Iceland’s untouched natural wonders—glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and colorful highlands—are the attractions. It is the “Land of Fire and Ice”. I feel there are no other places on earth that offer such a geological diversity and beauty, not even close. But Iceland’s appeal goes beyond its landscape: It also ranks as the world’s second-happiest country in the World Happiness Report 2026.
Finland has been the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year. It is a three and a half hours flight from Reykjavik, capital of Iceland, to Helsinkijcapital of Finland. It is the place to find out what makes people happy, to be inside the Arctic Circle, to visit Santa and the reindeers, and to catch a glimpse of Aurora. There are some observations about the happy nation.
Located south of Helsinki, the Baltic States, made up of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, offered cultural richness and medieval charm. The Baltic States are classified as North Europe not Eastern Europe. The pride in their hard-won independence from the Soviet Union, their wariness of Russia, and their support for Ukraine are evident in the Baltic capitals.
While every stop across Finland and the Baltic States brought something truly special to our month-long journey, Iceland’s dramatic natural wonders unquestionably stood apart as the ultimate highlight. Iceland will always hold a special place in our travel memories. This is the country that I plan to return to soon.
There are so many experiences I’d love to share, yet words and pictures alone can never fully capture them. I hope my next few posts will give you a taste of what we discovered—and perhaps inspire you to include some of them in your own journey.
Below is the month-long North Europe trip, with my favorite places in bold.
- Day 0 (Sep 1) – Arrive at Reykjavik: Pick up rental car, stock up at Costco, check in airbnb, explore the harbor front and Hallgrímskirkja area, and have dinner at Íslenski Barinn.
- Day 1 (Sep 2) – Reykjavik: Morning jog along the coastline, lunch at Hlemmur Mathöll (Food Hall), and five hours exploring geological and aurora exhibits at Perlan Museum.
- Day 2 (Sep 3) – Reykjavik Swimming: Walk around 101 Reykjavík and Old Harbor, lunch at Hlemmur Food Hall, relax at Sundhöllin pool, and shop.
- Day 3 (Sep 4) – Highlands Excursion: Full-day guided excursion to Landmannalaugar in the Highlands, hiking colorful rhyolite mountains and soaking in geothermal hot springs.
- Day 4 (Sep 5) – Cave & Lava Waterfall: Tour Víðgelmir lava cave and nearby Hraunfossar lava waterfalls; return to Reykjavík for dinner at Hlemmur Food Hall.
- Day 5 (Sep 6) – Inside the Volcano tour: Hike lava fields and descend into the Thrihnukagigur volcano magma chamber; dinner at Old Iceland Restaurant in Reykjavík.
- Day 6 (Sep 7) – Golden Circle: Tour Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Kerið crater, with lunch at Friðheimar tomato farm.
- Day 7 (Sep 8) – Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Explore Kirkjufell mountain, coastal cliffs, and crater landscapes; search for Northern Lights back in Reykjavík.
- Day 8 (Sep 9) – South Coast Waterfalls: Visit Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls and hidden canyon; stay near Eyjafjallajökull. Stay at the Garage.
- Day 9 (Sep 10) – Vík & Fimmvörðuháls: Visit Skógafoss waterfall, hike Fimmvörðuháls trail, explore Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara black sand beach, and drive toward Höfn. Stay 2 nights at Hotel Smyrlabjorg
- Day 10 (Sep 11) – South East Coast: Watch glaciers, icebergs, ocean and seals at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, visit Vestrahorn, and spot Northern Lights.
- Day 11 (Sep 12) – Vatnajökull & Skaftafell: Visit Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon and hike to Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell National Park before driving to Selfoss. Stay at the Arctic Wind near Reykjavik.
- Day 12 (Sep 13) – Blue Lagoon to Helsinki: Relax at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa before taking an afternoon flight to Helsinki, Finland.
- Day 13 (Sep 14) – Arrive Helsinki: Rest and recover in Helsinki, visit Oodi Central Library, and explore local grocery markets and neighborhood cafes.
- Day 14 (Sep 15) – Helsinki Sightseeing: Tour Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral, Rock Church, and Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, followed by dinner at Korea House.
- Day 15 (Sep 16) – Arrive Rovaniemi & Luosto: Fly to Rovaniemi, drive autumn landscapes to Luosto, stay at Santa’s Hotel Aurora, eat reindeer dinner, and enjoy private sauna.
- Day 16 (Sep 17) – Scenic Drive to Inari: Drive north through scenic autumn forests and lake views to Inari, spotting reindeers, and check into Wilderness Hotel Inari.
- Day 17 (Sep 18) – Sámi Culture in Inari: Visit Siida Sámi Museum and outdoor trail to learn about indigenous culture; catch Northern Lights through clouds.
- Day 18 (Sep 19) – Inari Relaxation: Enjoy a restful day at the resort in Inari with lakeside walks and a traditional Finnish sauna experience.
- Day 19 (Sep 20) – Fell Hiking: Explore Saariselkä fell and hike up Kiilopää fell in Urho Kekkonen National Park for tundra views.
- Day 20 (Sep 21) – Santa Claus Village: Drive to Rovaniemi, visit Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle, send postcards, return rental car, and fly to Helsinki.
- Day 21 (Sep 22) – Arrive Tallinn: Take a 2-hour ferry to Estonia, check in to Airbnb in Tallinn, explore the medieval Old Town (Vanalinn), visit Raekoja Plats, and enjoy local treats at Maiasmokk cafe.
- Day 22 (Sep 23) – Tallinn Sightseeing: Visit Fat Margaret tower, St. Mary Cathedral, and Onion Church; enjoy crispy pig leg lunch at Peppersack and coffee at Maiasmokk.
- Day 23 (Sep 24) – Kadriorg & Seaplane Museum: Explore Kadriorg Park and Palace, have lunch at Kurze, and visit the Seaplane Museum in the afternoon.
- Day 24 (Sep 25) – Bus to Riga: Take a 4-hour Lux Express bus from Tallinn to Riga, check into Airbnb, and enjoy a traditional dinner at Ala Pagras pub.
- Day 25 (Sep 26) – Riga Architecture & Market: Stroll Riga’s old town and Art Nouveau architecture, visit the Occupation Museum and Central Market, and try Latvian set lunch.
- Day 26 (Sep 27) – Riga Sunny Day: Enjoy sunny weather exploring Riga’s National Museum, Dom Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, and charcoal-grilled turbot lunch.
- Day 27 (Sep 28) – Bus to Vilnius: Take a 4-hour Lux Express bus to Vilnius, explore Pilies street, and hike up Gediminas Castle Tower for sunset.
- Day 28 (Sep 29) – Vilnius Exploration: Visit the Gate of Dawn, Vilnius University, Užupis art area, Palace of the Grand Dukes, and celebrate birthday dinner at Džiaugsmas, a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Day 29 (Sep 30) – Departure: Early morning walk to Vilnius airport for flight back via Frankfurt.
