The Best Decision We Made in Iceland

Sometimes taking a few steps back in life—and on vacation—leads to more fulfilling experiences and far richer memories.

There was one morning in Iceland when we decided to do something that felt almost wrong. Instead of trying to squeeze every possible attraction into another packed itinerary, we slowed down.

Up until that point, we had spent more than a week chasing many of Iceland’s most famous sights. We had stood beneath enormous waterfalls, walked black sand beaches, climbed towering cliffs, explored geothermal valleys, wandered lava fields, and driven hundreds of miles across the country. Every day seemed to begin early and end late, and while it was everything we had hoped Iceland would be, it was also beginning to take a toll.

Somewhere along the way we realized we had drifted into a “next destination” mentality. We were still amazed by what we were seeing, but we weren’t always giving ourselves enough time to fully appreciate where we already were. Long days of driving, hiking, and constantly moving had left us mentally tired, even if the scenery never stopped being spectacular.

So, on Day 8, we made a decision that felt almost irresponsible for travelers with limited time.

We canceled much of the day’s itinerary, slept until around ten o’clock, and intentionally slowed our pace. Looking back, it may have been the smartest decision we made during the entire trip.

The difference became obvious the following morning. As we drove toward Lake Mývatn, low clouds drifted across the higher elevations, the landscape felt peaceful, and our minds were finally rested. It wasn’t just that we had more energy—we were paying attention again. Instead of thinking about the next stop, we found ourselves enjoying the drive itself.

Low-hanging clouds among the mountains of Iceland

That change in mindset transformed the entire day.

Hverir became far more than another geothermal area on the map. Steam poured from the earth, bubbling mud pots churned beneath our feet, bright reds, yellows, and browns painted the ground, and the unmistakable smell of sulfur reminded us that Iceland is still very much alive beneath the surface. Standing beside vents hot enough to boil water made the landscape feel almost unreal.

A short drive later, we squeezed through the narrow opening into Grjótagjá Cave, where impossibly clear blue water rested beneath the lava rock. It was easily one of the most photogenic caves we had ever explored. Nearby, Dimmuborgir felt like wandering through another world, with strange lava formations that looked like towering castles, cathedrals, and enormous stone creatures frozen in place.

Lunch at Vogafjós Farm Resort became another reminder of why slowing down mattered. Instead of grabbing something quick and rushing off, we took our time enjoying local lamb, cheeses, burgers, and smoked meats while overlooking the farm. It became part of the experience rather than simply a break between attractions.

The afternoon ended with two remarkably different craters. Climbing Hverfjall rewarded us with sweeping panoramic views across the entire Mývatn region, while nearby Víti Crater offered a completely different perspective—a perfectly still blue lake resting inside an ancient volcanic bowl. Standing there, there was a quiet sense of contentment that we hadn’t felt for several days.

Hverfjall, Icleand

Víti Crater

None of these places were necessarily more spectacular than what we had already seen earlier in the trip. The landscapes were just as impressive. The mountains were just as beautiful. What had changed wasn’t Iceland.

It was us.

By giving ourselves permission to rest, every stop became richer. We noticed more details, stayed longer, talked more, and stopped worrying about what came next. Ironically, by trying to see less, we experienced more.

Travel has a way of teaching lessons that extend far beyond the road. Life constantly encourages us to keep moving—to accomplish more, buy more, see more, and pack every schedule as tightly as possible. Yet some of our richest experiences don’t come from doing more. They come from creating enough margin to actually appreciate what is already in front of us.

One of the best days we experienced in Iceland wasn’t memorable because we saw the most.

It was memorable because we chose intentionality over rushing, and a slower pace over a longer checklist.