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Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice part.1

August 30, 2012

Challenge yourself and take a vacation off the beaten path and explore the home of a number of volcanic and thermally active sites…the land of fire & ice…ICELAND! Recently, I took an awe-inspiring trip to this northern European country and was inspired by nature at its finest. This is one trip where you’ll definitely want to bring your camera and a journal to capture all of what Mother Earth has in store for you. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to places like Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, but Iceland might take top prize for surprising the visitor at every turn.  The NY Times Travel section described Iceland best when it said that the landscape was like putting the American West in a blender.  From moon-like surfaces to geysers to rocky cliffs to expansive plains, Iceland literally has it all and it does not disappoint.  As Iceland isn’t your typical travel destination, I’ve made it digestible for you to plan your trip similar to mine.  Here is an 8-day itinerary to consider following:

* You can click the photos to enlarge them.

Day 1: Explore the capital city of Reykjavik and be sure to visit the top of Hallgrimskirkja Church for an amazing view overlooking the city, shop along Skolavordustigur Street for your woolen products and other Icelandic goods. Visit the Harpa concert music hall for an amazing architectural design and tour of the hall.  Walk along the waterfront and see the Sun Voyager Viking sculpture during a sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable view and walk to Grotta lighthouse for another amazing view.

Days 2-4:  Be adventurous and begin your 800-mile trek in car along Iceland’s Ring Road, which circles the entire island.  After all the driving and the amazing photos you’ll take 🙂 your fingers will get cramped, so if you can, hire a hand masseur after the trip, you’ll need it (see day 7 for details on a phenomenal spa). Go off the beaten path and stay at one of the many farm cottages along southern Iceland’s Ring Road.  For roughly $125 a night, you can have your own cabin with an amazing view at the glaciers in all its glory at Lambhus. Early to bed and early to rise will guarantee an amazing and unforgettable view.  While traveling along southern Iceland, a must see is the Glacier Lagoon. While in Eastern Iceland, take the time to explore the many fjords.  In northern Iceland, Husavik is a must for a whale-watching adventure.  My friends and I had a great experience with North Sailing and saw quite a few humpback whales on our 2.5 hour adventure. Lake Myvatn is a must, and if you have time heading back to the capital, do lunch in Iceland’s 2nd largest city of Akureyri. 
Day 5:  Explore Iceland’s Golden Circle to include Thingvellir national park, Gulfoss waterfall and the Geysir.  Another stop off the beaten path is the Kerid volcanic crater.
Day 6:  Explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which is about a 3-hour drive northwest of Reykjavik.  Be in awe of the Budir church, the cliffs along the peninsula, spectacular waterfalls and the glacier itself.

Day 7:  Your trip is coming to a close so a must is the Blue Lagoon, about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. I spent 5 hours at this geothermal spa, and the day was exactly what the doctor ordered — rest and relaxation. The Blue Lagoon is set up for total ease of tourists. The staff gives you an electronic bracelet, which allows you to charge drinks and food so you don’t have to carry cash/credit cards on you. When you are ready to leave for the day, just have the cashier swipe your bracelet, look at all the charges, and then pay with your Visa or Mastercard. VERY EASY!
The Blue Lagoon water has an average temp of roughly 98 degrees. It was a really cool experience just wading in such warm water. I had never experienced such a thing before. At the lagoon, you can even slather on silica mud for a little spa treatment.  This “tourst trap” was definitely worth it and something I’d recommend for those traveling to or through Reykjavik.

Day 8:  Back in Reykjavik explore at least one of the museums, such as the National Museum of Iceland and have an incredible chicken risotto or ling fish at Pisa. Don’t forget to capture pictures of the people and their daily lives, like the cool looking doors and flowers at every turn.

 

 

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