Wandio

Begin the day with a drive or short transfer to Mount Esja, the breath-stealing ridge that dominates Reykjavík’s northern skyline, and commit to the popular Þverfellshorn or Mógilsá routes for steep, rocky paths that reward you with sweeping views over Reykjavík, Faxaflói Bay, and the distant Snæfellsnes silhouette. The climb is an invigorating introduction to Icelandic terrain and in October you’ll feel the crisp, bracing air; wear windproof layers and sturdy boots because the path can be wet and windy, and aim for an early start to make the most of roughly 10–12 hours of daylight early in the month. As a couple, set a slow, companionable pace—pause at outcrops for photos, share small snacks, and enjoy the solitary feeling of being above the city; practical tip: catch the local bus to the trailhead if you prefer not to drive, and allow about 3–4 hours round trip for a satisfying summit loop.

After descending, move into a different kind of waterborne adventure with a guided sea-kayak in Faxaflói Bay that launches from Reykjavík’s old harbours; this is hands-on and intimate, paddling past Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture while glaciers and mountains appear on the horizon. The sea-kayak experience in October is brisk and dramatic—you’ll wear a spray jacket and a drytop provided by guides, and you’ll trade small talk for the rhythmic sound of paddles and the occasional seabird overhead, which makes the city feel raw and far away. Time your paddle for the quieter mid-afternoon when winds often shift, and consider booking a two-person kayak for a shared adventure; practical tip: operators provide all safety gear and briefings, and you should reserve in advance since group sizes are deliberately small during autumn.

Finish the day with a deeply restorative stop at Sky Lagoon, a dramatic oceanfront geothermal spa on the outskirts of greater Reykjavík where a seven-step ritual of hot pools, cooling breezes and a steam room designed for couples turns tired muscles into liquid calm. In October the outdoor hot water feels especially welcoming against the cool breeze; linger on the terrace to watch the horizon and, if the night is clear, keep an eye out for a first hint of aurora activity above the black sea line. Book the Sky Ritual or reserve a premium in-water seat for two to make the moment private and romantic, and practical tip: bring a warm robe and avoid heavy meals immediately before the soak so you can enjoy the thermal succession fully.

Drive from Reykjavík to Þingvellir National Park and spend the morning walking the Almannagjá rift where the Eurasian and North American plates diverge; the landscape feels raw and monumental in October, with low-angled light carving the fault lines and mossed lava fields. At Þingvellir, arrange a guided Silfra snorkeling trip: slipping into the glacial-fed fissure in a drysuit is a surreal, crystalline experience as you float between two continents in water so clear you can see rock details meters below. Practical tips: book Silfra with a certified guide in advance as groups are small in October, expect water temperatures near 2–4°C so a drysuit is mandatory, and bring a towel and warm layers for after the dive; this is an unforgettable technical adventure to do as a couple if you both are comfortable in cold-water immersion.

Continue to the Geysir geothermal area where intermittent Strokkur erupts every few minutes and smaller fumaroles steam around the boardwalk; stand close enough to feel the heat and spray yet follow the protective paths that keep the fragile geothermal ground intact. The atmosphere here in October is elemental and a little unpredictable—carry a windproof shell and avoid the busiest times if you want quieter photos. From Geysir it’s a short drive to Gullfoss, the two-tiered waterfall that thunders into a steep canyon; hike the platform trails to feel the spray and hear the roar up close, and if the light is right you may get rainbows hovering over the falls for a magical couples’ photo opportunity.

On the return route stop at Kerið crater lake to finish the day with a contrast of deep red volcanic rock and an eerily calm blue-green pool; the path around the rim is short and gives an intimate view of volcanic processes that shaped the island. Because daylight is shorter in October, plan Kerið for late afternoon and be mindful of sunset times—carry headlamps for evening walks and always check road conditions, as October can bring sudden rain and wind. If you prefer to cut driving time, stay overnight in Selfoss or Hella to set up an efficient southern-route start for tomorrow and increase your chance of catching aurora activity outside town after dark.

