DAY 1 in Iceland! Land of fire and ice, and a place where family adventures come alive with every turn of the road. As a mom of two energetic boys, affectionately dubbed “My Sweet & Sticky” on this blog, I’m always on the lookout for trips that stir their imagination and satisfy their endless curiosity. Our first day in Iceland was a whirlwind of Viking wonders, magical caves, and scenic wonders that made our hearts sing. Here’s a detailed rundown of our itinerary for Day 1 in Iceland, designed for families who crave both history and adventure.
Touchdown at Keflavík Airport
7:05 AM: Arrival
The moment we stepped off the plane at Keflavík Airport, the crisp Icelandic air welcomed us like an invigorating embrace. While the boys were still rubbing sleep from their eyes, I felt a surge of excitement as I imagined the day ahead—a Viking Day!
Rental Car Adventure
After collecting our bags, we made a beeline to the rental car desk. Renting a car in Iceland is a must, especially with kids in tow. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, and trust me, there’s nothing like the thrill of the open road with the kiddos buckled in and the landscape unfolding before you.
The Sword Statue: A Quick Stop for Pictures?
Drive-by Marvel
As we drove away from the airport, the Sword Statue loomed into view, a reminder of Iceland’s rich history. Though we debated whether to stop, ultimately, the boys’ excitement won us over. We pulled over for a quick photo op. The statue is an awe-inspiring sight, a towering beacon that conjures images of fierce Viking warriors. The boys tried to mimic the poses of mighty Vikings, their little swords—aka twigs—raised high.
Viking World: A Buffet Breakfast Fit for Warriors
8:30 AM: Viking Feast
Our next stop was the Viking World Museum, where I had booked a private buffet breakfast before public opening hours. There’s something magical about having a museum all to yourself, and the boys were thrilled to explore while munching on pastries that were sweet and sticky, much like our family adventures. As we savored the breakfast spread, I couldn’t help but think how much travel is like parenting—messy, rewarding, and full of unexpected delights.
Giantess Cave: A Whimsical Journey
10:30 AM: Write to the Giantess
From Viking World, we embarked on a short drive to the Giantess Cave. This whimsical stop was a hit with the kids. They adored the idea of writing letters to the Giantess. The boys scribbled down their own curiosities, and we slipped our letters into her mailbox, wondering if we’d get a magical reply.
Holmsberg Lighthouse: A Beacon of History
11:45 AM: Picture-perfect Moment
Our next stop was the Holmsberg Lighthouse. Standing proudly since 1956, it’s a testament to Icelandic engineering. The boys were fascinated by the lighthouse’s history, and we took a moment to capture the stunning views. The lighthouse itself is a perfect metaphor for our journey—a guiding light amid the vast Icelandic wilderness.
Journey to Skogarholt: Our Cozy Retreat
12:15 PM: On the Road Again
With the morning adventures behind us, we set off for Skogarholt. The drive was a scenic spectacle, with the boys chattering excitedly about the day’s highlights and drifting into nap time dreams as the car hummed along.
2:00 PM: Check-In and Unwind
Arriving at Skogarholt was like arriving at a cozy retreat. We unpacked, settled in, and let the boys stretch their legs. The evening was a delightful mix of grocery shopping at BONUS in Selfoss, a simple dinner, and early bedtime—perfect for rejuvenating ourselves for the next day’s adventures.
We rented an Air BB, which doesn’t seem to be in operation anymore, unfortunately. But, the rest of our family stayed nearby in a similar cottage. It had a hottub perfect for viewing the Northern Lights!
- Big House: Villa Asgardur
- Address: Ásgardur 3, 801 Selfoss, Iceland
- Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/3fYo7w6Z4jUM8B559
Our first day in Iceland was a tapestry of experiences, woven with threads of history, nature, and a sprinkle of magic. Traveling with kids can be a sweet and sticky affair, but it’s these adventures that create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. If you’re wondering what to do on Day 1 in Iceland, let this itinerary be your guide—a day filled with Viking tales, enchanting landscapes, and family fun.
I hope this itinerary inspires your own Icelandic adventure, creating sweet and sticky memories for your family to treasure forever.
Travel to Iceland with Us! Follow along on this Kelso Family Adventure!
For those planning a similar trip, I’ve made our 7-Day Itinerary available as a Canva Template. You can edit it in Canva. It’s available in my Etsy Shop, Cotton N’ Kandi, to fit your family’s style. Traveling to Iceland with kids is a dream within reach, and I hope our story sparks your wanderlust.
Travel Itinerary | ICELAND | 7 Day Guide, PDF Template, EDIT in Canva
Find all the Much-Loved Clothing from this trip, on sale in My Poshmark Closet for all things ICELAND
Find all of my Iceland Favorites from this Trip on my Amazon List: ICELAND | Travel Essentials
[Click Here] to follow this trip from the very beginning.
Pinterest Pin Image Alt Text
Affiliate Disclaimer: My blog is heavily monetized with numerous affiliate links throughout. If you click on these links and make a purchase I earn a small commission. THANK YOU for helping me build the boys’ college savings accounts! Please feel free to visit all of our affiliates and read the entire disclosure/disclaimer HERE
Read more posts related to this one, SHARE {please}, and Leave a Reply. I LOVE Comments!
Longtail Keywords
- Family-friendly Iceland itinerary
- Iceland with kids travel guide
- Best family activities in Iceland
- Iceland Viking World experience
- Exploring Iceland’s Giantess Cave
- Iceland lighthouse photography spots
- Iceland road trip with children
- Iceland family vacation highlights
- Visiting Iceland’s Sword Statue
- Kid-friendly Iceland adventures