General Tips

Flights

We flew Icelandair and it was very easy.

Transportation

You should definitely rent a car and make sure it's 4 wheel drive.

Would be good to rent a SUV - for the terrain and getting around--depending when you go weather can change on a dime. We rented from Sixt and it was great.

Time of Year

Like you we went in March and had everything from blue skies, to rain, to 60 mile an hour winds w/rain, to snow and hail. And that could all happen before noon!

There isn't a bad time to go, a lot of people love the summer because of the warmer weather, hiking, lush green etc. However you likely won't get the Northern light in the summer, and not sure if you can do the glacier climbing in the summer.

Northern Lights

Note, even if you go during months when Northern Lights are out, you aren't guaranteed. There are tours you can take to chase the northern lights and could be worth it, but all depend on solar activity and viability lining up.

Reykjavik

Sights

Hallgrimskirkja Church - You can't miss it - giant church. Has some great views from the top!

Blue Lagoon - this is a must-go. But you have to get reservations before! Seriously - we made the mistake of not. It is super touristy now but for good reason, it is very cool - would carve out a couple hours to really enjoy it. Speaking of, there are hot springs all over the country, and you should check out some of the lesser known ones were locals go. Truly incredible, just pack your bathing suits and head there after a long day of outdoor activity etc.

Restaurants

Reykjavik Roasters - great little coffee shop - near the Church. They enjoy their coffee, so there are sure to be some other great little coffee roasters around, this was one we happened upon and really liked.

Dill Restaurant - this is supposedly one of the best restaurants in Iceland - takes after Noma in Copenhagen. Very cool inside space and our meal was very good.  They also have a sister bar that we went to. Can't remember the name of it, but it is very cool. It is right next door...or might even be attached?

Bergsson Mathus - we went here for breakfast (could also do a quick lunch here) - it was lovely and perfectly scandinavian. Great little place.

Golden Circle

You will read about it in all the guide books. It is a huge loop (probably 150 miles in total?) into middle Iceland. You go through the Þingvellir national park, then it moves on to this big geysir, and then Gullfoss waterfalls. The landscape, especially going into the national park, is unreal. You are pretty much on the set of Game of Thrones. This is very much a full day. We did it all in one day, driving through the terrain, but it is a long one - you could break it up too but it is very doable in a day and might be a waste to break up into two. We also stopped at the Fontana Wellness Spa, which was a great little hot springs and spa. After all the driving it was great and not at all touristy. Also, on your way back north, this restaurant - Tryggvaskali Restaurant - might be on the route for you all. We had a good meal here - could be for lunch too. It is oddly charming.

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