Iceland is a magical place.

From nearly any major airport in the United States, you can get to Reykjavik, Iceland in under seven hours. With Boston, New York, and Baltimore all acting as gateaways, for many, Iceland is the most easily accessible part of Europe from the states.

For many that live in, Iceland acts as quick gateway to Europe. The Keflavik hub provides affordable flights to nearly any country you can imagine. For instance, you could be on your way to Barcelona or Dublin for under $100. It's an incredible way to get into Europe and hop around.

Many people that visit Iceland fall in love with the magic and stillness of the city. While Iceland, of course, has increased in popularity over the past few years, the appeal of the country comes from heavily discounted airfare, budget airlines, opportunities for long layovers, and of course, all of the beautiful scenery from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Many people spend around 1-2 weeks in Iceland, and rave about the nature, food, people, and more.

However, many visit Iceland for a longer period, or transition to a life there. There's so much to see and do, it's easy to imagine having a life on this remote, cold island has to offer. Regardless of where you're from, or how long you're staying, there are a lot of ways to experience Iceland. 

The Drifty Guide To Reykjavik

Crashing in the city? Want to do more than just the touristy stuff? Reykjavik is a vibrant, artistic city with so much to see and experience. Check out our entire guide to Reykjavik, Iceland.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

guidetoakureyri

The Drifty Guide To Akureyri

Want to get out of Reykjavik? Head up to Akureyri and experience the great, white North of Iceland. Iceland's second largest city, is a must see year-round.


By Astrun Kolbeinsdottir, Akureyri Local

7 Times This Icelandic Newspaper Was Funnier Than You

The Reykjavik Grapevine is LOLz. Check out this hot take of Reykjavik's major newspaper.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

Frequently Asked Questions About Iceland

Headed to Iceland? Here are some common questions people typically have when going abroad.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

Small Towns in Iceland

If you really want to see what Iceland has to offer, check out some of the best small towns in Iceland, many which are within driving distance of the capital.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

Food in Iceland

Headed to Iceland? Expect a lot of seafood, bread, and soup. Meaty things. Everything is amazing, especially the sushi. But what you need to prepare for is the price tag. 


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

Eatin’ Lobstah Soup At Husid Cafe

In this teeny cafe in Ísafjörður, you will find great coffee and creamy, thick lobster soup.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

Hrutey Island, Blönduós

Hrutey Island is one of the most picturesque spots in Blönduós, accessible by a hanging walking bridge.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

Wander Around Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi is one of the most scenic small towns in Iceland, with views for days (and some pretty decent soup to boot.)


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

See Black Sand At Djúpalónssandur Beach

Djúpalónssandur Beach is one of the most beautiful spots in Iceland, known for it's gorgeous, rich black sand.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

harbour-hostel-stykkisholmur-iceland-25760-1378131106

Crashing At The Harbour Hostel

If you're looking to catch the morning ferry to the Westfjords, consider crashing at this clean, spiffy hostel the night before.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

SilfaIceland

Damn, It Cold.

Snorkeling at the Silfra fissure is an awesome (but cold) way to spend an afternoon out in Iceland. 


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

Ridin' Short Horses & Hanging With Of Monsters & Men

Our Editor took a tour in Southern Iceland to ride horses - and ended up with more than she bargained for.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

Soakin’ In The Myvatn Nature Baths

Yeah yeah, The Blue Lagoon is great. But Myvatn Nature Baths are a hidden treasure.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

Sippin' Tea At Stukuhusid Cafe

A quaint, cozy little cafe in Patreksfjörður, Iceland that's perfect to grab a quick espresso.... or an order of seagull.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

10 Things To Do in Blönduós, Iceland

Headed North? Here are the top things to do in Blönduós, Iceland.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

Puffin Peepin' in Látrabjarg

If you're looking for adorable little critters known as puffins, you need to pop up to the West Fjords.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

Get Vertigo on a Volcano Crater

The Saxholl crater is epic. Almost as epic as the underrated Disney classic, Mulan.

It'll make a man out of you.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

Editor Picks + Notes

Chill At Jökulsárlón Glacier Bay

An icy afternoon with clear blue water, Jökulsárlón Glacier Bay is known for it's beauty (and Justin Bieber jumping in only wearing his underwear.)

Be Campy At Goðafoss Waterfall

There are a ton of places to camp in Iceland. One of our favorite spots is near the magnificent Goðafoss waterfall.

Explore Snæfellsnes National Park and Snæfellsjökull

 

Travel Essays

The Iceland Thing [Travel Essay]

For those of you who know me, personally, or just by reading this blog, know about my obsession with Iceland. I’ve wanted to go for Iceland for a very, very long time, and I’ve certainly talked about it to family, friends, and co-workers for just about forever.

But I can’t recall ever explaining why.

This is why.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

That Time I Hitch-Hiked To Vatnajökull [Travel Essay]

I’ve been asked many times what the tattoo symbolizes. I always have the same response.

A grin, then a tale about exhaustion, two Icelandic mountain men, and a little bit of drifty magic.


By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor

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