Head early to Seljalandsfoss and take the iconic path that leads behind the curtain of water, feeling the spray and the hollow bass of the falls as you move; October’s cool air turns the mist into glittering droplets on jackets and hair, creating a cinematic moment for couples who want an intimate shared thrill. Nearby, slip around a short gorge to find Gljúfrabúi, a more secluded waterfall partially hidden by a cliff—its intimate, cave-like setting is perfect for a quiet moment away from the crowds. Practical tips: waterproof footwear and rain layers are essential, and arrive early to avoid coach groups and to capture softer morning light.

A short drive brings you to Skógafoss where a grand staircase climbs the cliff for a panoramic vantage that reveals the river’s path from glacier to sea; climb together, pause on the platforms to breathe, and if you’re feeling bold, wander to the river’s edge to feel the spray and watch the frequent rainbow that forms in the plume. After the falls, continue east toward Sólheimasandur for the famous plane wreck hike: a roughly 8 km round-trip walk across black sand that ends at the haunting remains of the 1973 DC-3, all chrome against the black plain. The walk is stark and cinematic in October’s clear, cool air—bring good boots, a headlamp for safety if you’re returning near dusk, and expect strong winds on the open sand plain; it’s a solemn, romantic spot for couples who appreciate dramatic solitude.

Finish the day at Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara beach, where basalt sea stacks rise like sentinels from the surf and hexagonal columns frame the beach; Dyrhólaey’s promontory gives sweeping views of the coastline and is an ideal place for late-afternoon light. On Reynisfjara, respect the dangerous sneaker waves—stay a safe distance from the water while soaking in the basalt cliffs and dramatic ocean energy. Practical tip: combine these stops with an overnight in Vík to keep drives short and to increase your chances of seeing northern lights from a dark-sky spot outside town if conditions cooperate.

Leave Vík and head east to Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, a sinuous, mossy gorge whose wooden boardwalks let you thread close to dramatic drop-offs and secret viewpoints with a feel of fairytale scale; October’s quieter trails make it an especially atmospheric stop, with saturated greens and cool air. Walk the rim trail together and find small alcoves for private photos—because the canyon is relatively compact, you can take your time without a long detour. Practical tip: paths can be muddy after autumn rain so waterproof boots are wise, and park at the designated lot to protect fragile ground.

Continue into Skaftafell within Vatnajökull National Park and take the well-marked hike to Svartifoss, the basalt-column waterfall that inspired Icelandic architecture; the trail climbs through birch wood and exposed lava fields before rewarding you with the waterfall’s hexagonal basalt backdrop. The route is a steady couple-friendly hike and in October you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures that keep the effort pleasant; allow 2–3 hours for the round-trip and linger at the falls to watch water carve the columns.

After Svartifoss, meet a certified glacier guide at Svínafellsjökull for a guided glacier hike across blue ice, crevasse fields and moraine ridges—this is tactile adventure at its purest as you clip crampons on, listen to the ice popping, and explore features that shift across seasons. Guides provide technical gear, instruction, and safe route choices adapted to October conditions; practical tip: glacier hiking is weather dependent so keep a flexible schedule and book a morning slot for more stable conditions and softer afternoon winds. This evening, stay in the Skaftafell or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area to rest before tomorrow’s early start toward the glacier lagoons.

Set out early for Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and spend the morning among floating icebergs, watching blocks the size of houses drift out to sea; take a Zodiac or amphibious boat tour where available to skirt close to turquoise ice faces and hear the occasional thunder of a chunk calving. The lagoon is striking in October: light is often clearer, photographers will appreciate the deep blue of older ice, and there are fewer day-trip crowds than in high summer; practical tip: dress warmly, bring waterproof layers and binoculars, and book your boat excursion in advance as operators limit group sizes in autumn.

