with the jam…it SLAPPED. I’m not even sure if that term is still relevant, but don’t sleep on the pizza/jam experience if you go to Iceland!
Accommodations
We stayed at Black Beach Suites in Vik on Day 2 with a sweeping view of the Reynisfiara black sand beach. The room was very modern and beautiful. There was an in-room Nespresso with pods and creamer. I would definitely stay here again. There is also a hostel located in the main building! It seemed very nice and clean!
Aurora!
I tracked the northern lights during our trip via several Facebook pages and an app called Hello Aurora. The app was invaluable! It gives you alerts (moments) from other users that have uploaded pictures with locations for real time aurora sightings.
We were getting notifications this evening that the aurora was showing about an hour away. We decided to hop in the car and drive out looking since this was the night with the highest projected chance for us to witness the lights. The rest of our trip was projected to be too cloudy. We made it 5 minutes from the room and saw the Northern lights for the first time! We only managed to get this crummy, window car shot because it kept appearing and disappearing.
Day 3 – PIVOT
Unfortunately, we had to cancel our eastern road trip to Hofn due to a blizzard and severe gale warning. We had big plans of doing a glacier hike in Skaftafell national park, visiting Fjallsarlon and Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoons, Diamond beach, Stokkens, Mulagljufur Canyon, and Fjadrargljufur Canyon. Sadly, all of that was cancelled. The glacier hike was what I was most excited for about this trip. At the last minute, the night prior, I booked a Katla Ice Cave hike to start off day 3.
Katla Ice Cave Hike
First up, we have the Katla ice cave hike. Now, if you’re not a fan of cold weather, this might not be the hike for you. But if you’re willing to brave the chilly temperatures, the stunning views inside the ice cave are absolutely worth it. This tour was almost cancelled due to the severe winds, but thankfully our tour guides decided to drive us to the site (45 min) and reevaluate.
Katla is a large volcano in Iceland that hasn’t erupted in 105 years, but is still considered to be extremely active. Cool fact…Rogue One’s opening scene was filmed here!
We hiked an ice cave located near Katla in the Kotlujokull glacier. Ice caves change every year after glacier melt and are never the same or sometimes disappear altogether! It is also important to note that you MUST stay on the footsteps/path in the ice cave/glacier area. Our tour guide told us that sometimes there are holes up to 9 feet deep and you can’t see them due to snowfall. Shane and I noticed Brooklyn wasn’t walking on the footstep path. She was walking right beside the steps. We reminded her twice to stay on the path. The next step she took, she fell in to her hip! I am not exaggerating when I say, “the next step.” It was a true moment of a teenage-parent “I told you so” moment. Thankfully, Shane was able to easily pull her out and she stuck to the path for the remainder of the tour.
Lunch
After working up an appetite on the hike, it’s time for a true Icelandic delicacy: gas station hot dogs. Yes, you read that right. Iceland is famous for its gas station hot dogs, and for good reason. They’re delicious, cheap, and perfect for a quick snack on the go. Just don’t forget to load up on all the toppings – ketchup, mustard, fried onions, the works.
Yoda Cave
Next on the itinerary is the Yoda Cave. Yes, you read that right, again. This cave gets its name from its uncanny resemblance to everyone’s favorite Jedi master. The wind was terrible on Day 3 and my husband was a little nervous about driving so far out toward the beach with the wind gusting. We had the pleasure of enjoying the cave to ourselves! The wind apparently scared everyone else away. While we were driving back to the main road, we did witness one of the infamous sand storms in the distance. Thankfully, we did not get caught in it.
Accommodations
The weather was quite sketchy for us this day. The gusts were causing some roads to be completely snow covered and others to be completely clear. We decided to check into our room and take a nap before dinner. We stayed at Heima Holiday Homes. These were tiny little homes located near a family home. They were extremely quaint and nice. We wanted to stay in Selfoss and have easy access to the Golden Circle the following day.
Dinner
We had dinner at the Ingolfsskali Viking Restaurant. This place is a must-visit for anyone who loves history, good food, and the occasional mead-induced Viking chant. The menu features classic Icelandic dishes such as fermented shark and mead! They also offer chicken tenders for the non-adventurous children. I tried the mead, but I was not brave enough to try the shark. I had the pan-seared cod, and Shane had the lamb. It was all amazing! We also tried the lava cake and the skyr for dessert. The skyr was my favorite dessert from the entire trip!
Aurora!
When we returned to our tiny home that night, the aurora was on full display! We stood outside and then sat in the car watching for at least an hour. It was beautiful and we felt so fortunate that we were able to see it on a night with little predicted chance.
