Pre-Tour
Iceland had always intrigued me and visiting this unique land of geysers, volcanoes and waterfalls was a great prelude to my expedition to Greenland. Despite its icy name, Iceland is more green than you might expect, with vast landscapes of lush valleys and volcanic terrain. With a population of 395000 compared to over 800000 sheep – it is a place where nature reigns supreme.
We landed at Keflavík International Airport after a connecting flight and what better way to start the trip than with a dip in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon. This iconic geothermal spa was the perfect remedy for travel fatigue. Little did we know how lucky we were – within a few days after our visit, a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula forced the Blue Lagoon to close which was in close proximity to the eruption. Iceland is a country of active volcanoes and the locals are always well-prepared for any natural disasters.
After our relaxing spa experience, we checked into our centrally located hotel in Reykjavik. The next day, we embarked on one of Iceland’s most popular tours: The Golden Circle. The highlight was our ride in a super jeep, a 10-seater beast with 450 horsepower, designed for the rugged off-road terrain that Iceland is known for. It was an exhilarating way to explore the Golden Circle, a must-do for any first-time visitor.
The Golden Circle tour can be done in as little as 10 hours, but we opted for a more immersive experience. As we drove along the empty roads, past stunning landscapes, we encountered Icelandic horses – unique for their five gaits. These horses are truly one-of-a-kind, as is much of the flora and fauna in Iceland, some of which dates back millions of years.
Our first stop was the Krauma Geothermal baths and the nearby Hraunfossar Waterfall. The geothermal energy that fuels these natural wonders is a reminder of Iceland’s volcanic origins. From there, we visited Thingvellir National Park – home to the world’s oldest Parliament and the famous tectonic plates that separate the Americas from Eurasia. It is also the only place in the world where you can swim between these plates. Close by is the Fontana Spa, another great spot for relaxation.
Next, we visited the Strokkur Geyser, where we were treated to the spectacle of boiling water shooting into the air. A visit to Gullfoss – Iceland’s most famous waterfall was another highlight. There are luxury properties near Gullfoss, perfect for viewing the Northern Lights in autumn, winter and early spring. Our tour ended with a visit to Fridheimar – an organic tomato farm where everything from beer to soup is made from tomatoes. It is a vegetarian’s paradise!
As our day drew to a close, we arrived at Kerið Volcanic Crater for a short hike before heading back to Reykjavik to prepare for our 13 days experiential expedition to Greenland.
Post-Tour
After returning from Greenland, we set out to explore Iceland’s stunning South Coast. This route, part of the Ring Road, includes some of Iceland’s most famous landmarks: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, Katla Ice Cave and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
The Ring Road covers approximately 1330 kilometers, making it an ideal itinerary for those who have more time to explore the country and its stunning landscapes. Unlike the Golden Circle, this route takes travelers through ocean vistas, black sand beaches, glaciers and lush green fields. The east coast of Iceland even bears a striking resemblance to the fjords of Norway.
We passed through small towns like Selfoss and made several scenic stops, including the Lava Center at Hvolsvöllur, which offers an insight into how volcanic eruptions shape Iceland’s landscape.
In the village of Vik, we visited the iconic Reynisfjara Beach, where the sand is entirely black and the nearby Dyrhólaey cliffs, home to the puffins. Iceland’s diverse landscapes have been the backdrop for many films, including Bollywood hits like “Dilwale” and blockbusters such as Star Wars, Batman Begins, Interstellar, Thor, Captain America, Fast and Furious 8 as well as web series such as Game of Thrones.
For those seeking adventure, Iceland offers incredible hiking and trekking opportunities, like the 52-kilometer trek in the green highlands.
From Vik, we made our way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, an unmissable stop on the Ring Road. Here, you can explore ice caves, like the Katla Caves, which are formed from centuries-old glaciers. Hiking here requires crampons, helmets and the guidance of a local expert, making it essential to book through a reliable travel professional.
One of the most fascinating stops on our trip was Eldhraun – a lava field created by an eruption that lasted for over 8 months from 1783 to 1784. This event had far-reaching consequences, even contributing to the famine that led to the French Revolution.
As our journey continued, we visited Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where we were treated to the rare sight of a rainbow spanning the cascading water. We also passed Mount Hekla – one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, before concluding our trip back in Reykjavik.
Iceland: A Nature Lover’s Dream
Iceland is a place like no other. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventurer, or simply seeking a unique destination, Iceland offers something for everyone. Its raw beauty, geological wonders and commitment to sustainability makes it one of the most captivating places to visit on Earth. This amazing country experiences over 100 earthquakes a day , very low on the seismic activity and visitors need not fear as the country is well connected thru its efficient mobile network and extremely high on the safety index, making it a destination of great adventure where you may encounter the unpredictable and ever changing landscape almost all year round which makes the visit all the more fascinating.
While it’s not the cheapest destination, Iceland’s unparalleled experiences offer true value for money. For a trip that blends natural beauty, adventure and relaxation, Iceland is a must-visit.
On my way to the airport I could see a volcanic eruption en route from the capital city and the sight was simply breathtaking with the lava flow even being visible as the flight took off from Keflavik International airport. The experiences do not deter tourists and Iceland on the contrary has seen unprecedented growth in the tourism sector as it is a country like no other in the world expanding horizontally and vertically year on year and every trip to Iceland in every season is more intriguing and exciting for the adventure seeker.