Icelands adventure recap

Iceland has a way of weaving magic into the everyday, turning each moment into a memory worth holding onto. As my journey through this breathtaking country revealed its final incredible landscapes, I seized every opportunity to immerse myself in Iceland's wonders—a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and surprising moments. Here's a look back at the whirlwind conclusion to an unforgettable experience.

Strolling through town

Within the city, I found joy in the simple pleasures of wandering its charming streets. The colorful houses, quirky shops and cozy cafes offered endless opportunities for exploration. I stumbled upon local street art, chatted with friendly shop owners and even found a music & bookstore hosting a live band in the evenings. The music filled the intimate space, creating an atmosphere of warmth and connection. Every night, The Bookstore Band plays here in different formation, making it a unique night every time. Playing different covers of various artists and letting us all enjoy the good music and amazing vibes.

Hiking a Volcano

Hiking a volcano felt like journeying into the Earth’s fiery heart. The trail up the mountain wound through snow-covered terrain in a steep zigzag. A demanding but rewarding climb in de thin, crisp air. As we climbed higher, the stark contrast of the landscape became more striking—the glistening white snow giving way to the endless dark, lava fields below and the vast expanse of the horizon. Along the way, I paused to capture a few photos. Reaching the top, I found a spot near the edge and simply sat down, taking in the incredible view. From above, the fields looked like frozen waves of fire, their raw, chaotic beauty, a testament to the volcano’s power. Because of our pace, we were allowed to linger a little longer than the rest, giving me precious moments to soak it all in. the quiet, broken by an occasional breeze, felt profound. It felt so peaceful up there.

Standing near the edge of the lava fields, I could feel the warmth radiating from the ground. The steam coming of the fields revealed the heat underneath the surface, which made walking through them impossible. One of the most fascinating things I learned during this hike was that an eruption had provided geothermal energy to a nearby town for over 50 years. A humbling thing to think about how such raw, destructive power could also bring life and sustainability to a community.

Ice climbing on the glacier

The icy expanse of the glacier felt like stepping onto another planet. The hike to the climbing spot was already memorable by itself, with unbelievable views stretching across the icy landscapes. The guide shared stories of the glacier’s formation and its slow, majestic movements through time, adding a layer of awe to an already incredible experience. Along the way, the guide pointed out the distinct black lines embedded in the glacier—a striking reminder of volcanic eruptions that had left their mark on the ice over centuries. Alongside these marks, we noticed tiny air bubbles trapped deep within the ice—small pockets of ancient air compressed within the ice over thousands of years. With crampons strapped tightly to my boots and an ice axe in hand, I scaled vertical walls of ice, feeling both the cold and the exhilaration of each step upward. The deep blue crevasses and the satisfying crunch of the ice beneath my feet made this adventure as surreal as it was thrilling.

Chasing more Northern Lights

At first, I thought I didn’t need to do a northern lights-tour as I already saw them multiple times in the city. But after catching a glimpse of them on our way back from the glacier, where we stopped for a few pictures, I was thinking of joining one anyway. When we were driving back to Reykjavik again, the lights had grown even brighter and more colorful. We stopped again to take in the beauty and some more pictures of course. Because we were in an open field, besides a road, it was very windy which made it feel link -25 degrees Celsius. After this stop I made the decision to join a tour, and I signed up for one in the van. Back in Reykjavik, we took the tour bus to the national park, bundled up against the cold and ready for another change. The sky did not disappoint. Curtains of green and red lights danced across the heavens; a celestial performance that left me speechless. Each ripple and shimmer felt like a gift, a reminder of how small yet interconnected we are to the vastness of the universe.

