Chasing Waterfalls and Wonder: Iceland Day 3

Our third day in Iceland was packed with some of the country’s most magical sights — and plenty of fun for the whole family. With Micah and Millie (ages 7 and 4) bundled up and ready for adventure, we set off early to make the most of the South Coast. We left at 7:30am and happily allowed the kids to watch a movie in the car because it was going to be a 2 hour drive and the sun would rise as we arrived to our first stop anyway.

1. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

We began our day at Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach near Vík. Even though we’d seen pictures before, we were still in awe of the beauty of the jet-black volcanic sand and the basalt columns. The kids tried to scale the towering basalt columns and collected tiny smooth stones as souvenirs. We also stepped into Hálsanefshellir Cave and enjoyed watching the sun as it crept into view (see photo above).

We kept a safe distance from the waves — that sneaker-wave warning was something I was very anxious about because my algorithm on IG must have felt that fear in my soul and took advantage, but as long as you listen to the warnings and don't follow the other tourists, you will be fine :)

Reynisfjara was one of our favorite stops of the trip so far! A definite must see.

2. Vík

After the beach, we headed into Vík, the charming little seaside town perched below those iconic cliffs. First up: The Mýrdal Church — its bright red roof standing out beautifully against the green mountain backdrop plus the view of Vík and the coastline from the hilltop was absolutely worth the small climb.

Next stop was eating Black Crust Pizza for lunch, which lived up to its dramatic name and delicious reputation. The kids loved it and we enjoyed learning that they make the crust so dark by using activated charcoal in the dough.

Our last Vík stop was the Lava Show, where real molten lava is poured right in front of you. I wasn't sure if we wanted to add the Lava Show into the trip's budget but it was both thrilling and surprisingly educational — a must-do for families. Micah and Millie were mesmerized and couldn't look away. We learned that the main volcano, Katla, erupts every 40-80 years and has not erupted since 1918, making it long overdue. They shared the town's evacuation plan of rushing to the Mýrdal Church on the highest hill in the city within 15-30 minutes. Tommy and I loved the symbolism that everyone was to meet at the church of all places in the middle of chaos and destruction, just as we run toward Christ in dark times of our own lives.

3. Skógafoss Waterfall

Leaving Vík, we made our way to one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls: Skógafoss. If you’re visiting with littles, the flat path makes it easy to walk right up to the falls. The stairs to the top looked tempting, but with tired legs and small children, we saved that for a future trip and decided to get closer to the base of the waterfall on pretty slippery rocks. I carried our crampons in a bag thinking we wouldn't need them but let's just say this stop made me thankful for waterproof boots + crampons. It allowed us to get closer to the waterfall, taking our favorite family photo of the trip, which included a faint rainbow arching across the top of the picture. And we all know what rainbows represent...God's covenant and promises.

4. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Next, we stopped at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Unlike any other, this one lets you walk behind the cascade. Unfortunately, they have it closed in the winter to avoid anyone slipping and falling so we were not able to enjoy that part of it this time around. Something to add to the itinerary when we visit again!

5. Dinner in Hvolsvöllur

Our final stop was Hvolsvöllur, where we settled in for dinner at Valhalla — a warm, Viking-themed spot that instantly won the kids over. After such a full day, cheeseburgers, fries and drinks were exactly what we needed. The kids enjoyed the ax throwing station and the Viking exhibit while we enjoyed the warmth and chance to unwind.

As we headed back for the night, we couldn’t help but feel grateful — for the landscapes that felt pulled from another planet, and for the chance to see them through the wonder of Micah and Millie’s eyes.