"You'll land in the capital, pick up your rental car (all are equipped for harsh weather conditions, but make sure to get one with GPS navigation), and begin your journey. Reykjavik is a real vibe; it feels like a mountain town mixed with a Scandinavian fishing village with a splash of Brooklyn."

"Settled by the Vikings in 870 AD, the once gable-fronted houses shifted to farm and Swiss chalet styles that still populate the city. But after a devastating fire in 1915, an Icelandic architect who had returned from Denmark had a vision for a more modern look, evident in the towering Hallgrimskirkja Church that sits in the middle of town."

"Most of the hotels have an oddly corporate vibe, but the 101 is a former art deco 1930s office building turned modern boutique spot that serves as a great home base before venturing into the countryside."

"Food is one of the city's huge draws as options span from the Michelin-star Dill to dives that are surprisingly delicious."

"Fish Market takes advantage of island geography by serving up some of the freshest sushi ever."

"Sumac Grill is a cool spot with Israeli-inspired kebabs and dips."

"Planted in a charming floral shop, CooCoo's Nest is the ultimate healthy lunch spot with coconut-sweet-potato soup and fluffy frittatas from a Northern Cal chef."

"Braud & Co is a bakery set up by a French expat that's known to have a line out the door at sunrise (the cinnamon rolls are the first to go)."

"If you want to really learn about Icelandic cuisine (traditional dishes include fermented shark and smoked sheep's head), take a cooking class with Salt, where you will make yourself an all-star meal (think morning-caught arctic char and traditional crepe-like Icelandic pancakes)."

"Street food fiends will want to test-drive the famous hot dog stand called Baejarins Beztu Pylsur that's so good, vegans have been known to take a bite."

"If you want to level up your pandemic-era streetwear, Hurra is a real find that's stocked with the coolest athleisure that isn't all over the States (we like 7 Days Active for its punchy palette)."

"Fako is a beautiful home store with herb and spice jars, candlesticks, and neutral throws."

"If you're toting the kids, Vinberio will be your bribe spot for every type of candy under the (24-hour) sun. Make sure to pick up the country's Omnom chocolate bars that are so pretty, they're gift-worthy."

"The city has lots of under-an-hour museums to explore between meals, but our favorite is the immersive Fly Over Iceland, which simulates air travel over the entire country (fun for all ages if you don't get carsick)."

"In Iceland, renting a car and doing a self-drive is both oddly relaxing and super scenic. So two hours in the Icelandic countryside, studded with wild horses and the wooliest sheep, is hardly like two hours in traffic on the turnpike. And then once you reach the South, you're officially in a magical place."

"Charming hotels are simply hard to find, but Skalakot Manor, a beautiful black modern farmhouse, checks all the boxes (wallpaper, vintage light fixtures, needlepoint!)."

"This is why you came. Put on your warmest beanie and get ready to try everything from glacier hiking to zip-lining with a surprise bungee-like finale (without the near-death part). Visit Vik, a charming fishing village with a burger joint that draws people from all over, and make sure to check out Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which you can walk behind (bring waterproof jackets!)."

"A quick ferry ride will bring you to the Westmann Islands where you can take a wild ride water safari to see puffins clinging to cliffs, elephant rock formations, and ancient caves (whales and seals are for the lucky)."

"Driving from the South to the West is the largest stretch of road—about four hours —but breaking up the drive with lunch and waterfall viewing makes it feel easy."

"French Vogue recommended Hotel Budir, a chic farmhouse hideaway complete with roaming sheep and a surrounding marsh. The fine-dining restaurant on the main floor draws people from all over the region for its world-class wine and upscale food (hotel hits are the fancy "loaded" fries and, of course, the fresh-caught fish)."

"This part of the country calls for outdoor exploration to the max. In Snaellfell Penninsula, visit the black pearl and golden sand beaches, hike up the volcano crater, and if you can handle it, go caving with Summit Group, where you will hang underground for a full hour with nothing but a flashlight, a guide, and some animal bones (kids will love this)."

"On your way back to Reykjavik, stop by the famous Blue Lagoon 45 minutes outside the city. But you heard it here: What's billed as a huge tourist destination actually feels like a high-end private spa."