In 2018, we travelled to Iceland. If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to visit this place before, you’ll understand the allure that brought us there. However, for those unfamiliar, you might wonder, “Why choose Iceland as your destination, and for a whole two weeks, no less?” Allow me to enlighten you; you’ve been missing out on something extraordinary all this time. I implore you to venture to this enchanting country before the next volcanic spectacle!
Our entire family embarked on a nearly two-week journey to this remarkably unique nation. Iceland is a land of diversity, with landscapes that shift within just a few kilometers, weather that transitions every five minutes, ranging from rain to snow, hailstorms, and sunshine, all in a matter of hours. It’s populated by warm, ever-smiling people, designed with tourists in mind, and boasts an array of fantastic food options, including vegetarian and even vegan cuisine. In truth, you have no excuse not to take this country seriously.
We managed to circumnavigate the entire country in just six days, thanks to a small group tour comprising only eight people. Iceland, in reality, is quite compact; we could have easily rented a car and undertaken the journey ourselves, which might be on the agenda for next time.
The natural beauty here is so abundant that it will take a while to share it all. Therefore, I’ll endeavor to share one highlight every day, though please understand that none of these pictures can truly capture the full essence of what this country has to offer. Iceland must be experienced to be fully appreciated. If you’re considering a visit, we have a wealth of tips to offer, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Waterfalls
Let’s start with the waterfalls, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Selfoss, Hraunfossar, Gulfoss, Goðafoss and Faxifoss to name a few!! Almost all names are challenging to pronounce, but a few attempts will help you locate it and gather more information. This nation could easily be dubbed “Waterfalland”.
Snaefellsnes
Selfoss
Hraunfossar
Gulfoss
Goðafoss
Dettifoss
Faxifoss
Craters
Volcanic craters dot the Icelandic landscape in various forms. Some have been shaped by volcanic eruptions, while others have emerged due to explosive events when molten lava passes through tunnels, creating openings at the surface, known as pseudo craters. During our trip, we had the chance to witness several of these intriguing geological features. Among them, one crater served as a training ground for astronauts preparing for their lunar missions, while others were scattered around Mavytn Lake region.
Grabrok Crater
Viti Crater
Skútustaðagígar Crater
Glaciers and ice tunnel
The highlight of our Iceland trip was our visit to the stunning glaciers that abound in the country, offering a multitude of activities to enjoy. Among these icy wonders, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon stood out as the pinnacle experience. Although it was a rainy day, preventing us from embarking on a boat ride, we cherished the time we spent on the beach amidst the floating icebergs. The riverfront also provided a picturesque setting for relaxation. This place truly exudes a magical aura, and we only wished we had more than just an hour to revel in its beauty. Thankfully, with the assistance of my companions, we managed to capture some captivating long-exposure shots in the freezing waters.
Another remarkable adventure was our visit to the ice tunnel within the Langjökull Glacier. This day trip from Reykjavik allowed us to not only walk on the glacier’s surface but also venture deep into a man-made tunnel, spending an hour exploring its icy depths. There was an abundance of activities to partake in on these glaciers, and we couldn’t help but wish for more time to savor these frozen wonders.
Glacier lagoon
Glacier lagoon
Glacier lagoon
Langjokull Ice cave
Langjokull Ice cave
lava fields, caves and beach
The majority of this country’s landscape is dominated by the flow of lava that has traversed its terrain. Over time, as this lava cools, it gives rise to a unique, undulating, green landscape with bubbly, rounded features. Some areas even showcase black lava formations, extending to the beaches as well. Occasionally, when underground lava flows erupt, they give birth to peculiar structures. Moreover, when underground lava makes its way into the sea, it leaves behind intricate networks of tunnels known as lava tunnels. Many of these tunnels remain undiscovered.
During our journey, we had the privilege of exploring various lava fields and embarked on a short day trip from Reykjavik to explore a lava tunnel. Additionally, we ventured to Dimmuborgir near Lake Myvatn, where the lava has sculpted numerous intriguing rock formations.
The lava finds its way to the ocean and so the beach here are all black ash mixed with sand.
Eldhraun lava Fields
Dimmuborgir
Lava Tunnel
Lava Tunnel
REYNISFJARA BLACK SANDY BEACH
Snaefellsnes peninsula beach
Reynisfjara Black Sandy Beach
SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA BEACH
On the first day of our journey, our guide provided insights into Iceland, its culture, and the primary economic driver of the nation.
“Our primary source of revenue is exports. We export unforgettable memories to our visitors.”
How profoundly accurate that statement turned out to be. Iceland is a destination unlike any other, and our entire family relished every moment. I’m confident that those considering a unique adventure will find Iceland to be an extraordinary and rewarding destination.
