Icelandic Adventures

When it came to Iceland, I’d heard about the Northern lights, and even a little about the Blue Lagoon, but not really much else; I was heading off on my blind expedition without expectation, except for the promise of an adventure, and I wasn’t disappointed. We were greeted with vast, vacant lands thick with snow as far as the eye could see, countless majestic snow capped mountains on the horizon, and welcoming people with cheeky and witty personalities. Adventure and excitement radiated in the cold, crisp air.

The city of Reykjavik is more like a cosy little town than a city, with nooks and crannies filled with interesting shops, cafes and restaurants. The unique bars and laid back atmosphere means this is a place you can rock up in your walking boots and woollies and nobody would bat an eyelid. There are very few people about in the day, and those who are mooching about are tourists. The city comes to life in the evening when the plentiful, yet tiny, bars get filled to the brim with locals and tourists alike. Iceland is known for its expensive food and drink, however there are ample eateries that offer reasonable priced food and drink, and almost everywhere does ‘happy hour’ for a significant period of the day for beer or wine. A pint of beer during happy hour costs around 750 Króna (approx £4.81). 

A highlight of my trip was ‘The Golden Circle’ tour. This tour takes you on a journey around some of the most iconic attractions in Iceland. After a brief visit to Iceland’s no.1 tomato eco farm, we stopped at Geysir; an incredible spouting hot spring that blasts between 200-260 feet of water from its 60 foot wide opening. This happens every 4-5 minutes and is a truly unbelievable spectacle of Mother Nature doing her thing. We then headed to Gullfoss, one of many stunningly beautiful waterfalls that Iceland has to offer, and happens to be one of the top ten waterfalls in the world, so this is not to be missed. This striking waterfall cascades down in two dramatic stages, totalling a drop of 33 meters through rugged rocks and canyons. Witnessing the sheer grandeur and power this waterfall was somewhat overwhelming and was truly an experience I will remember forever. Lastly, we visited Thingvellir national park. This ‘otherworldly’ national park is historically, geologically and aesthetically distinctive on a huge scale. Boasting further waterfalls, lava fields, spectacular views and is rich in Icelandic history. 

The ‘Blue Lagoon’ tour was yet another amazing experience. We booked the comfort package before arrival, but with the realisation of our impending walk out into the below freezing air with our swimsuits on in just a towel, we decided to upgrade to premium for an extra £21. The premium package included a bathrobe and slippers, as well as an extra drink and upgraded face mask. With prices for an alcoholic drink from around 1600 Króna (approx £10.86), it was worth paying the extra. The water is a cosy 38C, and even hotter in some areas, and you can spend as long as you like floating around, and perhaps stopping off at the swim up bar a time or two. Transfer buses back to your hotel are available at quarter past the hour, every hour until 10.15pm. 

Iceland has much to offer the adventurous individual and with careful planning, and great use of time, there are many other popular activities and adventures on offer including; hiking, caving, jeep tours, snowmobiling, horse riding tours, river rafting, whale watching and much more. Our trip had to come to an end; however the memories created in this magical place will stay with me for a lifetime.

#Iceland #Travel #Adventure