The Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland has been on my bucket list forever... the Blue Lagoon, glaciers, and a snow covered village. But what I didn't know was that Iceland has so much more to offer. It isn't called the land of fire and ice for no reason... it literally consists of glaciers and volcanoes. In fact, the island itself was created by volcanoes. The entire terrain is lava rock made up of volcanic and geothermal features. This place absolutely blew my mind- it is unlike anything else you will see in the world. Iceland has something for everyone- whether you like a boujee relaxing vacation or you love nature, this place is incredible.
VLOGFun Facts about Iceland
1. Iceland is completely made up of Volcanic Rock
2. Iceland formed from Volcanic eruptions and lava from the spreading of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates 3. The landscape of Iceland is constantly shifting and expanding due to the constant activity of the tectonic plates 4. Iceland was discovered around 870 by Norse Vikings 5. It is now most sparsely populated country in Europe, with a population of around 350,000 people. 6.Iceland is home to the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull, and has many other glaciers as well. 7. The country's language, Icelandic, has remained largely unchanged for over 1,000 years. 8. Vestmannaeyjar is home to the worlds largest puffin colony . 9. Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik, is the northernmost capital city in the world. 10. Icelanders believe in elves and trolls and they have a lot of stories of folklore 
Casually standing in-between the tectonic plates
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Center Hotels Thingholt which I chose as it was right in city center and it has a really nice spa, accessible to guests! This hotel had a really nice cozy and homey vibe, and the rooms were clean and spacious. They have a wonderful Icelandic breakfast every morning, in which you can even do a healthy shot of Icelandic Fish Oil (it's great for your health!!) The staff here was so helpful and amazing. We forgot to book the Blue Lagoon ahead of time, and unfortunately it was sold out. They were able to get us right in first thing in the morning, the time we originally wanted! I am so grateful for them for making our trip so amazing. You can book our hotel here.
When staying in Reykjavik, there are numerous day tours to choose from. I would love to come back sometime in the summer (especially to see the puffins and the sun rise and set at the same time) and road trip the entire Ring Road. We used Reykjavik Outventure for all of our excursions and they were the best in the business by far. We had a few friends in town at the same time that used other tour companies, and I can say this one was the best! You can see the excursions they have here. They often have a discount code on the top of their home page, so be on the lookout for that also!
Northern Lights
We went out hunting for the northern lights with Reykjavik Outventure as well, and I HIGHLY recommend using them for this. They have a professional photographer to take photos of you with the lights, which is absolutely necessary to see them! It is hard to see the colors with the naked eye, and don't count on your phone to get good pics. Check out our photos!
Photo by @bjartmar90 our amazing tour guide!
The Northern Lights aren't always easy to find, due to the cloudy skies Iceland usually has. However, our tour guide Bjartmar is a pro at finding them, and boy did the sky open up for us! Seeing the Northern Lights for the first time is an experience like no other. Plus, there's hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls included! Dress warm, because its COLD! Book your Northern Lights tour here.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is BUCKET LIST GOALS!!! This stunning destination is renowned for its mesmerizingly blue, naturally heated waters, and therapeutic mineral-rich mud that has many benefits for the skin.
Located in the heart of a lava field on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon is fed by a nearby geothermal plant's excess hot water. The warm waters are full of beneficial minerals like silica and sulfur, which can help soothe skin conditions and are commonly used in skin care products around the world. 
The lagoon's otherworldly look, surrounded by landscapes of lava fields draped in snow, creates the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you visit the Blue Lagoon for a dip or choose to indulge in one of their luxurious spa treatments, you are sure to leave feeling refreshed and re-energized.
The lagoon's otherworldly look, surrounded by landscapes of lava fields draped in snow, creates the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you visit the Blue Lagoon for a dip or choose to indulge in one of their luxurious spa treatments, you are sure to leave feeling refreshed and re-energized.
​You MUST book the Blue Lagoon well in advance, as it sells out quickly!
Here I pulled some of the best and most cost effective tours to the Blue Lagoon:
We booked the Comfort Package, which included transfer, admission, 3 face masks, and your drink of choice (we chose champagne, duh!). For photos, its best to go at 9am when they open so it's less crowded.
Many people also like to go straight to the Blue Lagoon from the airport, as it is nearby! Here is a tour that offers admission and transportation as well:
Overall, the Blue Lagoon is everything you'd expect and more from a geothermal spa. If you're lucky enough to visit Iceland, make sure to include the Blue Lagoon in your itinerary - this magical destination is a must-see!
The Golden Circle
On our third day in Iceland, we did the Golden Circle Tour with Reykjavik Outventures.
We had Bjartmar again as our tour guide and we took a private tour with the Land Rover and oh my gosh... I cannot recommend this enough. This was one of the coolest days of my life. ​The Golden Circle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland, and for good reason. This 300-kilometer route is home to some of Iceland's most breathtaking natural wonders, including hot springs, geysers, and waterfalls. On this tour, we stopped for lunch at the cutest Icelandic farm, Efstidalur, where they serve farm to table Icelandic meals where you can sit by the cows! They also have the BEST ice cream bar, straight from the source! One of the most iconic sites on the Golden Circle is the Geysir geothermal area, which is home to a number of active geysers, including Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, shooting hot water 20 to 30 meters into the air. Another must-see destination on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most stunning waterfalls. This magnificent waterfall drops 32 meters into a deep canyon, and on sunny days, a rainbow can often be seen arching over the falls. And let's not forget about Thingvellir National Park, which is not only home to the site of the world's first parliament, but also boasts some of Iceland's most dramatic landscapes, including the stunning Silfra fissure, where divers can swim between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Overall, the Golden Circle is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Iceland, offering a glimpse into the country's natural beauty and fascinating history. Hvammsik Geothermal Sea Baths
We ended our Golden Circle Tour with Hvammsik Geothermal Sea Baths by the Atlantic Ocean. In the summer- even whales swim here!
