Iceland Blog
About Our Trip
Towards the end of our travels, we saved one of the most highly anticipated destinations for last—Iceland. This enchanting place had been at the top of my bucket list for years. We were torn between visiting during the tail end of winter or waiting for summer, as each season offers unique experiences. Ultimately, the Northern Lights were a priority before we made our way back to Australia, and with daylight hours rapidly increasing, we decided to go.
We decided to do a mix of self guided discovery and an organised tours While you can join a bus tour with a group, we found that renting a car was surprisingly affordable, especially since we could split the cost. This also gave us the freedom to chase the Northern Lights on our own, making the experience both cheaper and more comfortable. We utilised this to do the Golden Circle, Sky Lagoon and northern lights tour.
Explore Reyjkavik
Perfect Base: Reykjavík served as an ideal base for busy explorations and relaxed afternoons, with its charming, low-rise buildings shaped by frequent earthquakes.
FlyOver Iceland: A must-see for those with more time. We passed on it, having experienced it previously in Canada.
Happy Hours: As it is well documented I don’t need to mention that the prices for things come at a high cost, including drinks. For those looking to minimise the damage, look to take advantage of the long happy hour specials.
Perlan Museum: A Surprising Gem
- Stunning Views: The sundeck, with its café, provides one of the best views in Reykjavík—perfect for a relaxing break.
- Deeper Understanding: The museum enriched our understanding of the landscapes that intrigued us during our travels. The museum enriched our understanding of the landscapes that intrigued us during our travels.
- Interactive Exhibits: Perlan offers sensory experiences that bring Iceland’s natural wonders lava, glaciers, earthquakes, and northern lights to life.
Golden Circle
Starting the Adventure: After a restful night, we kicked off our trip with the Golden Circle tour. Renting a car was surprisingly affordable, especially since we could split the cost. This also gave us the freedom to chase the Northern Lights on our own, making the experience both cheaper and more comfortable.
Snowy Drive: Our journey began at the northernmost point of the Golden Circle. A sudden snowstorm made the drive nerve-wracking, especially since we had never driven in snow before. We nearly lost control after a sudden stop, but managed to stay safe.
–Þingvellir National Park
- Geological Wonder Our first stop, Þingvellir National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. We took a quick walk to see the rift, but a parking fine taught us to pay for parking, even for a brief stop!
– Geysir Geothermal Area
- Erupting Geyser: At the Geysir Geothermal Area, Strokkur’s eruptions amazed us every 5 to 10 minutes. Despite seeing it online, nothing compares to witnessing it in person. We got a bit too close and ended up drenched in hot water—time to dash to the car and warm up!
– Secret Lagoon
- Geothermal Bliss: After hours of exploring, we relaxed at the Secret Lagoon. Soaking in the 40°C water while snow fell around us was pure bliss—a moment we’ll cherish forever.
– Gullfoss Waterfall
- Iconic Waterfall: Our next stop, Gullfoss Waterfall, was breathtaking. The two-tiered waterfall’s power and beauty made it a highlight of our tour.
– Kerið Crater
- Vivid Scenery: As the day ended, we visited Kerið Crater. The striking volcanic crater with its vivid blue lake and contrasting red and black slopes was the perfect finale to our day.
Sky Lagoon
No trip to Iceland is complete without a dip in one of its famous geothermal spas. While we had already visited the Secret Lagoon, we couldn’t resist checking out the Sky Lagoon. We spent a relaxing four hours here, enjoying the infinity pool’s breathtaking views of the North Atlantic, beverage in hand. The Sky Lagoon is renowned for its seven-step ritual, which includes an icy plunge, a sauna, a steam room, a scrub, and more—a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.
Northern Lights
After failing to catch glimpse so far, we had one more night with the car before our hopes dwindled. The weather around Reykjavik was cloudy, so we drove far out of town, checking the weather maps for a break in the clouds. We spent the afternoon exploring the coastline near Akranes, wandering through small towns and strolling along the beach as we waited for darkness to fall. As night approached, we settled into the car with the heater on, hoping for a miracle.
Just as we were about to give up and head back to the city, we decided to stop one last time at a spot we had visited earlier in the day. And then, there they were—the Northern Lights, faint but unmistakable, dancing across the sky. We quickly set up the camera and captured the ethereal beauty of the aurora. It’s a memory that will stay with us forever, a perfect end to our Icelandic adventure.
Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Embarking on a 14-hour round trip might sound daunting, but this journey was nothing short of extraordinary. For anyone planning a visit to Iceland, I cannot stress enough how essential this tour is.
– Skógafoss Waterfall
- Majestic Sight: Our first stop was Skógafoss, a 60-meter tall waterfall. The thunderous roar of water was awe-inspiring. Though our time was limited, the brisk climb to the top offered a breathtaking view. We both agreed this was the most impressive waterfall we’ve ever encountered.
– Vík í Mýrdal
- Coastal Charm: Next, we arrived at Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland’s southernmost coastal town. With rugged mountains and a striking black sand beach, Vík’s laid-back charm makes it an ideal place to stay—especially for van travelers. We had a quick wander, but this serene town is worth a longer visit.
– Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Icy Beauty: The showstopper of the day was Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Despite the biting cold, the sight of towering icebergs and playful seals was worth every shiver. The beauty was bittersweet, though—our guide showed us how rapidly the glaciers are disappearing due to climate change. Visit while you can.
– Diamond Beach
- Glacial Gems: A short walk from the lagoon brought us to Diamond Beach, where glacial chunks washed ashore glint like diamonds on the black sand. The ever-changing landscape makes each visit unique and unforgettable.
– Seljalandsfoss Waterfall & Northern Lights
- Unexpected Magic: Our final stop was Seljalandsfoss, which we reached after dark due to strong winds. Though we missed it in daylight, the illuminated waterfall was still impressive. But the real magic came as we stepped off the bus—the Northern Lights danced above, even more vibrant than the night before. This natural light show was the perfect end to an unforgettable day.