Day 4 – Golden Circle
After our eastern Iceland plans were cancelled due to a blizzard, we decided to switch things up and do the famous Golden Circle tour. And let us tell you, it did not disappoint. I was very AGAINST doing the Golden Circle tour when I originally planned our trip. I did not want to do “what every other tourist” did. BUT, I’m thankful that we did get to experience it.
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
First on our list is something we just couldn’t resist – going back to the hot spring we discovered on day 1. But this time, we had it all to ourselves. We arrived this time around 8 am. No screaming kids, no chatty tourists, just us and the soothing warm water. It was PERFECT.
Faxafoss
Next up is Faxafoss waterfall. This waterfall is located right off the road. There is a booth where you must pay for parking on arrival. Pedestrians are also charge a fee to enter. When we arrived, it was so early that no one was in the booth. We parked along the road and walked over to take a peak. Although it was beautiful, I found it a bit underwhelming. Speaking of paid parking, many places do require that you pay to park or pay to use the bathroom! Everywhere that we visited had a QR code to scan or a card machine on site.
Gullfoss
Next, we headed to Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. And boy, it did not disappoint. The sheer power of the water rushing down the falls left us speechless, even though it was partially frozen! I would love to come back and see it in the summer surrounded by greenery. And of course, we had to spend an hour in the gift shop perusing all of the traditional touristy gifts.
Strokkur
Up next is Strokkur geyser. We were lucky enough to catch it right as it erupted, shooting water high into the air. It was like a natural fireworks show, but with water. We decided not to explore the geyser basin because we have been to Yellowstone multiple times, and we wanted to alott more time for the next stop.
Bruarfoss
After all that excitement, we were in need of a little tranquility, so we headed to Bruarfoss waterfall. This hidden gem is a bit off the beaten path, but it’s worth it for the stunning turquoise waters and serene surroundings. To reach Bruarfoss you will hike a little over 4 miles round trip. You will pass 2 other stunning waterfalls along the way. It is absolutely worth the trek.
Thingvellir National Park
Last but not least, we visited Thingvellir National Park. This park is not only stunning, but it’s also rich in history – it’s where the Icelandic parliament was founded in 930 AD. We took a leisurely stroll through the park, admiring the breathtaking views and learning about Iceland’s past. Thingvellir is one of the most sought-after sites for scuba or snorkeling due to ability to snorkel between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Sky Lagoon
After a full day of adventure, we were in need of some serious R&R, so we headed to Sky Lagoon for some hot springs and a view that cannot be beaten. The lagoon is right on the ocean, and the steam from the hot springs mixes with the sea mist, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. It was the perfect end to a perfect day. Read more about our experiences at the Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon here and which we liked better.
Accommodations and Food
We wrapped up our day by staying in Reykjavík for the night, and honestly, we were pretty sad that our Golden Circle adventure had come to an end. We grabbed food from the Sbarro downtown, because we stayed at the Sky Lagoon too late and most restaurants were closed by the time we made it back downtown. I was hangry to say the least and some instant pizza hit the spot.
We stayed at the Kvosin hotel in one of the Mr. and Mrs. Smith suites. I booked this room with IHG points for free because I wasn’t sure I would get a refund from our eastern hotel that I had to cancel. (I was refunded. Everyone in Iceland was so polite and kind!) The room was beautiful and very modern. It was also extremely convenient.
Day 5 – Last Day
It was a bittersweet one. We were excited to explore more of this beautiful country, but also sad to be saying goodbye.
First up, we needed some caffeine to fuel our adventures, so we headed to Reykjavík Roasters for some coffee to get us going!
Hallgrímskirkja
Next on our list is the famous church, Hallgrímskirkja. This towering church is an iconic part of Reykjavík’s skyline, and it’s definitely a must-visit. The architecture is stunning. We were heading to Blue Lagoon reservations (and running a little late) so we only looked from the street.
Sun Voyager
After that, we headed to Sun Voyager, one of the most popular attractions in Reykjavik.
Blue Lagoon
Our next stop was the Blue Lagoon, and let me tell you, it’s worth all the hype. The milky blue waters are like something out of a fairy tale, and the warm, mineral-rich water is like a soothing balm for your soul. You can read more about our Blue Lagoon experience here.
Wrapping It Up
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and it was time for us to head to the airport to fly back home. We may have shed a tear or two as we said goodbye to this incredible country, but we’ll always have the memories (and the Instagram photos) to look back on.
Thanks for joining us on this adventure! I hope we’ve inspired you to pack your bags and explore this beautiful country for yourself. Until next time, keep adventuring and don’t forget to take lots of photos (for the ‘gram, of course). Oh, and when life gives you blizzards, make ice caves. Save travels!
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