Welcome to Iceland, a land of breathtaking landscapes and mystical wonders! My 3 day adventure begins in the charming capital city, Reykjavik and after arriving at Keflavik International Airport, we wasted no time and heading straight to the heart of Reykjavik
Day 1: The Golden Circle - Majestic Nature at Every Turn
The first full day involved embarking on a thrilling Golden Circle tour, a must-do day trip from Reykjavik. Witness the awe-inspiring Gullfoss waterfall, where glacial water thunders down into a rugged canyon, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. This was followed by a visit the Geysir Geothermal Area, where you'll witness the Strokkur geyser shoot boiling water high into the air every few minutes. Finally, we headed to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This was a great opportunity to explore the Almannagjá fissure and immerse yourself in Iceland's geological wonders.
Finally, we joined this snowmobile tour of Langjökull glacier and spent the afternoon and evening journeying across the slopes on a revved-up snowmobile for a once in a lifetime adrenaline-pumping experience. As you travel high up in to the mountain, you are surrounded by amazing snowy countryside, which is a great characteristic of the rich and diverse Icelandic terrain during November.
Once you've reached the base camp, we were suited up for the tour with a helmet, gloves and hood, and received a lesson on how to operate the snowmobiles best. Then, you're off to explore the incredible wintry landscape in front of you, at a speed you're comfortable with. Your journey will take you across the snowy white expanse of the glacier where you can take in views of the pristine mountains all around you.
The snowmobile will leave tracks crisscrossing the powdery snow as you zoom across the glacier, revelling in Iceland's natural world. Every part of the glacier is full of excitement, from the vertical shafts puncturing the surface, called moulins, filled with pure blue ice to the icy peaks of the surrounding mountains. It's an adventure like no other providing fascination and intrigue to all the riders.
Evening: After returning to Reykjavik, treat yourself to a dinner at a cozy restaurant, savoring traditional Icelandic dishes like Icelandic lamb or reindeer
Day 2: A Day in Paradise: Exploring Iceland's Iconic Blue Lagoon
Upon arrival, we are greeted by the lagoon's modern and well-designed facilities. After checking in, we are handed our wristbands that serve as keys to our lockers and allow us to make cashless transactions throughout the premises. Then, the moment we've been waiting for has arrived! We step into the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon, and instantly, all worries seem to drift away. The water's milky blue hue is due to the presence of silica, algae, and other minerals, which give the lagoon its iconic and surreal appearance.
The lagoon spans an expansive area, allowing visitors to find their own cozy corner to relax in. The water temperature varies in different spots, with some areas offering hotter temperatures that soothe tired muscles. We wade through the silky waters, taking in the breathtaking surroundings of lava rocks, steamy pools, and the vast Icelandic landscape beyond.
One of the highlights of the Blue Lagoon experience is treating ourselves to the famous silica mud masks. Located at designated stations around the lagoon, the silica mud is known for its nourishing properties. We apply the white paste to our faces, letting it work its magic as we soak up the minerals in the warm waters. After pampering ourselves with the mud masks, we head to the saunas and steam rooms to further unwind. The lagoon's facilities include a steam cave and Finnish saunas, providing a different kind of relaxation amidst the natural beauty.
Finally, we make our way to the in-water bar, where we enjoy refreshing drinks without ever leaving the lagoon. Sipping on a cool beverage while surrounded by the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon feels like an indulgent experience straight out of a dream. If you're planning a trip to Iceland, make sure to include a day at the Blue Lagoon in your itinerary. It's an experience like no other, and you'll leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and in awe of Iceland's remarkable natural beauty.
Top tip: Don't forget to book your tickets in advance, as this popular destination is cheaper in advance but more importantly tends to fill up quickly and can be fully booked.
Day 3: Chasing the Dancing Lights: Witness the Northern Lights by Boat
Iceland is a land of enchantment, a place where nature's wonders unfold in the most magical ways. One of the most extraordinary experiences this awe-inspiring country has to offer is witnessing the captivating Northern Lights in winter. While there are various ways to chase this elusive phenomenon, embarking on a boat journey offered us a unique and unforgettable perspective.
Before embarking on this mesmerizing quest, it's essential to check the local weather and Aurora forecast. The best time to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland is during the winter months when the nights are long, and the skies are at their darkest but they are not a guaranteed sight. Also, be sure to dress warmly in layers, as the Icelandic winter can be quite chilly, especially on the open waters.
As we step aboard the boat, a sense of anticipation fills the air. Our journey begins, and the boat glides through the tranquil waters, carrying us away from the city lights into the heart of darkness. The absence of light pollution enhances our chances of witnessing a brilliant display of the Northern Lights.
With our eyes fixed on the night sky, we eagerly scan for any sign of the Aurora Borealis. The guides onboard are seasoned experts, equipped with knowledge and experience to find the best spots for witnessing this natural spectacle. As we sail further into the darkness, the excitement grows, and we remain patient, knowing that nature's light show is entirely unpredictable.
Suddenly, there it is—a faint, green glow on the horizon. The Northern Lights begin to make their appearance, teasing us with their elusive nature. As the boat moves farther away from the shore, the lights intensify, transforming the night sky into a mesmerizing canvas of dancing colors. While words may not fully capture the grandeur of the Northern Lights, we try to immortalise the moment with our cameras. It's worth noting that photographing the lights can be challengin, but the sense of accomplishment when capturing even a fraction of their beauty is deeply rewarding.
Experiencing the Northern Lights on a boat in Iceland is an adventure like no other. The unique perspective from the water allows for an intimate connection with this celestial marvel, making it an unforgettable and soul-stirring experience. If you're planning a trip to Iceland during the winter months, don't miss the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights from the deck of a boat—it's an extraordinary journey into the heart of nature's beauty.
If you have longer in Iceland or are planning a trip in Summer, what not consider a South Coast Adventure of Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches, and Glaciers. This trip includes the spectacular Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading water curtain for a unique experience. Nearby, you'll find the equally impressive Skógafoss waterfall, plunging 60 meters into a picturesque pool.
Then Head to the otherworldly black sand beach, Reynisfjara, near the charming village of Vík. Here you can marvel at the basalt sea stacks and the roaring Atlantic waves crashing against the shore, before moving on to the Sólheimajökull glacier. Consider joining a guided glacier hike for an unforgettable experience exploring crevasses, ice formations, and stunning blue ice caves.
Final Thoughts:
Visiting Iceland in just three days may seem short, but the country's compact size allows you to experience a variety of landscapes and natural wonders. From the vibrant city life of Reykjavik to the breathtaking landscapes along the Golden Circle and the South Coast, Iceland truly feels like a magical wonderland. Whether it's the stunning waterfalls, geothermal pools, glaciers, or the relaxing and rejuvenating experience at the Blue Lagoon, Iceland is sure to leave an everlasting impression on your heart and soul. So pack your bags, embark on this enchanting journey, and get ready to fall in love with the land of fire and ice!
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