Cross the road to Breiðamerkursandur (Diamond Beach) to wander amid scattered ice fragments that glitter like gems on the black sand—this is a quiet, tactile experience where you can handle small ice pieces and watch seals bobbing offshore on calm days. Walk slowly together along the strand and enjoy the surprising colors produced by age-streaked ice and October’s soft sun. Later in the day visit the smaller Fjallsárlón lagoon for a more intimate iceberg experience if time allows; Fjallsárlón often feels more peaceful and is excellent for couples wanting solitude and close ice views.

If you’re based further east in Höfn tonight, allow time for a relaxed drive to town and sample a short shoreline walk before settling in—Höfn’s coastal panoramas of Vatnajökull from across the bay are particularly atmospheric in autumn light. Practical tip: because weather can change quickly in October, keep your schedule flexible for boat tours and consider an early booking window to avoid cancellations due to high winds; overnight in Höfn to shorten tomorrow’s drive back west.

Depart Höfn early and drive toward the south coast, breaking the journey with a couple-focused Icelandic horse riding experience near Hella where short guided rides traverse lava fields, moss and low dunes on the small, sure-footed native horses. The island horses are gentle and well-suited for riders of varied experience, and riding together across an open landscape feels quietly romantic; book a private or small-group ride for more intimacy and practical tip: rides run year-round but require warm layers in October and often include waterproof suits provided by stables.

After the ride continue toward Hveragerði and set out on the Reykjadalur (‘Steam Valley’) hike, a 3–4 km uphill trail that leads through geothermal fields to a naturally heated river where you can bathe in warm pools surrounded by steaming vents and autumn-bright vegetation. The hike is perfect for a couple seeking a rewarding natural soak—carry swimsuits and a towel in an easy-to-access dry bag and leave valuables in your car; practical tip: the trail can be muddy in October so use good boots and plan to arrive before late afternoon to ensure safe return in fading daylight. This delightful thermal end to the day complements the earlier glacier and lagoon experiences with a softer, restorative adventure.

Finish the long drive into Reykjavík in the evening and settle in for a slow night; if conditions are clear and you’re still energetic, consider a short Northern Lights minibus chase from town with a small operator—October is a good time for aurora season, and a guided mini chase increases the odds while leaving you comfortable and warm. Practical tip: aurora sightings depend on solar activity and clear skies, so maintain flexible expectations and use the evening to rest and review photos from the week’s glaciers and black sands.

Drive from Reykjavík to the Reykjanes Peninsula and visit the Bridge Between Continents, a symbolic footbridge across a rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates where you can literally step from one continental plate to another; this compact stop is quick but rich with geological meaning and makes for a memorable photo together. In October the skies are crisp and often clear between weather fronts, lending clarity to the barren lava fields that stretch around the bridge—pack a wind layer and a camera for the stark contrasts.

Continue to Gunnuhver geothermal area to walk the boardwalks above boiling mud pools and steam vents; the scale and scent of this geothermal field are visceral—earthly, sulfurous, and kinetic in a way that stays in your memory. Nearby, stop at Reykjanesviti lighthouse and the Valahnúkur cliffs for dramatic Atlantic views and blowholes during higher surf conditions—these coastal vistas are a fitting finale to a week of glaciers and black sand. Practical tip: stay behind marked barriers at cliffs and follow safety signs as autumn seas can be powerful.

Reserve the afternoon and early evening for a restorative visit to the Blue Lagoon in Grindavík; soak in its milky-blue silica-rich waters, indulge in a silica mud mask, and relax in warm pools while the low October sun slips toward the horizon. For a romantic finish, book a premium comfort package or a private spa suite for two and stagger your Blue Lagoon slot to allow a stress-free transfer to Keflavík airport if you have a flight—practical tip: book Blue Lagoon well in advance as slots are limited, and October is a popular time for visitors seeking a geothermal finale. If the sky is clear after your soak, there’s still a chance to glimpse the aurora as you leave the warm lagoon back into crisp Icelandic night air.