Iceland is a land filled with beauty at all times of the year, but no matter how many photos I see of Iceland in the summer, and how easy it is to navigate the ring road, I will always prefer Iceland covered in snow. Waterfalls under a blanket of white and geysers erupting while the world around it is covered in snow, makes late autumn, winter and spring a magical time of year to visit this country.
Iceland doesn’t come out from behind her white coat for many months, so you have plenty of time to see her at her most spectacular. But what can you see during an Iceland weekend trip? Where should you stay when you need to quickly get in and out of the airport? Well, if you can take a long weekend, you can see quite a bit, and we have the perfect Club Carlson hotel in Iceland for you to book.
Things to do in Iceland on a Weekend Trip
Gullfoss. The gushing waters of Gullfoss crash down into a gorge all year long, moving the Hvítá (White) river which is fed by Iceland´s second biggest glacier, the Langjökull. Gullfoss is best known as the majestic waterfall in the Golden Circle, a tour worth taking no matter what time of year you visit Iceland with kids or without them.
Thingvellir. Parliament is generally thought of as a crumbling building where stodgy old men go to yell at each other over laws. Not in Iceland. Thingvellir is the original seat of parliament. This rocky ridge was where marriages were arranged, laws were upheld and punishments were doled out.
Geysir. Not all geysers are the same, and there is something about seeing Iceland’s Geysir erupt around a pile of snow that makes it all the more beautiful. Geysir forms a blue blister before she pops, exploding water up into the air and back down to refill. Stick around– Geysir goes off about every 5-7 minutes. It’s pretty easy to tell when she will blow next, so get your camera out and start filming!
Blue Lagoon. Yes, you need to go to the Blue Lagoon at least once. Yes, you can bring your children. The Blue Lagoon is pricey, and can feel overrated, but it is something you have to do at least once. If you are staying at a hotel close by, it is the perfect spot to get over your jet lag or prep for your flight home.
Reykjavik. Although Iceland has plenty of natural wonders and beauty to keep you out of the city, don’t forget to explore Reykjavik. This capital city is home to museums, an incredibly designed church, geothermal swimming pools, gardens, and more than half the population of the country.
Set up a home base at the Park Inn by Radisson
An Iceland weekend trip means you need to get in and out of the airport quickly, without losing tons of time in transit, but you also want to be close to the action of town. The Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavik Airport is the perfect spot to set up. Just a ten minute drive from the airport, you can be tucked in bed to recover from jet lag in no time, and ready to leave on an early morning flight back home. Rooms are small, but reflect the Icelandic design style with jewel-tone hues and plenty of light-colored wood that you will find throughout Icelandic architecture. Free Wi-Fi is included of course (like only the best hotels provide so we don’t all feel crazy when we are nickeled and dimed for one of life’s essentials).
- Family rooms: One of the Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavik Airport features is that they offer family rooms, which are two connecting rooms that can sleep four people. Extra beds for babies, toddlers and older children are available, but make sure you request them in advance.
- Junior Suites: If you are planning on a slightly longer stay, a Junior Suite at the Park Inn by Radisson is your best bet. This suite includes a dining area with refrigerator, sitting area, queen-size bed, bathrobes and a luxury shower.
Location is always key, which is why the Park Inn by Radisson is the perfect place to set up when you are in town. You are an easy walk from geothermal swimming pool, the waterfront, Reykjanes Art Museum, Reykjanes Maritime Center and Viking World. You are also an easy pick up for tour companies that can bring you out to the Blue Lagoon, Geysir, Thingvellir and Gullfoss, four of the top attractions on the island if you don’t have much time to explore on your own. This hotel is not in town, but when you need to be close to the airport, this is where you want to stay.
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