A Visit to the National Museum

One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to Iceland’s National Museum. Walking through its halls, I was transported through centuries of the country’s history, from the days of the early settlers to modern times. The exhibits were fascinating, featuring everything from intricately carved artifacts to evocative photographs and multimedia displays. My favorite was the exhibition on Iceland's journey to independence, which highlighted the resilience and determination of its people. I learned that Iceland officially became an independent republic on June 17, 1944, a day marked by nationwide celebrations despite pouring rain. The festival spirit persevered, with parades and gatherings showing the pride of a nation claiming its sovereignty.

Do you know why many houses in Reykjavik are painted in bright colors? Before reading further, give yourself a minute to think about the answer… Originally, many homes fell into despair because maintaining them wasn’t a priority for residents. However, after Iceland gained independence, people began to take more pride in their surroundings. As part of the festive spirit of independence, they painted their houses in bright colors. The colors now provide a charming vibe to the vibrancy of the capital.

Evenings at the public swimming pool

Over two evenings, I had the chance to experience one of Iceland’s hidden gems: the public swimming pools. These weren’t just ordinary pools—they offered a variety of options, from warm and hot tubs of different temperatures to steam rooms and saunas. Transitioning between the pools and the steam rooms felt both invigorating and deeply relaxing. Locals gathered there, creating a communal and laid-back atmosphere that was as much about socializing as it was about unwinding (no swimming involved, just hanging and relaxing). Even children learn to do it like this from a very young age. It was a unique way to connect with Icelandic culture and find a moment of peace amidst the adventures.

A last night out

On our final evening together, the four of us decided to go all out. We kicked things off with relaxing at the swimming pool and agreed to meet up later for drinks. At the lively bar, we were sharing stories and there was laughter as the night unfolded. As this bar closed, we headed over to some other bars for a drink. We were having a good time listing to live music and just talking. As the bars began to close, we weren’t ready for it to end. We also didn’t finish our drinks yet, so they gave us plastic to-go cups to take it with us. We made our way to a friend’s hostel, sneaking in with the plastic cups in hand. What followed was an impromptu dance party—an energetic game of Just Dance at 2 a.m., filled with a lot of laughter. It was chaotic, ridiculous and absolutely perfect. It’s so funny to watch the videos back and see how bad we were at those dances in the small kitchen space of the hostel.

A soothing Sky Lagoon visit

After the intensity of ice and fire, I treated myself to a afternoon at one of Iceland’s famous spa lagoons on my last full day. Floating in the warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by volcanic rocks and open sky was pure bliss. The contrast between the chilly air and the steaming lagoon created a cocoon of comfort. I indulged in a 7-stap spa retreat, starting with a soak in the tranquil lagoon with a drink and an amazing view from the infinity pool, before braving the cold plunge. I found the sauna surprisingly enjoyably—something I usually don’t enjoy, but I wasn’t a fan of the cold mist and quickly ran through it (wayyy to cold, especially after the sauna). The sky scrub was amazing, leaving my skin feeling baby-soft, while the steam room further rejuvenated me. I finished with an elixir, allowing the peaceful experience to wash over me. Afterward, as we stepped outside to turn to the lagoon, it began to snow, adding a magical touch to the moment. It was the perfect way to recharge and reflect on the adventures Iceland brought.

Balancing adventure with work

Amidst all the excitement, I made time to catch up on some work. There’s something inspiring about working in Iceland—the view of the vibrant city and stunning landscapes, the cozy atmosphere of Kaffibrenslenn in the city center and the hum of customers alongside others working just like me. The coffee was excellent, fueling my productivity as I spent a few mornings there. It was a reminder that even when life feels like an adventure, there’s always space to pause and focus on what needs to be done.

Saying goodbye

As I packed my bags and prepared to leave, I felt a bittersweet mix of emotions. Iceland had given me more than just a series of adventures; it had gifted me a renewed sense of wonder, connection and gratitude. The friends I made, the places I saw and the memories I created will stay with me forever. The last Icelandic sunset I saw from the bus on my wat to the airport, made me emotional and feeling a bit sad to leave. But I will be back!

Þangað til næst, Ísland (until next time, Iceland)!