Iceland –
Iceland – the first word that comes to mind is wow. I had arrived not knowing what to expect, hoping to see nature and the gorgeous country I had seen in photos and heard about from friends. I was not to be disappointed.
I stayed at a hostel called Loft which was right downtown, had great amenities and after research the place where I thought I could get the most bang for my buck.
On my first day I went on a Golden Circle tour. At this point in Iceland the sun rises around 10 and sets around 4/430- so while the tour started at 9 it felt like it was the middle of the night. The tour started off at a greenhouse where they grow the most delicious tomatoes. They use geothermal energy, bumble bees and an electronic system for their process and it worked.
Next up was the geysers which were very cool. By now it had started to snow and walking amongst the geysers with snow falling down, surrounded by the steam coming up from the ground below and watching the active geysers spray up water every few minutes was an almost magical experience. After this the tour went to Gulfoss waterfall. Despite the below zero temperature the water fall was flowing powerfully (both the upper and lower) and was a sight to behold as it wound its way through a rocky cavern after the drop. Last stop of this tour was Þingvellir national park which is where the euro and North American tectonic plates meet and also where they are pulling apart at a rate of 1cm per year. Here the landscape was jagged and rocky with the rocks covered in varying shades of green moss. In this national park is a lake that at first I thought was an ocean as it seemed to go on infinitely, and had waves crashing around. However, it is a lake called lake Þingvellir with a small river leading to it. This whole landscape was bordered on all sides by jagged mountains capped with snow. Upon returning to Reykjavik I enjoyed a gourmet meal of subway, because although Iceland is lovely the prices are very expensive (like 20$ for an appetizer expensive) so subway was the most nutrient filled option I could find.
The next couple days were filled with exploring Reykjavik through free walking tours, wandering aimlessly and feeling wonderful about being back in a city with both ocean and mountains (incredibly beautiful, although slightly colder than the mild temperature of the ocean and mountain combo I have been used to in Vancouver.) the harbor of the city has a glass paneled concert hall with jagged lines and reflections that is an architectural masterpiece and lies in contrast to the natural rocky shore line, crashing waves and mountains across the way.
The next day I did a tour to the southern part of Iceland. The tour started looking at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall which was on a hill falling down into a river below. It was so windy that the waterfall was blowing and spraying mist on me. It was also so windy that me (even as a tough and weather seasoned Canadian) was freezing. After this we stopped at another waterfall called Skógafoss Waterfall where I got quite warm when I walked the 400 steps to the top. The view was incredible – the waterfall fell in between snow and brown grass dotted hills and from this point I was offered views of the ocean to my left and endless rolling mountains to my right. At the top it was extremely windy so I risked life and life (well more accurately scarf and phone) to get pictures. After climbing down I walked down to the base of the waterfall which was pure ice but misty and had a rainbow reflecting off the thundering water.
This then leads me to the highlight of my time in Iceland which is climbing a glacier. Before the climb each person was harnessed up, given crampons (which I believe to potentially be the best ever invention as they allowed me to walk on ice without slipping), a helmet and an pick axe (yes I was entrusted with a pick axe, no I did not accidentally stab anyone.)
The climb began on the side of the glacier where I carefully followed the guide because if you should fall into the many, many crevices lining the glaciers surface it will not bode well for you. Finally we reached the top and I was struck by an absolutely stunning view. Mountains bordered a glacier lake and the light reflecting on the mountains, lake and the glacier gave the scene a very ethereal quality. On the climb down we crawled through an ice cave part of the glacier which was a glorious light bubbly blue and was surprisingly not cold but rather gritty and lifeless to the touch.
After the glacier the day ended with standing on a black sand beach, volcanic rock formations to my left, watching the sun set. The incredible array of orange, gold and pink in the setting sun as it disappeared and only the Ivey water was left is not something I will soon forget.
On my last day I stopped at the blue lagoon which was thoroughly relaxing and due to the minerals, steam room and showers I probably left the blue lagoon the cleanest I had been in months.
Iceland Tips:
– Rent a car! It can save you time and money (I wasn’t too confident in my winter driving – but when I go back next time in summer I will for sure!)
– If you do a glacier hike, book a guide/tour- our guide was telling us horror stories of people venturing alone and better to be safe than sorry
– Be ready to spend $$. Iceland is expensive from food to tours to beverages you will have to fork over more cash than you are used to – but the experiences are well worth it
– Stay at Loft! If you are travelling with a group see if a centrally located airbnb or hotel is cheaper – but if not go with Loft
– Be prepared for changing weather. On my first day it rained, snowed, was sunny and had a sleet wind storm all in the span of a few hours
– Go to Iceland. It’s one of the most incredible places I have visited to date and I will for sure be back.
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