This week I’ve gotten to dive back into an amazing trip we took to Iceland as I plan an itinerary for a client. It was relaxing driving around the island for a week, but its certainly for someone who wants to spend a lot of time in the car. When we road trip, usually there are lots of stops along the way. In Scotland we will castle hunt and visit magnificent castles and ruined ones exploring something every few hours. But in Iceland you may drive most of the day with the simple goal of seeing a waterfall or puffins along the coast. The only thing I wish is that we had done it in the winter so we could see the Northern Lights!
It’s the land of fire and ice, Iceland has volcanos that erupt now and then. Usually not some massive event that causes problems – though I remember when in 2010 the volcano put so much ash into the air that it halted about 100,000 flights in a week. The volcano had just started erupting when we were visiting, though it required a hike to see it. The weather was not good enough to hike up to see it that trip, we tried. After we parked we just about got blown away by windy wet rain that we decided against it. But if you want to see a volcano, you may have a chance in Iceland.
We had such an amazing time hiking the glacier up in Iceland. You meet up and they give you your gear. You have a helmet and crampons to fit over your shoes and an ice axe! We felt very fancy with all that stuff but quickly felt maybe we got in over our heads. We drove down like a caravan to the parking lot to where the hike begins. Walked for awhile in the rocky path and when we got near the ice, we strapped on the crampons. Hiked for awhile, had a lunch break on the ice and learned all about glaciers and the water that runs under it. We had some fresh cold glacier water and looked out as far as the eye could see. If you can handle a hike, you can handle a glacier hike! Make it part of your Iceland experience.
I’d say it was probably our favorite experience there, but its hard to decide when you can throw in hot springs like the Blue Lagoon and Myvatn Nature Baths. These hot springs are heated by the earths magma and temperature controlled by the facility (be careful if you venture off and find one that isn’t temperature controlled). But there are loads of places around the island where there are “natural” hot springs where they have not been commercialized at all and anyone can just walk up and take a dip. The Blue Lagoon has created an event out of their silky blue water. With changing rooms, robes, cafeterias and alcohol, they know how to make a day complete. They have different masks you can apply while you are chilling out in the warm water. We even did a floating massage experience, which while relaxing, wasn’t the kind of massage that would get any knots out. All in all, we spent about 3 or 4 hours enjoying the Blue Lagoon.
There is something to be said about visiting a place where its so unique, you look out the window and think “I’ve never seen anywhere quite like this.” When diving around Iceland, this is the feeling I would get. I’d look out and see a dark moonscape as far as the eye can see. Then the next day we are surrounded by mist as a massive waterfall is stunning all around us.
Iceland boasts rhyolites and andesites. Rhyolite resembles a greyish volcanic granite, while andesite, one of the most prevalent volcanic rocks worldwide, exhibits a reddish hue and is even identified on planets such as Mars.
If you have read this far I’m going to let you in on a secret! You can stop for free and spend a few days en route to Europe. For most multi city destinations, you pay extra for the flight. But Icelandair lets you stop for a few days for free! The client I’m booking is headed to Finland to spend a few days in an amazing glass igloo to experience the Northern Lights, ride sleighs with huskies and chill with the reindeer. I was able to snag arrange a 10 day trip for 2 for under $6k (including flights!). If you are looking for an experience like this, hit me up and I’ll cook up that recipe for you too.