Located in the charming town of Hvammstangi in Iceland, the sea baths are a natural geothermal pool nestled on the shore of the picturesque Miðfjörður fjord. You can soak in the warm and mineral-rich water while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. The temperature of the water ranges from 36 to 40 degrees Celsius, and the mineral properties of the water are said to have healing benefits for various ailments such as skin problems and joint pain. South Coast
If you're an adventure seeker visiting Iceland, then you cannot miss the Private South Coast Glacier Touch Tour, offered by Reykjavik Outventure. This full-day tour takes you on a breathtaking journey through Iceland's rugged and stunning natural beauty.
The tour offers a private experience, where you will have your own guide and driver, allowing you to customize the tour according to your preferences. Your first stop will be the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, known for its unique pathway behind the falls, which offers a remarkable perspective of the water cascading down. The tour then proceeds to the Sólheimajökull glacier, one of the most popular glaciers in Iceland. Here, you will have the opportunity to touch and feel the ancient ice that has been formed over thousands of years. The panoramic view from the glacier is spectacular and offers the perfect photo opportunity. Finally, the tour takes you to the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, surrounded by towering cliffs and rock formations, with waves crashing onto the shore. You can take a walk along the beach and explore the basalt columns or admire the unique Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance. Overall, the Private South Coast Glacier Touch Tour is an absolute must-do experience in Iceland. Unfortunately, on our South Coast tour we had to turn around about half way as the weather turned very dangerous. I am so thankful our tour guides are knowledgable at all times on the weather situation! Iceland can be a very dangerous place if you are not careful. However, we still got to see some of the waterfalls and we even stopped at the LAVA museum, which was so cool!! We also stopped at Fridheimar Tomatoes on the way back, which was made famous as seen on The Kardashians. If you are traveling to Iceland, definitely check out the South Coast Tours that Reykjavik Outventures offers! They have so many, even including some with Glacier Hikes!! I definitely want to come back to do this. Icelandic Food to Try
With some traditional Icelandic dishes dating all the way back to the Vikings, you have to try the unique food that Iceland has to offer. Here are some Icelandic dishes to try:
Iceland is a beautiful country, known for its natural wonders such as glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs. However, its cuisine is equally amazing and must be explored by food lovers. Here are some must-try dishes. 1. Icelandic Lamb: The lamb in Iceland is free-range, grass-fed, and allowed to roam wild in the countryside offering delicious and tender meat. It is a must-try for meat lovers. 2. Skyr: Skyr is a traditional Icelandic dairy product, similar to Greek yogurt, but thicker and creamier, with a mild tart taste. The taste is very comparable to greek yogurt, but better. Add a little bit of sugar and milk and it is like a dessert. 3. Fermented Shark : this is probably the strangest food to try, but nonetheless, a must-try when in Iceland. 4. Icelandic Hot Dog: Icelanders love their hot dogs, and you can't visit the country and not try one. Icelandic hot dogs are made of lamb, served with onions, remoulade, ketchup, and mustard. 5. Rye bread: Icelanders love their rye bread, and it's a staple in their cuisine. This bread is baked by placing it underground, in which the geothermal energy cooks it after 24 hours! It is AMAZING! 6. Brennivin: Brennivin is a traditional Icelandic distilled liquor made from potatoes and caraway seeds. It's strong and has an intense flavor that is best enjoyed with a traditional Icelandic meal. 7. Fish Stew- Fish Stew is a typical traditional dish in Iceland and a must try! Things to Know When Traveling to Iceland
Currency- The currency used in Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK). The currency is very confusing, as it is in large amounts. For easy conversion, swipe all the way to the left on your iPhone to find the search bar and type in the amount: example "12700 ISK" and it will automatically convert it to $92.70 USD, even if you don't have service. Prices are very high in Iceland, so make sure you take advantage of that free hotel breakfast!!
Tipping Culture- Tipping is not expected in Iceland, however personally I would tip for private excursions and for your tour guides! Make sure you get some cash in Icelandic Krona for this. Rent a car or schedule a bus- Taxis are very expensive, and they do not have ride-sharing apps such as uber. Try to schedule a bus or rent a car from the airport! You won't need a car to get around downtown, however, it is very walkable. Here are some bus tours you can grab from the airport to save some cash:
Language- The official language of Iceland is Icelandic, but most Icelanders speak English fluently, so communication shouldn't be a problem.
Safety- Iceland is a safe country, but it's important to be aware of the environment and weather MAPFind the Cheapest Flight
1 Comment
1/23/2024 09:19:14 pm
What safety precautions and travel essentials does the Iceland Travel Guide recommend for visitors? Greeting : <a href="https://sas.telkomuniversity.ac.id/en/">Telkom University</a> Leave a Reply. |